Naples – 5 sights not to be missed
What is it about Naples?
I think that Naples has got to be one of my favorite Italian cities (I’ve probably said that a few times now). It has something for everyone. Great history, great food, great people and it sits in the most spectacular setting
When coming to a new city people tend to head for the more recognisable sites however below you’ll find a few the are off the beaten track and not to be missed.
Number 1 on the list is visit the Veiled Christ Statue in the Museo San Severo.
I absolutely love this statue and it takes my breath away even just seeing its picture. In real life its mesmerising.
The museum has some other really interesting exhibits including an anatomical display downstairs which is a bit weird but still incredibly fascinating. On the other floors there are statues and mosaics that are just stunning.
How much does it cost?
The ticket gives access to the entire museum area and costs €8 but concessions are available. Your ticket gives access to the nave of the Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ and the Underground Chamber, where the Anatomical Machines are displayed.
Can you hire a guide?
The Sansevero Chapel Museum does not provide a guided tour service directly. An audio guide service lasting about 25 minutes is available in a variety of languages. It can be rented at a cost of € 3.50.
Opening hours
Friday to Sunday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pmLast entry 30 mins before closing
A Tip for your visit
You’re not allowed to take pictures of the veiled christ and that is strictly enforced so head to the gift shop and snap up a fridge magnet or postcard to remind you of your visit.
Number 2 is a Caravaggio painting in a church.
In Naples Caravaggio painted 3 famous works of art and the stunning Seven Works of Mercy he painted for the high altar of the Church of Pio Monte della Misericordia is still hanging in its original position today. And you can see it.
What’s so special about it?
I love this painting because it wasn’t painted to hang in a museum, it was painted specifically for the church. The rest of the church has some other fantastic works of art. Also upstairs there is a little balcony where you can look down on the Caravaggio giving it a completely different perspective.
How much does it cost to see?
The standard ticket price of €8 is very much worth it as it allows you access to the Caravaggio, the upstairs museum and the downstairs crypt.
They crypt downstairs has an incredible eerie atmosphere and there are adopted bones adorned with trinkets and an incredibly sad story of a bride to be.
The ladies in the foyer are really helpful and there is a guide leaflet in many languages.
Number 3 is The Catacombs of Naples
There are 2 fantastic, if not a little macabre, sites here which can be accessed on the same entrance ticket. They are the Catacombs of San Gaudioso which tells a fantastic story of how the tombs were used through the ages. The second site is the Catacombs of San Gennaro which is an incredible wander through various tomb chambers through the ages. The tours are in both Italian and English and incredibly informative.
What else can you see with your ticket?
Nearby you can also visit the Fontanelle Cemetery where the bones of ancient Neopolitans are laid. You must also take a wander down the Miglio Sacro (The holy mile) where you really get a feel for ancient Naples. All of these sites are pretty much accessible from central Naples. Just be mindful of the opening times and tour times so you make sure you have time for it all.
How much does it cost?
The price for the tickets that combine all the attractions is around €15 but there are many variations and concessions available.
Tip for this trip
Wear comfy shoes and take a light jacket/sweater as it can be a bit chilly in some of the deep catacombs.
Number 4 takes us underground to discover layers of Neapolitan history
Naples Underground is one of the best tours in Naples today. It takes you through a myriad of tunnels and chambers which signifies approx 2400 years of usage. The tour is extremely well thought out and surprises and delights with the discoveries that they’ve made, sometimes even in the basements of peoples houses.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are around €12 and tours tend to be every hour with a variation on different language tours throughout the day.
You can also read more about underground Naples in our Part 7 of our 1st Italian Adventure blog.
Number 5 takes us on the Naples Line 1 Metro to see some brilliant artwork
The city’s primary metro line “Linea 1” hosts a wide array of striking art installations – more than 180 one off commissions by pioneering international artists such as Sol LeWitt, Joseph Kosuth and Michelangelo Pistoletto.
The glittering silver-blue walls at Toledo metro station were designed to make you feel like you’re traversing through the ground and into the sea.
Take a ride on the metro and jump of at different stops to see if you can spot this amazing art.
