Naples is the perfect city to spend a day out of the ordinary. Because you need exactly one day to visit its historic center. Which is, in addition to being enormous, full of things to see and experiences to live. It is no coincidence that the historic center of Naples is the largest among the cities in Europe. With these premises, let's discover through my photos all the folklore of Naples. At the end of the article I leave you some useful links for accommodation and tours. Ready? Iamme ià.
Consider that all these attractions are very close to each other. So don't be scared, you can easily visit them in one day. Just remember to bring a pair of comfortable shoes, because in Naples you walk a lot.
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Historic Center of Naples Italy: San Gregorio Armeno
The soul of the Neapolitan nativity scene tradition is found in this street. San Gregorio Armeno is a place of worship and culture. A place where, with art and mastery, local artisans carry on age-old traditions. The nativity scene, in Naples, is more than a tradition. For some, it is their ikigai, their reason to stay alive. I strongly recommend you come here and watch the masters at work. You can buy one of the many shepherds as a souvenir in the various shops.
Veiled Christ: how to visit it (without going crazy with the tickets)
Needless to get around it: the Veiled Christ is the most incredible opera in Naples, but today it has also become the most difficult to see. If you try to come here without a reservation, in 90% of cases you will find a 'Sold Out' sign. My advice as a Neapolitan: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If you are already in Naples and cannot find a place on the official website, don't despair: guided tours often have reserved places.
It is a little more expensive, but I assure you that staying outside the Sansevero Museum is a mortal sin. When you are in front of the statue, approach the height of Christ's knee. From there you will see how the veil seems almost transparent, a trick by Sanmartino that still leaves you open-mouthed. No, it is not magic or an alchemical process (although the legends about the Prince of Sansevero say otherwise), it is just pure Neapolitan genius on a single block of marble.
Where to sleep nearby
If you want to be first in line in the morning, you better stay in these very alleys
Cloister of Santa Chiara
Here we go even further back in time. It was in 1310 that the Church and the Monastery came to life. What we see today in its colors is the work of Domenico Antonio Vaccaro.
Gothic in style, the Monastery was built on the orders of King Roberto d’Angio. Its cloister remains one of the most beautiful areas for its bright colors. Worth seeing.
Historic Center of Naples Italy: Duomo
The Naples Cathedral is a doubly sacred place for Neapolitans. In addition to being one of the most important churches in the city, it is also home to an ancient tradition. I am talking about the melting of the blood of San Gennaro.
More than a tradition, more than a simple calendar event. A true cult in the city. Faithful (Neapolitans and otherwise) come here every year to witness the “miracle”. In the Cathedral it is also possible to visit the chapel with the treasure of San Gennaro.
Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
In terms of size, and especially height, it is the Church that struck me the most. Consider that these Churches are found in some very narrow streets of Naples. The feeling, once entered, is of dismay and the question: but how is it possible? How is it possible to find yourself in a Church that seems to never end when entering from an alley? This is the beauty of Naples.
Girolamini Church
Deconsecrated church that saw the light in 1590. The interior of the church is a mix of polychrome marbles, gold, and frescoes. All made by the major exponents of the Neapolitan school, among which Luca Giordano stands out. Inside the church you will also find a piece of history, namely a library. In reality not just a simple library but the oldest in Naples open to the public. It is also the second Italian library in terms of the number of books, I would have a look there.
Gesù Nuovo Square and Church
Among the most important and largest churches in the city there is a place for that of the Gesù. It is located in the homonymous square and is characterized by its baroque style. There is no lack, even in this building, of well-known artists of the Neapolitan school. Don't be fooled by the unusual appearance of the entrance, inside it is wonderful.
Historic Center of Naples Italy: Napoli Sotterranea
If I had to recommend a tour, it would be Napoli Sotterranea. It lasts about an hour and a half and I consider it the most attractive. Napoli Sotterranea is a real, educational and above all interactive experience.
Doing this experience means diving into the Naples of the past. Discovering Naples through its underground tunnels and its history. Must do.
Historic Center of Naples Italy: Quartieri Spagnoli
Another folkloristic location of the city. The Spanish Neighbourhood is a cluster of narrow streets that intersect. In this area you will find many murals, one of the art forms in the city. Among these is the famous one of Maradona which is located in Largo Maradona. In the same place you will find another beautiful work: Iside. Mural that represents a veiled woman.
Is Spanish Neighbourhood in Naples dangerous?
No, no and again no. Let's dispel this myth by saying that you can walk around the neighbourhoods with complete peace of mind. Quietly leave your bulletproof vest at home.
Umberto I Gallery
Near the Spanish Neighbourhood you will find the Galleria Umberto. A gallery that was born as a shopping center for the city. Its Neo-Renaissance architecture gives the gallery the look of a literary café. I often pass by, it seems like being in another world.
Historic Center of Naples Italy: Piazza Plebiscito
Piazza Plebiscito is one of the most iconic squares in Naples, if not the most iconic. Here you could end your day tour. In addition to its size, it stands out from the others for its beautiful colonnade. The Basilica of San Francesco di Paola is located right in the center of the colonnade.
Opposite we find the immense Palazzo Reale, another interesting site to visit. In fact, I'll give you a little gem: from the gardens of the Palace (which is free to enter) you can see the Maschio Angioino. Another historic castle in Naples where there are often events and art exhibitions.
The nearest metro stations to the historic center
The three nearest metro stations to reach the historic center of Naples are:
- Duomo (line 1)
- Toledo (line 1)
- Cavour (line 2)
What to eat in Naples
In Naples, street food reigns supreme, especially at lunchtime to speed up the waiting time for food. This does not mean that you cannot comfortably sit at the table and enjoy a bit of slowness. Now I will list all the delicacies (savory and sweet) that you should try in Naples. If you do not try even one of these, I will consider you officially banned from my blog:
- Pizza (baked in the wood oven or fried)
- Frittatina
- Potato croquettes
- Zeppoline with seaweed
- Pasta and potatoes with provola cheese
- Pasta alla genovese
- Neapolitan ragù
- Any type of pasta with seafood or fish
- Babà
- Sfogliatella
- Riccia
- Pastiera (Easter period)
- Caprese
- Ice cream
Where to stay in Naples
If you were to come to Naples, a good solution would be to stay in the center. I'm suggesting this if your stay is longer than a day. Staying in the center will help you easily reach all the attractions:
- The best b&b in the historic centre of Naples
- The best hotels in Naples (in case of a special occasion)
How to get to Naples
Conclusions
This tour of the historic center of Naples is coming to an end, hoping that it has been useful to you. The tour of the historic center and its monuments is one of the two possible tours that you could do on foot. In fact, once in Naples, in my opinion it is up to you to decide which one you would like more. I think you are wondering what the alternative tour is, right? I wrote another article of Naples in a day by the seaside area, take a look.
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