Things to Do and See in Naples

A veritable treasure trove brimming with art, culture, and history is what one expects—and what one finds—in Naples; the historic center boasts a heritage so extraordinary that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Castel Nuovo, better known as the Maschio Angioino, with distinctive architectural features that reflect the dual role of fortress and palace that this structure played during the Angevin and Aragonese periods. On a small island, connected by a bridge to the nearby mainland, stands the monumental Castel dell’Ovo, a venue for exhibitions and conferences. And finally, Castel Capuano, originally built as a fortress and later converted into a noble residence. Among Naples’ main squares, the famous Piazza del Plebiscito is a must-see, with its splendid colonnade in front of which one side of the magnificent Royal Palace stands, Another unique example of the distinctive process by which Naples’ artistic and cultural heritage was formed is the Sansevero Chapel, popularly known as the “Pietatella,” home to Giuseppe Sammartino’s famous Veiled Christ. Finally, don’t miss the exceptional journey through time in underground Naples—an evocative tour through tunnels and significant discoveries such as the Greco-Roman Theater. Also worth noting are the Capodimonte Museum and National Galleries, which house an extraordinary collection of masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, Correggio, Masaccio, Mantegna, Caravaggio, and the Neapolitan masters.