Things to do in Naples

About Naples

Naples is a sprawling Mediterranean metropolis built atop ancient layers of history, serving as the gateway to the Phlegraean Fields and the ruins of Pompeii. The city is renowned for its dense, vertical urban layout and a historical center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the intricate history of the region at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli [31856] or delve beneath the streets at Underground Naples [788]. The city's cultural heritage is further defined by the artistic mastery found in the Sansevero Chapel Museum [31757] and the expansive collections within the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte [1146].

Good to know

1. 1

   Naples sits atop a complex network of ancient Greek and Roman cisterns, quarries, and tunnels that span over 450 kilometers.

2. 2

   The city is home to the oldest continuously operating public opera house in the world, the Teatro di San Carlo, which opened in 1737.

3. 3

   Naples has the highest density of historic churches in the world, with over 400 structures within the city limits.

4. 4

   The traditional Neapolitan pizza is protected by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, with specific guidelines regarding wood-fired ovens and ingredient sourcing.

5. 5

   Naples is the only city in Italy that was ruled by an independent kingdom for several centuries, leading to a unique linguistic and cultural identity distinct from the rest of the country.