Then and now: a journey through time in Neapolitan classic cinema

This itinerary traces places that have been profoundly altered by urban development from the 1960s to the present day, yet remain preserved in films shot from the mid-20th century onwards—such as L’Oro di Napoli and Mi manda Picone.

The route begins at the National Archaeological Museum, where Rossellini filmed an unforgettable scene with Ingrid Bergman in Journey to Italy, and continues past the Academy of Fine Arts, which provided the backdrop for a dramatic scene in The Four Days of Naples.

Crossing Piazza Dante, you reach Cisterna dell’Olio, featured in Pasolini’s Decameron. The walk continues along Via Toledo and through the Galleria Umberto I, arriving in Santa Lucia, one of the first places in the world to be filmed by the Lumière brothers in 1898.
From there, the route leads to Via Cesario Console, the Borgo Marinari and the Hotel Excelsior, settings for many iconic films, including Maccheroni and Scusate il Ritardo.

• Starting point: National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
• Estimated duration: about 3 hours

• MANN – National Archaeological Museum of Naples

18th century
A treasure trove of ancient artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the setting for scenes from films such as Journey to Italy by Rossellini, starring Ingrid Bergman, and Anna and the King, where she wanders through the museum’s halls, captivated by their beauty.

• Academy of Fine Arts

16th century
Founded in the 16th century, this institution has trained generations of artists, contributing to Naples’ reputation as a major centre of Italian art.

• Piazza Dante

18th century
A vibrant hub of city life for centuries, hosting events, markets and gatherings. The surrounding noble palaces have often served as backdrops for neorealist films, portraying everyday life in Naples.

• Via Cisterna dell’Olio

This narrow street connecting Via Toledo with Piazza Dante, Spaccanapoli and the Gesù Nuovo area once housed large oil cisterns used as reserves for the city in the 16th century.

• Galleria Umberto I

Opened in 1890, this elegant gallery is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. Walk beneath its grand dome and admire the historic shopfronts.

• Santa Lucia and Borgo Marinari

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Borgo Marinari and enjoy breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples. Stroll along the waterfront and savour fresh seafood.