A 1-Day Naples Tour in Italy: Art & Food

Preface

When I first started planning my trip to Italy, I was torn about whether or not to visit Naples. Online rumors portrayed Naples as a dirty, messy city, and many people were afraid to go. However, there's an Italian proverb: "vedi napoli, e poi morì," which translates to "see Naples, and die." Because of this saying, and my lingering curiosity about Pompeii, I finally decided to visit Naples.

Naples is a relatively unpopular choice for first-time visitors to Italy. Want to know what to do in Naples? Then read my guide carefully to do your homework.

Campania 3-Day Pass

The exterior is pink, covers 80 attractions, is used throughout the Campania region, and the current ticket price is 32 euros:

1. The pass is valid for 3 days, starting from the day you check in and ending at midnight on the third day.

2. The pass allows free entry to the first two attractions and is recommended for the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the ruins of Pompeii, as the tickets are the most expensive.

3. However, not all attractions can be used for free admission. Please check the official website for details: http://www.campaniartecard.it/artecard_Napoli.cfm. Some attractions can only be used for discounts, such as: San Severo Church, 2 villas in Ravello (yes! It can also be used on the Amalfi Coast). However, Artecard cannot be used for underground Naples and attractions on Capri Island.

4. Includes all transportation within Naples, including buses, subways, cable cars, and some railways (only slower trains like the IC and R lines, excluding express trains like Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca; for example, the Naples-Salerno route is completely free with an ARTECARD). This includes the Vesuvius Circle train (Circumvesuviana) and the SITA bus service (Sorrento-Amalfi-Salero) along the Amalfi Coast. However, non-SITA bus services in the towns along the Amalfi Coast are not allowed! Ferries from Naples to other destinations (such as to and from Capri) are also not included.

5. On the first Sunday of every month, many museums in Campania are open to the public for free, such as the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the ruins of Pompeii, etc., so you can consider whether to buy a card.

A regular TIC one-way ticket costs €1.5, which allows you to take the subway and cable car within 90 minutes. You can also plan your itinerary and calculate the price.

Naples Cathedral

Naples Cathedral, Duomo di Napoli (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

The hotel is a 3-minute walk from Garibaldi subway station. Take subway L2 to Cavour Cathedral of Naples. There may be serious fare evasion here, and there will be manual ticket checking before entering the subway gate.

There are two types of subways in Naples, one is the ordinary subway, and the other is a former train line converted into a subway, because both the appearance and the interior are like a train!

The Cathedral of Naples occupies a very important position in Naples. Like the cathedrals in other Italian cities, the cathedral is also a white spire building.

The Duomo of Naples was built in 1272 by order of Charles I of Anjou. Its spacious nave features a magnificent ceiling with inlaid ornamentation. Damaged by an earthquake in 1456, the cathedral underwent numerous reconstructions, ultimately achieving its current neo-Gothic appearance.

From the outside, Naples's Cathedral doesn't look particularly impressive; it's simple. While its exterior might seem a bit less impressive than those in larger cities like Milan, its interior is far more refined. The carvings are intricate, creating a rich atmosphere. Many masses and important events are held here, including the annual Feast of San Gennaro.

When we entered a small chapel inside the church, a beam of sunlight came in, passed through the glass, and cast on the golden decoration inside, which looked extremely beautiful, just like the sentence in the Bible: "God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

During the tour, I didn't spot any Chinese tourists; they were all foreign tour groups. They mostly talked about San Gennaro. In Naples, a centuries-old ritual is held every year on the first Saturday of May and September 19th: the Blood Miracle of San Gennaro. In Naples Cathedral, an ampoule, said to have been filled with the blood of San Gennaro, Bishop of Benevento, dating back to 305 AD, is placed next to his chest. Through the passionate prayers of "San Gennaro's descendants" and the vigorous shaking of the archbishop, the dried blood in the ampoule liquefies, a phenomenon known as the "Miracle of San Gennaro."

Via dei Tribunali

Via dei Tribunali (Recommended index: ★★★★★)

Walk a little further from the cathedral and you'll find yourself on this street. It's a street full of the flavor of a busy market, not at all European, but rather a bit like Guangzhou's Xiguan Street.

I've come to like Naples a little bit. Although it's a bit messy, it's not as bad as others say. It gives me more of a sense of European life. No more high-rise churches and palaces, no more luxury brand stores, no more coffee smells all over the streets.

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

The Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore (Recommended Index: ★★★★☆)

San Lorenzo Maggiore is an ancient church in the historic center of Naples, Italy, one of the two basilicas on Piazza Gaetano. The site of the church was once the site of a Roman temple. Archaeological remains of an ancient Roman market have been discovered beneath the church.

Built in the late 13th century on the foundations of a 6th-century Early Christian basilica, it was in this church that the writer Boccaccio first saw the girl he praised in his book Fiameda.

Beneath the church lie the remains of ancient public buildings dating back to Greco-Roman times. Remains of buildings dating back to the 4th century BC have been discovered, including the former Piazza San Gaetano, the macellum (Roman food market), which remains the heart of the modern city above ground.

Sansevero Museum

Museo Cappella Sansevero (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

The Basilica of San Severo, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Pietà, is no longer used for religious purposes. It is one of Naples' most important museums, housing artworks by renowned Italian artists from the 18th century.

You can use your Artecard to get a €2 discount here. When we arrived, we waited in line for 10 minutes to get in. Everyone was there for the same artwork: the "Veiled Christ" (Cristo Velato). The sculpture was incredibly lifelike, and the veil covering Jesus looked so lifelike that you couldn't help but want to lift it to see him. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited in the museum!!!

(The picture below is from the Internet)

In addition to the "Veiled Jesus," there are many other beautiful sculptures, all of which are extremely detailed and look like the real thing! I really recommend everyone to visit.

The small museum was quickly visited. Don't forget that there are two skeletal human torsos with intact blood systems that were used for experiments on the basement floor. These were dissected by Prince Sangro, a famous alchemist in history. The two torsos belonged to a man and a woman, both of whom were servants in the general's family. Because the general was obsessed with studying the structure of the human body, many of his servants were used for human experiments.

Antica Pizzeria

Lunch: Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo (Recommendation: ★★★★☆)

Via Dei Tribunali 94, 80138, Naples, Italy We originally wanted to go to another restaurant, Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, but there were so many people there that we didn’t have time to wait, so we had to choose another pizza shop on the street.

While not the first, this is one of the original pizza places in Italy, and indeed in the world. Furthermore, a photo of President Clinton dining at the restaurant during his visit is prominently displayed on the wall.

There were also many people queuing up. The store only sold three things: a Margherita pizza, a fried pizza (fried cheese pie), and fried rice balls (tangyuan).

1.5 euros each, don't be fooled by the small size, one is more than enough for one person! Finally, I tasted the most authentic Italian pizza in the world. Actually, it may not be popular with Chinese people. It feels like a flour tortilla + sauce. The tortilla is well made, but those of us who are used to American pizza may not be used to this kind of pizza without toppings.

In fact, Naples’ famous Margherita pizza is famous for its sauce, mozzarella cheese + delicious local tomatoes + basil. This simple green, red and white color is also the color of the Italian flag!!!

Pasticcerie Leopoldo

Dessert: Pasticcerie Leopoldo SRL (Recommendation: ★★★★★)

Via Chiaia 258/259, 80121, Naples, Italy The desserts at this shop on the street are very attractive.

Baba resembles a small golden mushroom, smells sweet and winey, and has a playful name: baba. The name is said to come from Alibaba, the man who cried "Open Sesame." Centuries ago, through various medieval marriages (each with its own cook), this rum-infused dessert arrived in Naples from Central Europe, evolving from a large cylindrical shape to a smaller mushroom. Later, its recipe was recorded in the first Italian cookbook, effectively making it a true Italian dessert.

Today, baba has become a signature Naples dessert. Neapolitans love it so much that they've even given it a name with many beautiful meanings. For example, if a Neapolitan says, "You're a baba!" don't think they're insulting you and slap them; they're complimenting you: "So sweet!" Baba is also used to describe something truly wonderful or amazing! In short, it's a word that embodies all the good things in one!

There are many ways to eat baba. A common way is to cut it vertically, spread cream on it, and top it with red and green candied fruits or fresh fruit. Alternatively, you can pile several babas together to create a large cake, then top it with cream and candied fruit or fruit. However, the truest way to test the taste of baba is to do it without any other ingredients. One bite into it, and the soft, smooth texture, sweet flavor, and rich rum aroma are so delicious that you can't help but exclaim: "What a baba!"

National Archaeological Museum of Naples

Naples National Archaeological Museum (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is Italy's most important archaeological museum. The majority of its collection is from towns near Naples (such as Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum) that were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in August 79 AD. The collection features artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and even Egypt, with a small number of Renaissance pieces. A visit is a must for Pompeii enthusiasts! The mosaics and frescoes are exquisite, and the crowds are minimal, allowing for a thorough inspection. The current ticket price is 13 euros, but Artecard holders get free entry.

The museum has four floors, and the underground floor is mainly used to store mummies.

Unearthed in 1546 at the Baths of Caracalla, this statue of Hercules, renowned in antiquity, was the work of the great Greek sculptor Lysippus. It dates back 500 years, dating back to the Roman era. The original no longer exists, and this is a Roman-era replica signed by Glicon.

The largest marble sculpture, weighing 37 tons, was unearthed at the Baths of Caracalla in the summer of 1545. It depicts a tragic story: Queen Dir, driven by jealousy, torments Antimoque and orders two young men to kill her. Unaware that they are illegitimate twins of Antimoque and Zeus, a shepherd reveals this to them. They then tie Dir to the horns of an ox, holding the ox's head down. The mother urges her sons to restrain themselves, but they are enraged. One pulls her back, ready to throw her at the ox's feet, thereby executing Dir. The sculptor depicts this tense scene. The scene takes place in a mountainous area dedicated to Dionysus, hence the idyllic depiction at the foot of the figure. This sculpture may be from the Greek island of Rhodes or a Roman replica.

Tips: There are also vending machines, automatic coffee machines, bookstores and various sarcophagi on the first floor.

The most important museums are the collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum! All of Pompeii's important relics have been relocated here, while the originals inside Pompeii are replicas. We recommend visiting Pompeii to see the originals here.

This is on display on the second floor, filled with murals and statues unearthed from Pompeii, as well as all the utensils used by the ancient Romans, such as egg cookers, frying pans, door locks, etc.

"Alexander and Darius" is a unique collection in the world and can be said to be the masterpiece of the Archaeological Museum.

After it was discovered, the painting was praised as the world's pinnacle masterpiece. It was stored in the Naples Museum of Art after being sorted out. It was originally a floor mosaic but was now upright on the wall.

This floor mosaic, from the living room of the House of the Faun in Pompeii, depicts two kings leading their armies in battle. Careful research has confirmed that it depicts the Battle of Issus, during which Alexander the Great of Macedonia and Darius III of Persia fought.

The painting is 8 meters long and is a copy of an original work in ancient Greece. It is made up of 1.5 million small pieces of colorful stones. Although the picture is complicated, it is not messy. There is an overall color tone. Although it has gone through 2,000 years, it is still well preserved.

"Beware of the Dog" was originally the home of a tragic poet in the ancient city of Pompeii. The original has now been moved to an archaeological museum.

This is also one of the museum's most famous works. The people of Pompeii used this lovely way to remind visitors and warn those who wanted to break into the house and steal.

There is also a very famous secret room on the second floor (Secret Room, open to adults only). This room basically contains murals of sexual intercourse between men and women, as well as male organs of various sizes, models and shapes, and a small number of female organs.

The secret room displays various sexual statues, including one of a shepherd god with malicious intent towards a female goat, as well as nine paintings depicting sexual positions, which clients used as reference materials for requesting sexual services. This is a showcase for tourists of the prostitution culture of Pompeii at the time.

Toledo Metro Station

Toledo Subway Station (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

Next to the museum is the "Museo" subway station. We continue to take the L1 subway to another "attraction" that cannot be missed in Naples - Toledo subway station, which is rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful subway stations in the world and is also known as the Starry Sky Metro Station!

Designed by Oscar Tusquets Blanca, the Toledo metro station's interior walls and floors are newly clad in a mosaic of varying shades of blue. Looking up, one is greeted by a dreamy, starry sky, reminiscent of the wondrous ocean scene in "Life of Pi." The sheer spectacle and brilliance are breathtaking.

The concave area on the top, due to special lighting treatment, forms a dreamy tunnel through the reflection of the wall color, which makes people full of fantasy, as if they can lead to another mysterious world.

Toledo Street

Toledo Street (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

Exiting the station, you'll find Naples's main commercial street, Toledo. Also known as the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish quarter), Toledo's streets are wide, unlike the narrow ones seen in other Italian cities. It's quite similar to the pedestrian streets in Guangzhou, with a touch of Spanish flair, and it felt instantly at home.

pasticceria pintauro

Dessert: Pasticceria Pintauro (Recommendation: ★★★★★)

Via Arena Alla Sanita 24, 80137, Naples, Italy. You'll find this shop not far from the Starlight metro station exit! It's a must-see when visiting Naples.

Baking desserts since 1785, this is Naples' oldest pastry shop. Sfogliatella, a Naples specialty, boasts a crispy, fragrant crust and a smooth, sweet filling made from a blend of ricotta cheese, custard, almond cream, and candied fruit. It's best eaten hot! Locals say you haven't tasted sfogliatella without trying Pintauro's.

Galleria Umberto

Galleria Umberto (Recommended Index: ★★★★☆)

This shopping arcade in Naples, located across from the Teatro San Carlo, was built in the late 18th century. The roof of the Galleria Umberto is made entirely of glass, and on clear days, the glass reflects the blue of the sky, a truly beautiful sight. It feels like a replica of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Newcastle

Museo Civico Castel Nuovo (Recommended index: ★★★★☆)

Castel Nuovo, also known as the Angevin Castle, was built by order of the first king of the Kingdom of Naples. It includes the Civic Museum (Museo Civico) and the remains of the castle.

The museum (primarily displaying paintings) is located on the first floor, the second floor offers sea views, and the ground floor houses the remains of the Castel Nuovo (the surface is made of transparent glass, so travelers with acrophobia should be careful; beneath the glass are ancient architectural remains and human skeletons). Also inside the Castel Nuovo is the Sala Dei Baroni (literally, the Baron's Room), with a distinctive rooftop structure.

Napoli Street

Via Caracciolo and Lungomare di Napoli (Recommended index: ★★★★☆)

Afterwards, we walked along the coast, enjoying the breeze, all the way from Castel Nuovo to Castel Vecchio (Castel dell'Ovo), enjoying the sea view of Napoli and feeling the Mediterranean breeze. If the weather was good, we could even see Capri Island and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Egg burger

Castel dell'Ovo (Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆)

You can sit in the Egg Castle from afternoon to dusk and enjoy the sunset over Naples.

At this point in the trip, the weather started to get bad. Seeing large patches of dark clouds covering our heads, we picked up the pace and continued to our next destination.

Church of St. Francis of Paola

Basilica di San Francesco di Paola (Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆)

The Basilica of San Francesco di Paola is a Catholic church in Naples, southern Italy, located west of the city's largest square, the Piazza Plebiscito. Piazza Plebiscito, Naples' largest square, takes its name from the 1860 referendum that decided Naples's accession to the Kingdom of Italy. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Basilica is majestic and imposing, with curved sides, rows of massive columns lining its corridors, a 53-meter-high dome, and a statue of Charles III on horseback in the center of the square.

Construction began in the early 19th century under King Joachim Murat of the House of Bonaparte, who planned the square and its buildings as a tribute to Napoleon. Following Napoleon's fall from power, the Bourbon dynasty was restored, and Ferdinand IV continued the work, but upon completion in 1816 it was given to the church and dedicated to St. Francis of Paolo, who had been a monk there in the 16th century.

Naples Night View Transportation Guide

Naples night scene (Recommended index: ★★★★★)

As one of the world's three most famous night views (along with Hakodate, Hong Kong, and Naples), the best place to see Naples at night is Castel Sant'Elmo. The viewpoint is located at Morghen Station, so no matter where you take the subway, you must first arrive at Montesanto Station, then take the cable car from Montesanto to Morghen Station. See the image below for a clearer view.

Linea 1 (subway) and Funicolari (mountain cable car) are both operated by ANM. Linea 2 is actually operated by Trenitalia (Italian National Railway), so you cannot use TIC one-way tickets and need to buy national railway tickets.

A one-way TIC ticket costs €1.50 and allows you to ride the metro and cable car for 90 minutes, so if you don't have an Artecard, be sure to check carefully! A Taiwanese user's guide shows you how to get from Garibaldi Station near the train station to Montesanto Station. Although the metro map above shows the two Montesanto stations connected, there's no connecting passage, so you need to walk a short distance after exiting the station to change trains. You can Google this route, but the full name of the Montesanto cable car station is actually: Stazione di Montesanto. See the image below:

However, if you follow the method of Taiwanese netizens and start from Garibaldi, you will have to take L2, and you will have to buy two tickets. Of course, if you hold an Artecard, it doesn't matter.

Baobao recommends another method here, which is to take the entire L1 line. For example, we took the L1 line from Toledo Station to Dante Station.

Dante Station is also Naples's commercial street. Even at night, it is very popular, so don't worry too much. If you go early, you can also stroll around Dante Square or the surrounding area.

For detailed directions, please refer to the map below. It is not difficult at all, and you will come across a very cheap Supero supermarket on the way (marked with a star in the upper right corner, address: Vico Mastellone, 16, 80135 Napoli, Italy).

Once you enter the cable car station, you'll see many different lines. Be careful not to get on the wrong one; make sure you check carefully. First, enter the station on the first floor using your Artecard or TIC ticket (valid for 90 minutes, take advantage of it). Then take the escalator up to the second floor to catch your ride. To reach Morghen Station, look for the Funicolare-bound cable car. You'll see a cable car similar to Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, with many steps. Since there are only two stops, just go to the main station. The service is very frequent, running about every 20 minutes.

Note: Please pay attention to the return schedule, especially the last bus, so as not to leave the mountain too late.

After exiting the station, look for the small square in front of Castel Sant'Elmo. Follow the signs toward Castel S. Elmo, which is on the right as you exit the station. At the end, where there are no more signs, continue right. (I recommend using a GPS or Google Maps.) You'll reach the square in front of the castle, with some bars along the way.

Dinner Recommendations

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★)

Via Cesare Sersale 1/3, 80139, Naples, Italy

Da Michele, the most famous pizza shop in Naples, was founded in 1870. The pizza in Naples is the best in Italy, so this is the best pizza in the world!

It's impossible to eat the world's best pizza without queuing up. The shop is lined with people. You have to go in and get a number. The staff will ask if you want to eat in or take out, and then give you a number. Take out is usually faster. When it's almost time, your number will be called and you'll be asked to pay at the cashier near the door. Pizzas come in large, medium, and small sizes. This place definitely ordered the Margherita.