Naples, Italy

Naples is a city where history and innovation converge in remarkable harmony. As one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited urban centers, Naples offers a rich cultural tapestry woven from ancient Greek foundations, Roman grandeur, and Renaissance brilliance. Naples offers a raw, soulful, and deeply authentic slice of Italian life. It’s gritty, passionate, and unforgettable. Naples is a year-round destination with mild winters and sunny summers.

Pizza and Street Food

Naples is the birthplace of pizza. The modern pizza as we know it—flatbread topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil—was perfected in Naples in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The addition of tomato to flatbread was revolutionary, and the now-famous Pizza Margherita was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889. From the bustling alleys serving folded pizza a portafoglio to legendary pizzerias like Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, every bite tells a story rooted in centuries of culinary pride. Whether you're grabbing a crispy sfogliatella from a street vendor or indulging in fine dining with sea views, Naples offers a gastronomic journey that’s as soulful as the city itself.

Street food in Naples represents a vital aspect of the city’s culinary heritage, offering visitors an authentic and accessible taste of local tradition. Deeply influenced by cucina povera, or “the cuisine of the poor,” these dishes reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of Neapolitan cooking. Signature items such as pizza a portafoglio—a folded, handheld version of the classic Neapolitan pizza—and frittatina di pasta, a savory fried pasta cake, are widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Other popular offerings include cuoppo (a paper cone filled with assorted fried seafood), sfogliatella (a crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta), and pizza fritta (deep-fried stuffed dough). Found throughout the historic center and bustling neighborhoods, Naples street food provides not only nourishment but a meaningful connection to the city’s vibrant cultural identity.

Ancient History and Modern Identity

The historic center of Naples stands as one of the most extensive and culturally rich urban landscapes in Europe. More than 2,700 years of continuous history—from its Greek origins as Neapolis to its evolution under Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish rule can be found in layers of history in Naples. The city’s architecture, ancient churches, underground catacombs, and enduring street patterns offer a rare glimpse into the Mediterranean’s complex past.

Today, Naples is a modern city of contrasts—gritty yet glorious, chaotic yet captivating. Street art splashes across ancient walls, espresso bars buzz with life, and Vesuvius looms as a timeless backdrop. Its skyline is a mix of historic domes and modernist structures, like the striking Centro Direzionale, a business district designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Twentieth-century gems like Villa Oro and the Museum of the Sea (Casina del Boschetto) showcase Neapolitan modernism tucked into the city’s folds.

Historical Sites:

• Historic Centre of Naples. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The historic center of Naples is one of the largest in Europe, spanning over 1,000 hectares. It reflects more than 2,700 years of continuous history, from its Greek origins as Neapolis to Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. The area includes ancient churches, palaces, catacombs, and a street layout that preserves its classical roots.
• Castel dell’Ovo. Naples’ oldest castle, perched on the seafront, dating back to Roman times. Its name (“Egg Castle”) comes from a legend involving the poet Virgil.
• Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale). A grand Bourbon-era palace located in Piazza del Plebiscito, once home to Spanish and later Bourbon monarchs.
• Royal Sansevero Chapel Museum (Cappella Sansevero). A Baroque chapel famous for the Veiled Christ sculpture and mysterious anatomical models. Highlights include the intricate marble artistry, esoteric symbolism, and Renaissance architecture.
• Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea). A network of ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and WWII shelters beneath the city.

 Art and Culture

Naples is a city where art and history converge, and its museums are a testament to centuries of cultural richness. From ancient Roman relics to contemporary installations, Naples offers a dazzling array of artistic experiences. 

Museums:

• Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Home to ancient Roman and Greek artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii
• Museo di Capodimonte. A former royal palace housing works by Botticelli, Titian, Caravaggio, and Warhol
• Museo Madre. Naples’ contemporary art museum featuring installations by Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, and Sol LeWitt

Gateway to the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii

Naples strategic location makes it a perfect launchpad for exploring nearby wonders like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast. Just a short train ride from Rome and a ferry away from the glamorous island of Capri, Naples offers easy access to both cultural landmarks and natural beauty.

Ancient Ruins near Naples:

• Pompeii. A Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore streets, homes, temples, and even ancient graffiti. Pompeii is easily accessible by train from Naples.
• Herculaneum. Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, with intact upper floors and wooden furniture. This site offers a more intimate and eerie glimpse into Roman life. Herculaneum is accessible by train and often less crowded than Pompeii.
• Oplontis. Believed to be the villa of Poppaea Sabina, wife of Emperor Nero. Features stunning frescoes and luxurious Roman architecture. Oplontis is located in Torre Annunziata, near Pompeii.