Naples’ history is reflected in very different traces: in the rectangular grid of its ancient Greek foundation and in archaeological remains beneath the water. There are also collections, palaces, and a long-established opera house. Visitors can explore these themes individually or focus on their contrasts: here, an ancient city plan shapes the historic centre; there, the coastline and underwater sites tell a different story of the past.

City history between the grid and the coast

In the Historic Centre of Naples, the rectangular grid of the ancient Greek foundation of Neapolis is still visible. Along the seafront, the historic centre preserves Roman archaeological remains. Ancient fortifications and royal residences are also part of this picture, including the Royal Palace, dating from 1600. These features make history more than a single chapter: it can be read in different ways in the urban fabric and along the coast.

One route adds another dimension: the official Decumano Superiore runs from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to Parco Re Ladislao. If you would like to plan your city exploration around a specific route, this connection offers two clearly named landmarks. Route details may be revised; check them before your visit.

Collections, palaces, and stages

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli displays, among others, the Magna Grecia, Farnese, Gemme, Mosaici, and Villa dei papiri di Ercolano collections. Their themes range from ancient cultures to precious objects and mosaics. As the collections on display may change due to exhibitions or renovations, check what is currently on view before visiting.

At the Museo di Capodimonte, the Collezione Farnese forms the museum’s founding core and occupies the eastern wing of the palace’s piano nobile. At the Palazzo Reale, the Appartamento di Etichetta has been open to the public since 1919. The Teatro San Carlo offers another piece of cultural history: built in 1737, it remains the oldest active opera house in the world. Together, these places show the different ways Naples’ cultural history lives on through collections, palace architecture, and music.

There is history beneath the city, too: the underground labyrinth of Napoli Sotterranea was used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. Looking below the surface adds a place with a very different historical function to the visible traces of the city.

Sea, landscape, and getting around

The protected area of Parco Sommerso di Gaiola stretches from Borgo di Marechiaro to Baia di Trentaremi. It brings together volcanic and biological features with historical and archaeological ones. Historical and archaeological remains can be seen underwater. Access to the water and conditions are seasonal; find out more before your trip.

A path in Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon winds through Mediterranean vegetation to a viewpoint overlooking the islets of Gaiola and Scoglio di Virgilio. The path combines a landscape experience with a specific view of these named places, without assuming a particular walking time or level of difficulty.

Ways of getting around include walking routes in the historic centre, the Metro, funiculars, and regional rail connections. These also provide access to the Vesuvian, Phlegraean, and coastal hinterland. The most suitable transport for your plans depends on which places and themes you want to focus on; check current connections and operating times before travelling.

Neapolitan food culture

Local culture also includes the traditional art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo, recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Eating a pizza in a historic pizzeria is another culinary discovery associated with Naples. A trip can thus bring museums and archaeological sites together with a food culture that also has its own place in the city’s cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Anacapri, Baia, Capri, Monte Di Procida, Colli Di Fontanelle, Massa Lubrense, Napoli, Nerano, Piano Di Sorrento, Pompei, Sant'agata Sui Due Golfi, Sant'agnello, Sorrento, Termini-Massa Lubrense, Vico Equense, Santa Maria La Carità, Castellammare Di Stabia, Procida, Serrara Fontana, Torre Del Greco, Torre Annunziata, Pozzuoli, Pimonte, Ottaviano, Nola, Mugnano Di Napoli, Melito Di Napoli, Marigliano, Giugliano In Campania, Ercolano, Cercola, Casoria, Casalnuovo Di Napoli, Bacoli, Arzano, Agerola, Lettere, Castello Di Cisterna, San Vitaliano, Trecase, Marina Di Varcaturo, Lido Di Licola, Meta, Gragnano, San Giorgio A Cremano, Quarto, Priora, Marano Di Napoli, Volla, Tufino, Boscoreale, Sant'Antonio Abate, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Poggiomarino, Schiazzano, Pollena Trocchia, Terzigno, Palma Campania, Acerra, Portici, Afragola, Cimitile, Villaricca, Frattamaggiore, Villazzano I, Somma Vesuviana, Lago Patria, Montechiaro, San Paolo Bel Sito, Marechiaro, Roccarainola, Calvizzano, Saviano, Sant'Anastasia, Caivano, Pomigliano d'Arco, San Sebastiano Al Vesuvio, Casola di Napoli, Qualiano, Sant'Antimo, Boscotrecase, Varcaturo, Casavatore, Visciano, Mariglianella, Brusciano

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