Naples Complete Tour – Part 1: travel itinerary

Morning

⬇️ starting point

X. Duomo di Napoli

The tour begins with one of the city’s most sacred landmarks, the Duomo di Napoli (National Monument), home to the blood of San Gennaro. Inside you’ll find the stunning Basilica di Santa Restituta, with its Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte, one of the oldest in the Western world. The route continues into the Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro, which preserves incredible artworks and priceless jewels. Do not miss the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro, a Baroque masterpiece linked to the devotion of the Neapolitan people to their patron saint. The exit onto Via Duomo introduces the lively atmosphere of the historic center.

✨ Entering the Duomo di Napoli means immersing yourself in the city’s most sacred and identity-defining heart, where faith, history, and art are uniquely intertwined.

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A. Pio Monte della Misericordia

Continuing on, you arrive at the Pio Monte della Misericordia, a centuries-old institution housing works of immense value, including Caravaggio’s famous painting Le sette opere di misericordia. Its Quadreria holds a vast art collection. Nearby, in Piazza Cardinale Sisto Riario Sforza, you can admire the Obelisco di San Gennaro, erected as a sign of gratitude after a Mount Vesuvius eruption.

✨ Standing in front of Caravaggio’s Le sette opere di misericordia leaves you speechless: an intense and theatrical masterpiece that captures both the eye and emotions.

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B. Chiesa dei Girolamini

The next stop is the Chiesa dei Girolamini (National Monument), with its splendid Chiostri monumentali (National Monument). The complex houses the historic Biblioteca dei Girolamini, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Italy, and the rich Quadreria dei Girolamini, which includes paintings by Neapolitan and Flemish artists. Do not miss the famous Madonna di Banksy, a piece of urban art that adds a contemporary touch to the area’s artistic heritage.

📌 the Biblioteca dei Girolamini and the Quadreria dei Girolamini are currently closed to the public.

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C. Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore

In Piazza San Gaetano, you will find the Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore, built on the remains of a Roman temple. Inside, the extraordinary Sacrestia di Solimena stands out, frescoed by one of the greatest masters of Neapolitan Baroque.

Afternoon

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D. Napoli Sotterranea

A journey beneath the city leads to the discovery of Napoli Sotterranea🔗, a fascinating path through ancient aqueducts, tunnels, and World War II shelters. Nearby, you can also visit the Teatro Romano di Neapolis, whose entrance is hidden inside a private residence.

📌 Napoli Sotterranea can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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E. Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore

Continue with the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, one of the most important Gothic buildings in Naples. The route includes the Museo dell’Opera di San Lorenzo Maggiore, which tells the history of the basilica, and the fascinating archaeological site La Neapolis Sotterrata, preserving the remains of Greco-Roman Naples.

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F. Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno e di Santa Patrizia

You then arrive at the famous Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno e di Santa Patrizia, with its enchanting Chiostro decorated with frescoes and fountains. The church interior features wonderful Baroque Affreschi. The exit opens onto the iconic Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity scene artisans—a true open-air museum.

✨ Via San Gregorio Armeno is an explosion of colors, workshops, and tradition where the nativity scene becomes living art, unique in the world.

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G. Museo delle Torture di Napoli

For lovers of darker history, the Museo delle Torture di Napoli offers a journey through instruments of punishment and inquisitorial practices, bearing witness to centuries of justice and repression.

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H. Museo Cappella Sansevero

One of the most emotional highlights of the tour is the Museo Cappella Sansevero, home to the famous Cristo Velato 🔗, a sculpture of extraordinary beauty and realism. Inside the chapel, you can also admire the enigmatic works Pudicizia and Disinganno, as well as the mysterious Macchine anatomiche, which have fueled legends about Prince Raimondo di Sangro.

✨ A work that defies reality: the Cristo Velato seems almost alive, sculpted with such detail that it creates an immediate silence of absolute awe.

📌 the Museo Cappella Sansevero can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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I/X. Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo is a shared stop 🧩 – See initial stop of the next itinerary

Morning

⬇️ starting point

I/X – Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo

The tour begins at the spectacular Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, with its unmistakable rusticated façade and richly decorated Baroque interior. In front, in Piazza del Gesù, stands the majestic Guglia dell’Immacolata, a symbol of Marian devotion and a landmark for the people of Naples.

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A. – Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara

The itinerary continues with the magnificent Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara (National Monument), a jewel of Neapolitan Gothic art. The visit to its evocative Chiostri, including the famous Chiostro Maiolicato, offers a unique spectacle thanks to its polychrome majolica decorations. The Museo dell’Opera di Santa Chiara allows visitors to retrace the history of the complex, while the Scavi archeologici reveal traces of the ancient Roman baths on which the monastery was built.

✨ An explosion of color and light: the majolica cloister is one of the most iconic and surprising corners of Naples.

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B. Chiesa di Sant’Angelo a Nilo

Continuing on, you reach the Chiesa di Sant’Angelo a Nilo, which houses the precious tomb of Cardinal Brancaccio, a masterpiece by Donatello and Michelozzo. A few steps away, in Piazzetta Nilo, stands the famous Statua del dio Nilo, an ancient Roman sculpture that testifies to the presence of an Egyptian community in Naples.

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C. Basilica S. Domenico Maggiore

The next stop is the Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore, one of the most important churches in the city. Inside is the evocative Cappella Brancaccio, enriched with artworks, and the sumptuous Sacrestia, which preserves the funerary garments of the Aragonese kings. The Chiostri di San Domenico offer a moment of peace before visiting the Sala del Tesoro, which houses objects of historical and religious value. The exit leads to Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, dominated by the Obelisco di San Domenico, a symbol of the city.

✨ Visiting the Sacrestia and the Sala del Tesoro means stepping into the history of the Aragonese kings, among solemn atmospheres and details that tell centuries of power and faith.

Afternoon

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D. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta

Continuing into the early afternoon, you arrive at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta, one of the oldest churches in Naples. Next to it stands the refined Cappella dei Pontano, a small Renaissance masterpiece. Not to be missed is the Lapis Museum, which allows visitors to explore the underground spaces of the basilica, among tunnels and archaeological remains.

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E. Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco

The next stop is the evocative Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, known for the cult of the “anime pezzentelle.” The route continues in the Museo dell’Opera Pia Purgatorio ad Arco, which explores the deep connection between Neapolitans and the cult of the dead.

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F. Galleria Principe di Napoli

The itinerary continues with a short break at the majestic Galleria Principe di Napoli, an elegant 19th-century covered passage, perfect for a quick pause before diving back into Neapolitan culture.

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G. Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

One of the most important stops is the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli🔗, which houses one of the richest collections of Greco-Roman artifacts in the world. Do not miss the Stazione Neapolis – Museo, which displays archaeological remains discovered during metro excavations.

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H. Museo delle Arti Sanitarie

The journey continues with the Museo delle Arti Sanitarie, located inside the ancient Incurabili hospital. This fascinating place tells the history of medicine in Naples. The visit includes the spectacular Farmacia degli Incurabili, a true Baroque jewel with inlaid wooden shelves and finely decorated ceramic vases.

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I/X. MUSA Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti is a shared stop 🧩 – see the starting point of the next route

⬇️ starting point

I/X. – MUSA Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti

The first stop of the tour is the MUSA – Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti, a place where science and history intertwine through collections ranging from medicine to botany, offering a fascinating glimpse into Neapolitan knowledge and learning.

📌 the Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the table link.

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A. – Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Ruffi

The route continues with the Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Ruffi, a hidden Baroque gem full of charm. Built in the 17th century, the church preserves precious frescoes and stucco decorations that reflect the artistic elegance of the period.

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B. Chiesa di Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia

The tour continues with a visit to the Complesso Monumentale Donnaregina – Museo Diocesano Napoli, which includes two extraordinary churches. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia, with its 14th-century frescoes and striking Gothic architecture, is a true artistic treasure. Next to it, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Donnaregina Nuova showcases richly decorated Baroque style interiors. Particularly noteworthy are the Cori delle monache e delle converse, where nuns could attend services unseen.

✨ Two eras meet in the same space: the contrast between medieval Gothic and Baroque creates a truly unique visual experience.

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C. Museo d’arte contemporanea Donnaregina

A few steps away is the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina (MADRE), the vibrant heart of contemporary art in Naples. Housed in a renovated historic building, the museum features works by Italian and international artists including Mimmo Paladino, Andy Warhol, and Anish Kapoor.

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D. Chiesa di San Giovanni a Carbonara

The itinerary continues with the Chiesa di San Giovanni a Carbonara, one of the finest examples of Neapolitan Gothic architecture. Inside is the majestic Cappella Caracciolo del Sole, decorated with frescoes and polychrome marble. The most impressive work is the Monumento funebre a Ladislao di Durazzo, King of Naples, a monumental sculptural structure dominating the entire nave.

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E. Chiesa di Santa Caterina a Formiello

Continuing on, you visit the Chiesa di Santa Caterina a Formiello, an important testimony of Neapolitan Renaissance art. The church, known for its refined decorations and precious paintings, also preserves important sculptures and frescoes.

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F. Basilica della Santissima Annunziata Maggiore

The next stop is the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata Maggiore, one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in the city. Beyond its majestic architecture, the basilica is known for the ancient “wheel of the exposed”, the mechanism used in past centuries to receive abandoned newborns.

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G. Basilica di San Pietro ad Aram

Another important spiritual landmark is the Basilica di San Pietro ad Aram, considered the place where Saint Peter is said to have celebrated the first mass in the Western world. The church is rich in artworks and houses the “Ara Petri” altar, symbol of Neapolitan Christian tradition.

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H. Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima del Carmine

One of the most iconic stops is the Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima del Carmine Maggiore, linked to the devotion of the Madonna Bruna. Its Campanile is among the tallest in Naples and dominates the historic Piazza del Mercato, a site of major historical events. Inside the basilica, visitors can admire the beautiful Chiostri and the monumental Organo del Carmine Maggiore, an instrument of great historical and musical value.

✨ Inside the Basilica del Carmine, you can feel the most authentic history of Naples: between popular devotion and major historical events, the atmosphere is intense and deeply rooted in local identity.

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I/X. Museo Civico “Gaetano Filangieri” is a shared stop 🧩 – see the starting point of the next itinerary

Day 1

⬇️ starting point

I/X. – Museo Civico “Gaetano Filangieri”

The first stop of the route is the Museo Civico “Gaetano Filangieri”, housed in the splendid Palazzo Como. The museum preserves a vast collection of artworks, ancient weapons, ceramics, and rare manuscripts, offering a journey through the culture and history of Naples.

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A. Chiesa dei Santi Severino e Sossio

The journey continues with the Chiesa dei Santi Severino e Sossio, a building of great historical and religious importance, distinguished by its Baroque architecture. The Sacristy is another jewel of this church, rich in architectural and artistic details. Not far away, the Monumental Cloisters offer a peaceful and evocative setting, perfect for a reflective walk. Finally, the State Archives of Naples represent a fundamental resource for studying the city’s history, preserving invaluable documents and manuscripts.

📌 the State Archives of Naples can be visited by request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the table link.

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B. Real Museo Mineralogico

Continuing on, we arrive at the Real Museo Mineralogico, which hosts a vast collection of minerals from all over the world. Another important museum to visit is the Museum of Paleontology of Naples, where you can admire prehistoric fossils and finds that tell the story of the Earth, from its formation to the evolution of life.

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C. Basilica di San Giacomo degli Spagnoli

The Basilica di San Giacomo degli Spagnoli is a historic church located in the heart of Naples. The Fontana del Nettuno, located nearby, is another symbol of the city, dating back to the 16th century. Continuing on, we reach Piazza del Municipio, one of the most iconic places in the city, which also hosts the magnificent Palazzo San Giacomo, the City Hall.

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D. Quartieri Spagnoli, Metropolitana Via Toledo, Via Toledo

The Quartieri Spagnoli are a lively district of Naples, famous for its narrow streets, artisan shops, and authentic local atmosphere. From here, you can continue to the Via Toledo Metro Station, one of the most modern and impressive in the city. Via Toledo, one of Naples’ main shopping streets, is the beating heart of city life, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

✨ The Via Toledo metro station is one of the most beautiful subway stations in Europe: stepping inside feels like entering a contemporary art installation.

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E. Chiesa di Sant’Anna dei Lombardi

One of the most emotional stops is the Chiesa di Sant’Anna dei Lombardi, which houses the famous Compianto sul Cristo morto by Guido Mazzoni, a work of extraordinary artistic value. The Cappella Piccolomini and the Sacrestia del Vasari are two other important highlights inside the church. The Cripta degli Abati is a fascinating place, a peaceful corner that tells the religious history of Naples. Just a few steps away, we find Piazza Monteoliveto and the Fontana di Monteoliveto, both worth a stop to admire their artistic beauty.

Day 2

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F. Mercato della Pignasecca

The Mercato della Pignasecca is one of the most lively and authentic markets in Naples, where you can find fresh produce, fish, fruit, vegetables, as well as spices and local specialty goods. It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the city and discover its culinary traditions.

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G. Funicolare Stazione Montesanto

From here, take the Montesanto Funicular up to the Belvedere San Martino, a panoramic spot offering a spectacular view over Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Gulf. It is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic views.

✨ Ideal at sunset for an even more breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

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H. Certosa di San Martino

The Certosa di San Martino is one of the most evocative places in Naples, a former monastery that now hosts the National Museum of San Martino. Visiting the Chiostri di San Martino (National Monument), with their elegant arches, is a journey back in time, while the museum’s collections tell the story and art of Naples.

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I. Castel Sant’Elmo

The itinerary concludes with a visit to Castel Sant’Elmo, an imposing medieval fortress dominating the city and offering an exceptional panoramic view. The castle also hosts the Museo Napoli Novecento, dedicated to Neapolitan contemporary art and representing an interesting journey through 20th-century culture.