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 Neapolitan landmark |
Piazza Dante Naples 80135 Italy |
The Port'Alba with its statue of San Gaetano was erected in 1625 during the viceroyship of Antonio Alvarez of Toledo and was rebuilt in 1797. Its proximity to the very central piazza Dante and the many bookshops make it a particularly charming route and vital to the heart of the city's historical center. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Long  |
 The first modern observatory in Europe |
16 Salita Moiariello Naples 80131 Italy +39 81 557 5111 |
The first university teaching post in astronomy in Naples was created in 1735 by Carlo di Borbone. In 1791, Ferdinando I di Borbone began the construction of an observatory inside the old Palazzo degli Studi, which was already being transformed in order to host the presstigious royal collection. Today the observatory is a museum, and has an important collection of astronomical equipment and apparatus from various epochs on display. It also has a large conference theatre inside. The domes for observing the stars still work perfectly, but the Observatory no longer carries out scientific research (other Italian and foreign institutes have proven to be more efficient), however it remains an important national centre for theoretical and positional astronomy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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City gate of Naples |
Piazza San Francesco di Paola Naples 80139 Italy |
Immediately next to the Castello Capuano there is the Porta Capuana which was built in 1484 on the design of Giuliano da Maiano. The impressive triumphal renaissance arch was put between two imposing cylindrical Aragon towers, known as Honor and Virtue. Following the enlargement of the city walls, as ordered by Ferdinando I of Aragon, the city gate was built by moving forward the previous gate which was nearer the castle. The outside side was dressed with white marble and takes on a particularly elegant appearance and creates a strong contrast with the darkness of towers at its side. The marble group of the, "Coronation of Ferdinando I" positioned in the arch of the gate were replaced on the entrance of Carlo V in Naples in 1535 and the coat of arms of the emperor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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For the less fortunate |
34 Via Annunziata Naples 80139 Italy +39 81 28 9032 |
This was built in the fourteenth century, along with the adjacent church as a charitable institution dedicated to the care of abandoned infants. It was rebuilt again in the sixteenth century, in Renaissance style, and then again in the eighteenth century by Luigi and Carlo Vanvitelli, after a fire. If you go through the elegant marble portal - designed in the sixteenth century by the Lombardian artist Tommaso Malvito and his son Giovanni Tommaso, with wooden leaves engraved by Pietro Belverte and Giovanni da Nola in the sixteenth century - you will reach the courtyard and the 'Wooden Wheel'. This was a type of cylindrical wooden drum into which the children were placed for a ride, together with several nannies, just in case. The inmates of this institution were called 'Children of the Madonna' and 'Children of Our Lady of the Annunciation', and enjoyed certain priveleges. Some were found with pieces of paper around their necks, on which were written the names of their parents, and others had with them pieces of gold or silver. The existence of these items, together with any other sign, was recorded in a book, in order to facilitate a possible future reconciliation with the parents. The 'Wheel', was one of the most famous of its kind in Italy and was not used after 22nd June 1875. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The Sepulchre of San Gaudioso, bishop of Abitina |
14 Piazza Della Sanità Naples 80136 Italy +39 81 544 1305 |
The San Gaudioso catacombs are situated beneath the presbitary and the apse of the church of Santa Maria della Sanita. Legend has it that after having been deprived of everything by the vandal, King Genserico, the saint, along with many other religious people was forced onto an un-seaworthy boat and abandoned at sea. God then set them ashore in Naples where the saint and his companions founded a monastery. The skeleton used to be painted on the wall along with some symbolic object indicating either the status or the profession of the deceased. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church and monastery complex |
10c Via Santa Chiara Naples 80134 Italy |
This church was once part of a large monastery complex spread out between Via Santa Chiara, Via Benedetto Croce, Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli and Pallonetto di Santa Chiara. It is no longer a place of worship but functions as the headquarters for a cultural initative - the Neopolitan branch of 'Italia Nostra' is housed in its sacristy. The church was founded by Sancia di Majorca, wife of Roberto d'Angiò, in 1325. However, both the church and the monastery annex were considerably modified during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. During the Second World War, it was badly damaged. The façade is dramatic, with a magnificent wrought iron gate and a cornice made from volcanic rock created in 1752 by the marble worker Crescenzo Trichese, who also created the beatiful portal in polychrome marble. In the presbytery, the remains of the tombs of two Neopolitan noblewomen have been preserved. Giulia Gonzaga - famous for her attempt to propagate the doctrine of Juan de Valdés in Naples - lived in the monastery annex. Suppressed in 1808, part of her cloister was surrounded by the building which is located in Via Benedetto 56. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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St Peter in Naples |
192 Corso Umberto I Naples 80138 Italy |
Legend has it that the origins of this church lie in the coming of St Peter to Naples, where he took his first mass at the altar in the atrium. This is commemorated in the painting which hangs above the altar, attributed to Girolamo di Salerno in 1516. Although there is no actual proof that St Peter even came to Naples, the legend has, since the Middle Ages, prompted the constant enlargement of the church building. This continued right up to 1485 when Ferdinand of Aragon ordered the church to be restructured. The church reached monumental porportions during its reconstruction in the seventeeth century as well as during the restoration work which took place at the beginning of the twentieth century. The gardens and the cloisters annexed to the church were destroyed during the Reformation. At this time, the side entrance onto Corso Umberto I acquired a sixteenth century portal in grey stone, decorated with coats of arms and suits of armour previously part of the demolished 'Arte della Lana' conservatory in vico Miroballo. The church - which is run by Franciscans - is full of sculptures which have been taken from other churches. The tomb of Baldassarre Ricca, sculpted in 1519 by Jacopo da Brescia is particularly interesting. In the crypt, similar to that in the ancient Santa Candida church next to Ara Petri, the ancient cult of the veneration of deceased souls is practised. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Ancient church |
286 Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy |
The interior consists of architectural elements typical of the sixteenth century, plus an eighteenth century altar in polychrome marble. During the "Maggio dei monumenti 1999" festival, the church was finally restored. The structure was rebuilt according to the original plan and the trabeations and Renaissance pilasters hidden by the nineteenth century stucco were illuminated. Now that the church has been restored, it is used to host concerts, temporary exhibitions and cultural shows, consistent with the monumentality of the venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church dedicated to Madonna Bruna |
2 Piazza del Carmine Naples 80142 Italy |
In Piazza del Carmine the Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine has stood since the 12th Century. More impressive elements were added between 1283 and 1300. The church was an extension of a small church which venerated an image of the Madonna known as, 'La Bruna'. The building work was commissioned and facilitated by donations from Magherita di Borgogna, the second wife of Charles D'Anjou, and by Elisabetta di Baviera, the mother of Corradino di Svevia. The entrance is dominated by an impressive organ which has 3500 pipes with 51 stops, which was renovated in 1906 and enlarged in 1919. It is said that on the 14th October 1439, during the siege carried out by Alfonso d'Aragona for the succession to the Neapolitan throne, a projectile flew into the church hitting the crucifix which bent the top, hitting and knocking off the crown of thorns.The projectile is preserved in the church museum but is not on display. The vaulting rib of the transept is from the 14th Century. In the presbitery the main altar is devoted to the Madonna della Bruna and is in a Byzantine style. It was finished in 1631 by Fra' Nuvolo, with a special apex tiled with majolica. Each year, with the festival of the Madonna del Carmine, on the 16th of July, her burning is reenacted with fireworks which form part of a lively local festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Built by Queen Margherita |
42 Via San Sebastiano Naples 80134 Italy |
This church was founded by Queen Margherita of Durazzo, widow of Charles III (1386) who found herself defending the hereditary crown of her son Ladislao (still a minor) against the pretender Luigi d'Angiò. When, after years of resistance, the crown had been successfully defended, the queen had the church built and dedicated to Santa Marta (a patron saint of her homeland in Provence) as a sign of gratitude. The entrance to the church is protected by a gate in which is set a beautiful portal with an arch, inlaid with volcanic rock and marble. The two Gothic windows on the left hand side of the building are also from the Angevin period. The church was once the seat of the Collegium Disciplinatorum Sanctae Marthae - a confraternity which, during its glory days between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, counted various members of the royalty as well as noblemen among its number. This is recorded in the 'Codice di Santa Maria' which is kept in the Naples State Archive. The church sustained considerable damage during the Masaniello revolt in 1647. All traces of the original Baroque style vanished during the successive resorations - all that remained were a few paintings. The inside contains a single nave with three side chapels, all in late Neoclassical style - a result of restoration work carried out in the nineteenth century. The reliquaries bearing statues of the saints along the side of the nave are very evocative. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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14th century Church |
Via Medina Naples 80133 Italy |
The church is situated a little below street level. It was ordered to be built by Queen Giovanna I of Anjou in the second half of the 14th century to commemorate her coronation on the 21st May 1352, and this is how it got its name. The church was built with two cross-vaulted naves, held up by huge pillars. The apse of the larger nave is polygonal. The minor nave, dedicated to the Crucifixion, comprises of a large rectangular chapel, which houses a wooden Naccherino Crucifix. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Neapolitan Baroque and Renaissance styles |
Calata Gesù Naples 80134 Italy |
The church of the New Jesus began in 1470 as a lay building and more precisely, as the home of Roberto Sanseverino, the prince of Salerno. The building is impressive and was built in an area at the edge of the city, at the beginning of the old inferior decuman gate. Following the so-called, "swearing in of the barons" which was plotted against the King Ferrante d'Aragona, the building was confiscated in 1497 due to the involvement of Antonello Sanseverino, the son of Roberto. In 1506 it was given to Prince Robert II of Sanseverino who was part of the new ruling house of Castille which had overturned the House of Aragon in 1506. We can still admire the sumptuous renaissance building of the Severini with its well preserved facade of piperno with diamond shapes. It was the work of Novello da San Lucano even if it has been tampered with in some places. In 1552 the building was confiscated again following the involvement of the Sanseverini during anti-Spanish tensions. In 1584 the Jesuits acquired the building and transformed it into the present day church dedicated to the the Immaculate one, better known by the name, "New Jesus". The church is in the shape of a Greek cross with three naves. the collapse of the cupola and this was reconstructed by Arcangelo Guglielmelli. The church was restored again following Second world war damage. It is particularly worth seeing the large fresco by Franceso Solimena on the reverse of the facade, "the purge of Eliodoro from the temple"; also the Burrello chapel with the sculptures of Cosimo Fanzago and Michelangelo Naccherino, as well as the altar by Cosimo Fanzago. There are also the statues of Jeremiah and David by Costantino Masai and Andrea Lazzari, the puttini and the varnishings of the niches, the bronze statues of the main altar, rare marbles and hard stones. The vault and the side walls preserve the frescoes of Massimo Stanzione. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Contemporary art |
53 Via Settembrini, Afragola Naples, Naples 80139 Italy +39 81 562 4561 |
Contemporary art never looked so good as it does in MADRE. Works from all over the world find space and admiration here. Famous artists, such as Long, Kapoor, Koons, Yves Klein, Cindy Sherman, and many more have displayed their work here. Exhibitions and events happen from time to time. Admission: EUR3.50. Tickets are complimentary to children under six and tourist guides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Very superstitious |
Via Duomo Naples, Naples Italy |
The anniversary of the execution of Naples' patron saint and protector San Gennaro is marked at the Duomo and continues with an emotional procession to Santa Chiara. Gennaro (250-305) was the bishop of Pozzuoli, martyred during the reign of Diocletian. During the ceremony, two glass phials of the saint's blood are meant to liquefy before the expectant congregation. A notable liquefaction is considered a good omen to the city, while even a partial failure prefigures doom. The phials are thereupon carried in a joyous procession to a nearby convent. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neopolitan culture |
288 Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy +39 81 20 3175 |
The Museo Filangieri is found within the renaissance Palazzo Como. The palazzo was built at Forcella by Riccordo Como, as a single story building. In 1404, it was renovated, and then enlarged between 1464 and 1490. After 1490, a garden was added, as a gift from King Alfonso of Aragon in return for Como's loyalty. At that time, several decorative embellishments were added in the renaissance style. The ashlar-work facade was decorated with the arms of both Como and the Aragon family. In 1881, the palazzo was threatened with demolition because of the construction of via Duomo, but it was decided to take it down and reconstruct it further back. The art collection belonging to Prince Gaetano Filangieri was immediately installed within the palazzo, and consequently it was designated a museum. Prince Filangieri had considered establishing a museum of artistic production; a sort of studio cum workshop in which new artistic and technical projects could be attempted. On the prince's death, the museum fell into disrepair and neglect, and during the second World War a fire destroyed many works. The remaining collection was renovated in 1948 and the gallery reopened to the public in the 1970's. It represents an important part of Neapolitan culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The cathedral of Naples |
Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy +39 81 44 9097 |
Built in the Gothic style at the end of the 13th century upon the wish of Carlo II d'Angio, the cathedral sits on the site of the old cathedral Stafania. It has been subjected to numerous restoration works in the subsequent centuries, and the facade has been restructured significantly during the restoration work carried out following the earthquake of 1349. The three portals of Antonio Baboccio have survived from the original structure. Under the second arcade on the left side of the central nave there is a baptismal font which is made of an Egyptian basalt basin decorated with Bacchic masks and on the upper parts from 1618 there is multi-colored marble. The 18th century organs and the episcopal throne are under the last two arcades of the central nave. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: grimaldo ganzerli |
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Picturesque Baroque fountain |
Piazza Monteoliveto Naples 80134 Italy |
At the bottom of Via Monteoliveto, on the piazza of the same name, not far from the faculty of architecture, stands the Monteoliveto fountain; an elegant example of urban decoration. It was constructed 1668 by Antonio Cafaro. The base is massive and the basin is made from marble - its sides form an equilateral triangle decorated around the sides with masks, sea animals and spirals. The water comes through the mouth of three lions, while eagles hold up the corbel of the triangular base upon which stands a bronze statue of Charles II of Spain, the last king of Spain from the Hapsburg dynasty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Golden puppy |
 Photo: Cesare58 |
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Important archeological collection |
19 Piazza Museo Nazionale Naples 80135 Italy +39 81 44 0166 |
The Farnese collection is the largest art collection in Italy. This includes precious paintings by Titian and other great masters, antique sculptures and great renaissance pieces from Barbo and Fulvio Orsini and the Medici collection. The collection is enriched by the largest archaeological collection in history, consisting of the precious remains of towns buried by Vesuvius during the eruption of 79 A.D. It also has pieces from Etruscan and Roman civilization from cities such as Capua, Nola, Pozzuoli, Baia, Miseno, Capri and many more. The Egyptian collection is now in the Farnese complex of Terme di Caracalla with materials from the Iside temple in Pompei and the Protohistoric and Prehistoric sections. Admission: EUR 9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mafaldablue |
 Photo: Carol H. Goodfriend |
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 The Count of Maddaloni's Palace |
121 Via San Biagio dei Librai Naples 80134 Italy |
The Palazzo Carafa Santangelo is one of the most interesting renaissance buildings in Naples. It is a mixture of Florentine renaissance forms and late gothic tastes, along with elements of Catalan architecture, arches with lowered curves, and columns and capitals in the porch. A beautiful marble portal adorned by a festoon of laurel leaves, and closed by a large wooden door carved with the Carafa family coat of arms. The building used to belong to Diomede Carafa, Count of Maddaloni, humanist, and collector of works of art through his contacts with Florence. The, palazzo was built in 1466, as is indicated by an engraving in the portal. Other sculptures decorated the niches in the courtyard, the stairs, and the rooms in the, "palazzo". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Built at end of the 1500's |
45 Via Benedetto Croce Naples 80134 Italy |
The sumptuous Carafa della Spina Palace was constructed at the end of 1500 and its interior was completely renovated in the first half of 1700. The façade is livened up by the presence of several floors with Rococo balconies and it retains one of the most interesting portals in 18th century Neapolitan civil architecture. This extremely high portal is defined by enormous piers on a base which is decorated and surmounted by masks and high-reliefs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Houses Oriental Studies Institute |
12 Piazza San Domenico Maggiore Naples 80134 Italy |
The palace looks out onto the Piazza San Domenico and houses the various departments that make up the Institute of Oriental Studies. Traces of the old building are visible on the first two levels of the façade. Following the earthquake of 1668, the appearance of the building was changed in 1727. The lower floor was preserved, while the upper floor was restructured. The 'Galleria' is notable for its vault decorated with the 'Gigantomachia' and 'Episodes from the Aeneid'. Another floor was added towards the middle of the nineteenth century. To visit the 'Cabinet', you will need to gain authorization from the administration department. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Renaissance palace |
12 Via Benedetto Croce Naples 80134 Italy +39 081 551 7159 |
The Filomarino Palace was constructed in the 15th century by a branch of the Brancaccio family. At this time two ogival arches were erected on the stairway which can also be admired. The palace was renovated by the Sanseverinos princes of Bisignano) as well as by Giovanni Francesco Di Palma between 1512 and 1530. Benedetto Croce lived in the palace until he died (1866-1952). He was a philsopher and historian who in 1947 founded the Italian Institute for Historical studies in the room which previously housed the well-stocked library. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Elegant renaissance palace |
39 Via San Biagio dei Librai Naples 80134 Italy |
This "palazzo" was built for Bartolomeo di Capua, Count of Altavilla, by Giovanni Donadio (the Mormando) in 1512-13. The building has undergone significant alterations through time, especially in the basements. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant renaissance homes in Naples. The façade is divided into three floors, and is interrupted by three sets of windows separated by pilaster strips. More recently the, "Il Giornale" directed by Benedetto Croce newspaper was printed in the building. The Campania Archive Service is now located in this, "palazzo". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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18th century palace |
53 Calata Trinità Maggiore Naples 80134 Italy |
Going down the Trinità Maggiore which runs towards the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, you will see the 18th century Pignatelli di Monteleone Palace on your left hand side. The palace was constructed in 1718, from a design by Ferdinando Sanfelice. It has an exquisite façade, and an elegant scroll ornament displays a dedication to Nicola Pignatelli in 1718, while on the left of the portal is a tablet commemorating the Impressionist painter and sculptor Edgar Degas' frequent stays in Naples. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Palace dating back to 1499 |
Largo Corpo Di Napoli Naples 80134 Italy |
This palace was built in 1499 for Cesare Pignatelli di Toritto. The palace is defined by its elegant renaissance lines, in which scrolls and baroque style decorations are inserted. Marble coats of arms which function as corbels, stand out in the facade, while on the ground floor you can see traces of arches and columns, probably remains of the ancient Nile seat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Palace belonging to the architect Sanfelice |
19 Via Arena della Sanità Naples 80137 Italy |
Palazzo Sanfelice was built between 1724 and 1726, and was built to be a home for the architect and his family. It has four floors, with two symmetrical entrances. As in the Palazzo dello Spagnolo, the facade is decorated with pilaster strips and string course strips. The windows' rich stucco decoration was lost during the earthquake in 1980. The majestic portals allow access into two very different courtyards, and contain very original decorative elements, unusual scrolls, and a marble inscription supported by mermaids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dottormabuse |
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Palace belonging to Spanish nobleman |
19 Via Dei Vergini, Campania Naples 80137 Italy |
This, "palazzo" was built in 1738 for Marquis Nicola Moscati. It was first named "dello Spagnolo" at the beginning of the 19th century when it became the property of Tommaso Atienza, a nobleman from Madrid. The building was almost certainly designed by Ferdinando Sanfelice, although his name is not mentioned in certain documents. The buildings plans include two courtyards, separated by a beautiful open stairway with double rampants and five arches. This is certainly an example of Sanfelice's creative genius which had major effect on the designs of Neapolitan stairways. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Numerous restaurants and bars |
Piazza Vincenzo Bellini Naples 80135 Italy |
The piazza was developed over several years and serves as one of the the boundaries to the Greco-Roman city. At the center of the piazza, you will see the remains of a wall dating back to the 4th Century B.C. which runs down what is now the Via Constantinopoli, towards the Piazza San Domenico. The whole complex came into being between the end of the seventeenth century and 1730. The palace itself was built in the sixteenth century for the princes of Saint Agatha, and was re-structured in the mid-seventeenth century. It now houses the ARIN offices. The piazza is host to a number of restaurants and bars which make a pleasant stop-off point both during the day and at night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mafaldablue |
 Photo: jeff |
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 Photo: audrey lamandé |
 Photo: Tommaso Mariniello |
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Central piazza in Naples |
Piazza Dante Naples 80135 Italy |
This is the most important and most centrally located piazza in Naples. It was called "Largo del Mercatello" until 1588, during which time it hosted a market. After the Unification of Italy, it was named after the poet Dante Alighieri. His statue was erected in the middle of the piazza in 1872. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fairly recently created piazza |
Piazza Vincenzo Calenda Naples 80139 Italy |
The piazza was created at the beginning of the twentieth century in an area which covers the whole of the southern section of the historical centre. While the work was being carried out, the remains of a Greek wall dating back to the fifth century were found. This find made it possible to confirm the eastern perimetre of the city of Neapolis as well as the exact location of the Hercolanense or Furcillense gates which, taking advantage of the natural defences offered by the soil, opened up in the vicinity of the Via Forcella. The wall continues past the gates in a northerly direction towards the lane which remains called 'Soprammuro' ('Above the wall') to this day. During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the urban development taking place in the area reached its peak. The construction of Castel Capuano by the Normans in 1165 added to this development. The street names in this area are testament to the commercial developemts that were taking place: Candlemaker's Lane, Armourer's Lane, Engraver's Lane etc. The Angevin Court welcomed various monastic communities into the area and aided the construction of convent buildings and charitable institutions, e.g.: SantAgostino alla Zecca, Santa Maria Egiziaca delllmo and lAnnunziata. Buildings such as these, which can be seen today, underwent considerable changes during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. During the Reformation, the intricate Medieval system of little roads was replaced by much larger roads and major arteries which made it easier to access the Palazzo di Giustizia. The piazza is named after Vincenzo Calenda - the magistrate who argued that the law courts should not be housed in the royal palace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The square where public executions took place |
Piazza Mercato Naples 80133 Italy |
Piazza Mercato, with two obelisk-fountains, lies in the centre of a typical Neapolitan quarter. The district suffered greatly from bombing in WW2 and was further altered on the south side by the construction of enormous concrete buildings. On 7 July 1647, the people's revolt led by Masaniello (Tommaso di Aniello, born at no. 177 in the nearby Vico Rotto in 1622) broke out. Also put to death here were the revolutionaries of the, "Partenopean Republic" in 1799. Today the square is a busy shopping area for fabrics, toys and tools. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former orphanage |
19 Via Medina Naples 80133 Italy |
The orphanage and the church Pietà dei Turchini were built between 1592 and 1607 by the congregation of the Oratorio dei Bianchi. The institution took in abandoned children and the name of the church referred to the white clothes that the children wore. In the conservatory next door, children studied music and singing, and among them was the great Giovanni Paisiello. The conservatory then merged with San Pietro a Majella. The church was completed in 1595 and extended in 1630. It is typical of religious buildings of the counter reformation. The chapels were decorated by Battistello caracciolo and Filippo Vitale as well as other figures from 17th-century Neapolitan painting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Ornate 19th-century shopping gallery |
1 Via Enrico Pessina, Campania Naples 80135 Italy |
Designed in 1869 by architects Nicola Breglia and Giovanni De Novellis, this ornate shopping gallery filled with stylish boutiques was built between 1876 and 1883 as part of planned improvements to Via Fosse del Grano. The cast-iron and glass roof and solid masonry of the walls graced with splendid stucco decorations are a masterful combination of modern and traditional construction techniques. The gallery opens out onto Via Pessina, Via Broggia and the square in front of the National Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesco Remolo |
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Large and wealthy convent complex |
8a Piazza San Domenico Maggiore Naples 80134 Italy |
The church was built in 1283 by King Charles II of Angevin, and is part of the largest and wealthiest group of convent buildings in the city. It is the spiritual home of the Dominican Order in the Kingdom of Naples, as well as the seat of the Parthenopean University. In the past, religious people lived in an old convent in the area. The San Michele Arcangelo a Morfisa church (probably built in the 10th Century, eventually to become the side chapel of a new edifice) bears witness to its existence. You will find a gamut of styles, representing successive periods of history and architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chiara Marra |
 Photo: Gianluca Ruggiero |
 Photo: Ben Trevino |
 Photo: Ben Trevino |
 Photo: luigi balestriere |
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Baroque spire |
Piazza San Domenico Maggiore Naples 80134 Italy |
At the center of Piazza San Domenica stands the splendid St Dominic spire, constructed before that of the Immaculate Conception which can be found on the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. It was constructed after the terrible plague epidemic of 1656. Designed by Francesco Antonio Picchiatti and later finished in 1737 by Antonio Domenico Vaccaro. It was funded by the Dominicans, with contributions from the citizens. The Baroque monument is adorned with medallions of male and female saints of the Dominican Order. At the very top stands a bronze statue of St Dominic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel C. Mack |
 Photo: Blueravin |
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City gate of Naples |
Via Foria Naples 80137 Italy |
If you start from the National Museum and follow the Via Foria you will find the Porta San Gennaro immediately on the right after Piazza Cavour. It was rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century following the city wall's relocation. In the large niche there is a fresco by Mattia Preti which has been recently restored. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Palaeo-Christian church |
8 Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi Naples 80138 Italy |
The San Giorgio Maggiore church was built between the end of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th, in accordance with the wishes of Bishop Severo. The façade of the church looks out onto Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi The apse of the Palaeo-Christian basilica is an extremely rare example of an ancient apse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Chapel of the de'Sangro family |
19 Via Francesco De Sanctis Naples 80134 Italy +39 81 551 8470 |
The burial chapel of the de'Sangro family is linked to the figure of Prince Raimondo, the great patron and charismatic personality of 18th century Naples. The foundations of the first chapel were built in 1590 in a corner of the garden of the same palace; this was enlarged in 1608 and was destined to be a tomb for family members. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Founded by Charles I of Angevin |
32 Via Sant'Agostino alla Zecca Naples 80139 Italy +39 81 44 9097 |
This church was run by the order of St Augustine. It was founded in the thirteenth century by Charles I of Angevin, and nicknamed 'alla Zecca' (or, 'at the Mint'), because it was located very close to the building which housed the mint. It is situated on the foundations of an ancient Roman fort. A staircase with an eighteenth century bannister made from volcanic rock leads to the entrance of the church which stands above street-level. The façade and the bell were both designed in the second half of the seventeenth century by Bartolomeo Picchiatti, who placed great emphasis on colour. Following the earthquake of 1980, the church was closed due to the considerable damage it had incurred. Instead, it became possible to visit certain parts of the nearby convent (the entrance of which is at No. 174 Corso Umberto I): the elegant main cloister built in the seventeenth century, the Gothic 'Sala Capitolare' complete with cross-vaults and illustrated capitals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Brancaccio chapel |
23 Piazzetta Nilo Naples 80134 Italy |
One passes straight from Piazza San Domenico Maggiore into Piazzetta Nilo which is adjacent. In Roman times this was the centre of the Alexandrian quarter, the statue of the Nile in the Piazzetta testifies to this. The Piazzetta is also referred to as the Largo Corpo di Napoli. In Piazzetta Nilo the church Sant'Angelo a Nilo can be found.It is in the heart of Greco-Roman Naples. There is a chapel, built between the end of the 14th century and the start of the 15th. The monument is considered to be an important example of the formal style of the Renaissance although there is a canopy installation which recalls the late gothic period. One of the figures which is lifting up the curtain ( the right one) is by Donatello, as is the head of the cardinal and the excellent 'stiacciato' of the Assumption of the Virgin on the front of the sarcophagus. One can move from the church into the cloisters-courtyard which lead to the Palazzo Brancaccio. From 1690 it housed the first Neapolitan Public Library, thanks to the bequest in 1675 from the cardinal Francesco Brancaccio of is prestigious collection of books. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kyle Williams |
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The first church built by the Angevins in Naples |
Via Sant'Eligio Naples 80133 Italy |
On the western side of Piazza Mercato stands the apse of the Chiesa di Sant'Eligio Maggiore, built in 1270 upon the order of Charles I of Anjou. The construction of the hospital and the church was financed not only by nobles but also by local artisans, for this reason chapels inside of the church are dedicated to the saints who protected the artisans. The bomb damage during WWII brought to light the Gothic and Provencale structure and Roman influences. Recent restoration work plans to reconstruct the various different phases that the church has gone through. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Provincial-Gothic Church |
Via Benedetto Croce Naples 80134 Italy +39 81 552 6209 |
The church of Santa Chiara was built between 1310 and 1328. The original design of the church's interior was completely transformed by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro between 1742 and 1747, and the entire Gothic structure was covered by magnificent Baroque ornaments. The Baroque look remained until it was heavily damaged during the Second World War. Now fully restored, it is open to the public for tours and services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Thoreson |
 Photo: Robby Poore |
 Photo: didola |
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 Photo: raffree |
 Photo: Lucia Rocco |
 Photo: leoneddy |
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Cloister and Museum with Majolica tiles |
49c Via Santa Chiara Naples, Italia 80134 Italy +39 81 797 1256 |
The cloister is connected to the Church of St. Claire and preserves some of the old 14th century construction. It was transformed in 1742 through the work of Domenico Vaccaro, when pillars, parapets and magnificent mosaic tiles representing 64 scenes of landscapes, masquerades, carnival triumphs and mythological scenes were added. The two octagonal fountains are well worth seeing. The museum of Santa Chiara, on the side of the cloister, is home to marble and wooden furnishings as well as religious vestments from the church. The thermal baths building represents is one of the most complete example of its kind in Naples. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giorgio Sandorfi |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: Michele Garelli |
 Photo: Laura |
 Photo: Sarah Wilkie |
 Photo: Sonia Pierro |
 Photo: Jokeriz |
 Photo: Sandra De Matteis |
 Photo: senape |
 Photo: G. Gallo Maresca |
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Basilicas from the dark ages. |
Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy +39 81 44 9097 |
The oldest basilica of Naples, the chapel of Santa Restituta was erected in the 4th century and was initially dedicated to the Saviour. The Stefania basilica was destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt by the bishop Stefano II. When the cathedral was built on the site of the basilica of Stefania it was reworked into a Gothic form, as was the basilica of Santa Restituta. Recent restoration work has brought to light bits of columns and fragments of a paleo-Christian flooring. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The statue of the Nile |
Piazzetta Nilo Naples 80134 Italy |
The corner of Piazzetta Nilo, part of the Largo Corpo di Napoli, was created in the mid 15th century after the demolition of the building known as the seat of the Nile. The name of the street is inspired by the statue (probably dating from Roman times), which represents the reclining figure of the river god Nile. Once the merchants had left, their deity was buried and forgotten about. It re-emerged towards the mid-twelfth century, missing its head, and was used to decorate first the seat and then the road to which it gave its name. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Built during the Angevin epoch |
30 Via Talagnano Naples 80139 Italy |
The Annunziata complex was built during the Angevin epoch, as a votive offering to the Virgin. It was built to give thanks for the safe return of two Neopolitan cavalrymen - Nicola and Giacomo Scondito - of Seggio di Capuana, from a long imprisonment in Tuscany after an unexpected rout by the Guelphs in 1315. This undocumented event was thus handed down to posterity. Documents do however attest to the fact that the church and a hospital were constructed by the 'Maestri della Congregazione dell'Annunziata' (Masters of the Congregation of the Annunciation). Today, the complex is home to a hospital organisation which, over the centuries has taken in children who have been abandoned here and entrusted to the protection of the Virgin . In 1343, Sancia (wife of Roberto d'Angiò) bought the whole of the Annunziata complex in return for a much larger plot of land in front on which to bulid a new buiding for the Santa Casa - made up of the church, the hospital, foundling hospital, and the conservatory. She did this in order to enlarge the Maddalena monastery. At the beginning of the sixteenth century the entrance of the monumental courtyard of the Santa Casa was fronted by a marble portal created by Tommaso Malvito and his son Giovan Tommaso from Lombardy. During the first half of the sixteenth century, the church was enlarged and restructured in Renaissance style by the architect Ferdinando Manlio. The main altar was the work of Cosimo Fanzago and Giuliano Finelli, while the frescoes were by Belisario Corenzi. A fire in 1757 almost completely destroyed the church and the covering of the nave. In 1760, the reconstruction of the church commenced, under the guidance of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli, succeeded by his son Carlo after his death. In 1774, the nave was finished, and in 1782, the façade was completed. The church has maintained the appearance it took on during all the restoration work, which continued right up until 1943, when the bombings wreaked further damage on it. The sacristy is lined with wooden cupboards engraved between 1577 and 1580 by Gerolamo D'Auria and Salvatore Caccavello. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
