The city of sea, sun, and a thousand colors, Napoli is a fascinating destination that has a lot to offer to visitors. In fact, Arthur John Scott said “See Naples and live; for there seems a great deal worth living for”, as the city is full of attractions and things to see. For this reason, it can be difficult to decide what you want to visit on just a weekend in Napoli.

In this article, you will find a selection of things to see in Naples during your weekend, so you will learn about the Neapolitan culture and the city’s long history.

The historical center and Spaccanapoli

A walk among the historical center, on Spaccanapoli, will help you understand the city and the people of Naples. It is called this way because it splits the center into two parts, even though its real name is decumano inferiore. While walking on Spaccanapoli, you will come across different monuments and squares, where the centuries are tangled with the present.

Below, you will find some of the main attractions of the historical center.

Cappella San Severo and Veiled Christ

Cappella San Severo is a hidden treasure, which is in one of the streets of the center and it’s not noticeable to many observers. Inside the chapel, there is the statue of Veiled Christ, which is surrounded by many legends. Moreover, this statue is so detailed that it’s almost impossible to define the border between what’s marble and what’s not. The veil wrapped around Christ seems real and not just a sculpture.

Underground Napoli

Napoli Sotterranea (underground Naples) is the hidden part of the city, a dense network of tunnels. In fact, Naples has its basis in this group of tunnels, which were built by Greeks to extract tuff from underground. Then, the Romans used those tunnels to bring water to people’s houses: this aqueduct worked until 1885. Consequently, they were also used as a shelter during the war. Finally, around those tunnels, there are many legends that can be understood only by visiting them.

Here for more information.

The cloister of Santa Chiara

The Monastery of Santa Chiara is on Spaccanapoli, near Piazza del Gesù. It's an oasis in the middle of the historical center, as you can smell the perfume of lemons. The cloister is covered in majolicas in Baroque style, whose decorations take the elements of the surrounding environment: lemons, trenches of the vine, and flowers. Moreover, the backs of the benches are decorated with frescoes representing myths.

San Gregorio Armeno

San Gregorio Armeno is a small street in the center of Napoli, where there are many artisan shops of Neapolitan crib art. An ancient art that dates back to the XVIII century and every year attracts many tourists and people who want to buy a little statue for their crib.

Piazza del Plebiscito

Close to Quartieri Spagnoli, there is Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the biggest squares in Italy, defined by a large colonnade. In front of it, there is the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), the residence of the old king and queen. Near Piazza Plebiscito there is also Galleria Umberto I, which was the old cultural center of the city. Furthermore, going out of one of the four exits of the Gallery, you will come across the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest Opera House in Europe and one of the most important in the world.

Castel dell’Ovo

Castel dell’Ovo is located on the island of Megaride, and it is very old, dating back to the VII century b.C. Its name comes from a legend because it is believed that Virgilius hid an egg in one of its rooms. The castle has always been an asset to the defense of the city and nowadays it is one of the symbols of Napoli.

Maschio Angioino

Maschio Angioino, also called Castel Nuovo, is a fortress in Naples, and also one of the symbols of the city. It is one of the best-kept sites in the world, even though it witnessed many events. The castle consists of different architectural styles, which is one of its main characteristics.

The Charterhouse of San Martino

While going to the hill, you will find the charterhouse of San Martino. It is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture, as well as the center of 1600 Neapolitan painting. Nowadays, the charterhouse is a museum, which also offers a great view of the city and the Gulf of Naples.

For further information here.

Food to taste on your weekend in Napoli

Naples, apart from its beautiful architecture and art, is also famous for its cuisine, which is among the oldest and the most varied in the world.

Firstly, among the dishes you have to try, there is pizza, which was born in this city, hence, it’s the best in the world. Secondly, you also have to try mozzarella, as well as pasta e patate, which is prepared according to an old recipe. Finally, there is dessert. Neapolitan patisserie has a lot to offer, but the best desserts are absolutely babà, sfogliatella, pastiera and zeppole.

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May 5th, 2021