Dear travel friends and lovers of ethical fashion,
Today, I am pleased to take you on an extraordinary adventure through the historic streets and cultural wonders of Naples, a city I left 2000 years ago and rediscovered with wonder. Join me for an unforgettable day in this vibrant and timeless city.
Arrival in Naples – Napoli Centrale Station
Our journey begins at the Napoli Centrale station, accessible by the Circumvesuviana after a departure from Pompeii. As soon as you arrive, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the modern city, a fascinating contrast with the ancient memories I had in memory. Head to Garibaldi Metro Station for our first stop.
Step 1: Duomo di Napoli
Take metro line 1 towards Piscinola and get off at Duomo station. Going up via Duomo, you will discover the majestic cathedral of Naples. This sanctuary houses the relics of San Gennaro, the patron saint of the city, known for his miracles and revered by the Neapolitans. cathédrale de Naples. Ce sanctuaire abrite les reliques de San GennaroOne of the most famous miracles is the liquefaction of his blood, which occurs three times a year, attracting crowds of faithful hoping to witness this event. The cathedral also contains a treasure of inestimable value, including a mitre decorated with precious stones. Interestingly, this church belongs to the city of Naples and not to the Church, making it a strong symbol of Neapolitan identity.
Architecturally, the cathedral is a masterpiece that combines several styles. Its construction, begun in the 13th century and completed in the 14th century, reveals a mainly Gothic structure, with magnificent pointed vaults and high flying buttresses. The façade, rebuilt in the 19th century after an earthquake, has a neo-Gothic style with finely carved details and imposing statues. Inside, you will find richly decorated baroque chapels, impressive frescoes and Byzantine mosaics that testify to the artistic evolution through the centuries. This fusion of architectural styles makes the Cathedral of Naples a unique and fascinating monument.
Step 2: Historic Centre
From the Duomo, take Via dei Tribunali, one of the ancient streets of the ancient city of Neapolis. This street is an integral part of the Roman structure of the city, where the main axes were organized according to an orthogonal plan typical of the time. The via dei Tribunali corresponds to one of the major decumanus, the east-west routes that structured the Roman cities, while the cardo, the north-south routes, crossed the decumanus to form a rigorous network.
Walking along this lively street, lined with small shops and traditional pizzerias, you will be transported back in time. Be sure to try a portafoglio pizza or a fritta pizza, typical of Naples.
As you walk through the historic center you will also notice the famous Spaccanapoli, a narrow and long street that cuts the city in half, still following the line of a decumanus. This route, which crosses several historic districts, is one of the most emblematic symbols of Naples, offering a unique perspective on the town’s urbanism and history. For a quieter break, continue to the Complesso della Pietrasanta and admire the oldest bell tower in the city.
You will discover a Naples that, although modern, still retains the indelible imprint of its ancient past.
Lunch – A Tasty Break
In the shade of the bell tower, sit in a local pizzeria to enjoy a pizza while observing Neapolitan life. This moment of relaxation will allow you to enjoy the authentic cuisine of the region, a culinary experience not to be missed.
Step 3: National Archaeological Museum of Naples
the afternoon, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, at only 600 meters from our lunch place. This museum contains priceless treasures from Roman and Greek times, including frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Among the major works, you can admire the mosaic of Alexander the Great, which illustrates the battle of Issos, as well as the striking frescoes of the House of Vettii.
The museum also houses the valuable artifacts of the Villa of the Papyrus of Herculaneum. This villa, one of the most luxurious antique residences, has revealed a unique library of charred papyrus. Thanks to recent technological advances, including the use of 3D scanners and X-rays, researchers have managed to read these ancient documents without unrolling them, thus unveiling new philosophical and literary texts.
Rediscovering these artifacts has filled me with emotion, and I am sure you will be equally fascinated by these exceptional testimonies of antiquity.
Step 4: Royal Palace
Then take the metro at Museo station, direction Garibaldi, and get off at Toledo station, famous for being one of the most beautiful metro stations in Europe. Entering this station, designed by the Catalan artist Oscar Tusquets Blanca, I invite you to look towards the sky, where a cone rises majestically towards the light. This structure evokes both the power of Vesuvius, the emblematic volcano that dominates the horizon of Naples, and the desire to rise to new horizons. The blue tiles that adorn the walls evoke the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which bathe the coasts of Naples. This convergence of symbols makes Toledo station not only aesthetically impressive, but also charged with deep meaning, evoking the intimate relationship between Naples and its spectacular natural environment.
When exiting the metro, walk down via Toledo, a lively pedestrian street, to the Royal Palace. Along the way, you will cross the Umberto Gallery, a magnificent covered shopping gallery dating from the 19th century. Its elegant arcades and glass dome create a majestic atmosphere and transport you back in time, evoking the opulence and refinement of the past.
Arriving at Plebiscito Square, you will be greeted by a vast open space surrounded by imposing buildings. The Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, with its imposing Corinthian colonnade, dominates the square from the top of its steps. Opposite the basilica is the Royal Palace of Naples, a magnificent baroque building that was once the residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples. The square, with its harmonious proportions and grandiose neoclassical architecture, is an emblematic place of the city and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
Continue to the Royal Palace, explore its courtyard, adorned with statues and fountains, and admire the grand staircase that leads to the royal apartments. From the palace gardens, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the port of Naples and the unmissable Vesuvius, majestically on the horizon.
Late Afternoon – A Sweet Break
Before heading back to Piazza Municipio, stop for a lemon granita near the San Carlo Theater. This illustrious theatre is one of the oldest in Europe, inaugurated in 1737. Its magnificent baroque architecture makes it a cultural jewel of Naples. With its richly decorated dressing rooms, painted ceilings and impressive chandelier, the San Carlo offers a unique theatrical experience in a sumptuous setting.
It is a well deserved refreshing break, even if the place is a bit touristy. In the surrounding area, you can also consider a coffee at Gambrinus, a historic café founded in 1860. Located a few steps from the theatre, the Café Gambrinus is an emblematic place where famous personalities such as Oscar Wilde and Alexandre Dumas paraded. Its elegant Belle Époque interior and its lively atmosphere make it an essential meeting place for lovers of Neapolitan culture and history.
Back to the station
To conclude this extraordinary day, take a moment to admire Piazza Municipio, where the majestic Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino. This iconic 13th-century fortress dominates the square with its imposing silhouette, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. From here you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the port of Naples, with its boats that sail peacefully and the Vesuvius that stands in the background.
While contemplating this panorama, you could remember the famous movie "Le Corniaud", where Bourvil recovers the famous Cadillac on this legendary port. And why not consider an upcoming excursion to the enchanting island of Capri? Ferries depart regularly from the port, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery and picturesque life of this legendary island. After this well-deserved break, take the metro L1 towards Garibaldi to return to Napoli Centrale station.
This is how this memorable day in Naples ends, but remember that the memories of this enchanting city will remain with you forever.
Option – Panoramic View at Castel Sant'Elmo
As you stroll through Via Toledo, soak up the excitement of this bustling street. If you still have some time and energy, take the opportunity to live a unique experience by taking the funicular at Augusteo station. This short journey will take you to the top of the Castel Sant’Elmo, offering stunning views of the Bay of Naples, the structure of the neighborhoods and the Spaccanapoli.
This is an opportunity not to be missed to admire the city from a new angle, from the heights of this ancient fortress. The panoramic view from Castel Sant'Elmo will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of Naples, while offering you a welcome break away from the bustling streets. Once this enriching experience is over, you can descend to Via Toledo to continue your exploration of this fascinating city.
Rediscovering Naples after 2000 years, I was overwhelmed by a mixture of nostalgia and wonder. The city has changed, but its soul remains intact, vibrant and eternal. I hope this day will inspire you and that you will fall in love with Naples as I did.
See you soon for new adventures,
Aulus Trebius Valens