Naples through history: a city shaped by foreign cultures

This journey will take you through the centuries, revealing how the civilizations that followed one another have shaped the extraordinary identity of the Neapolitan capital. At every stop, you will experience a unique encounter with history, where different eras intertwine and the past comes vividly to life.

Along this itinerary, you will discover how Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Spaniards each left their imprint, blending with the local culture in a fascinating melting pot that makes Naples truly unique.

Starting point: Monte Echia
Estimated duration: about 5 hours

• Monte Echia

6th century BC
The original nucleus of the Greek settlement of Parthenope, where the history of the city began. Here you can breathe the atmosphere of an ancient culture that laid the foundations for the development of Naples.

• Municipio Metro Station

A modern window into the past thanks to the remains of the ancient Roman harbour (1st century AD) discovered during the station’s construction.

• Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

13th–15th century
A symbol of Angevin and Aragonese power, whose imposing towers and triumphal arch represent a cornerstone of medieval and Renaissance Naples.

• Church of Santa Maria la Nova

16th century
A jewel of the Neapolitan Renaissance, enriched with remarkable Gothic details and precious Baroque frescoes.

• Palazzo Penne

15th century
A rare example of Gothic civil architecture in Naples.

• Monterone Hill and San Giovanni Maggiore

4th–5th century AD
One of the oldest sacred buildings in Naples, with early Christian origins. According to tradition, this area is associated with the legendary burial place of the Sirena Parthenope.

• Via dei Tribunali

Greek–Roman period
The decumanus maior, the main street of ancient Naples, still the vibrant heart of the historic centre. It is home to architectural treasures such as Palazzo Venezia (15th century), Palazzo Carafa (15th century) and Palazzo Marigliano (16th century).

• Santa Maria a Formiello

16th century
An elegant example of Renaissance architecture with notable Gothic influences.

• San Giovanni a Carbonara

15th century
A church preserving extraordinary examples of late Gothic and Renaissance art, including the monumental tomb of King Ladislaus of Durazzo.

Flavours

• Coffee around Piazza Trieste e Trento and Via dei Tribunali
• Babà and sfogliatella in Via dei Tribunali
• Pizza a portafoglio in Port’Alba and Via dei Tribunali
• Cuoppo di fritti in Via dei Tribunali and Via San Giovanni a Carbonara
• Taralli sugna e pepe near Santa Maria a Formiello

Craft traditions

• Leather goods and handmade objects in Via Costantinopoli and Via dei Tribunali
• Traditional nativity scenes in San Gregorio Armeno
• Artistic ceramics in the Cappella Sansevero area