Between history and beauty: a stroll through the historic centre of Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito (Plebiscite Square)

Our journey through this part of the city begins in Piazza del Plebiscito. This majestic square is home to the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, an imposing neoclassical building inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The square is surrounded by the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Theatre, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the historic centre.

The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli)

The Royal Palace of Naples, so imposing on the outside, is even more impressive on the inside. Climb the Scalone d'Onore (Staircase of Honour), described as one of the most beautiful ever designed, and you'll reach the historic flat, with dozens of rooms including the throne room and the royal chapel. Outside the palace, a number of gardens enhance it, including the Cortile del Belvedere and the Roof Garden, from which you can admire the Gulf of Naples.

Spaccanapoli is a street that winds its way through the historic centre, dividing the city in two and clearly visible from the Belvedere of San Martino, one of the city's most picturesque landmarks. Walking along this street, you can breathe in the authentic atmosphere of Naples, between the typical craft shops, the historic buildings and the wonders of the city.

Church of the New Jesus (Chiesa di Gesù Nuovo)

On this itinerary, you will cross the Piazza del Gesù and then visit theChurch of the Gesù Nuovo before continuing towards the Piazza San Domenico Maggiore to visit the Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel.

Naples Cathedral (Duomo)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Naples, is known to all as the Duomo of Naples. It was built in the late Middle Ages to house the city's archdiocese. It was not long before the relics of St January, also known as San Gennaro, the patron saint of the Neapolitans for centuries, were placed here. The Neapolitans were convinced that their saint had protected them from the great plague of 1497.

For these reasons, the cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of San Gennaro, or Saint Januarius in Latin.

This place of extraordinary religious architecture houses the famous Treasure of San Gennaro, which includes masterpieces of great value: paintings, gold objects, jewels, precious textiles and all the gifts of kings and queens. Among these is the fabulous mitre shown below.

Spaccanapoli extends as far as Via Duomo, where the Duomo di Napoli (Cathedral of Naples) stands out, housing the treasure of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint. Its imposing façade and richly decorated interior bear witness to the wealth of Naples and the city's close links with religion and popular beliefs.

For the more courageous, Naples offers a journey into its bowels with a visit to Napoli Sotterranea, the Underground Naples, a truly unique experience to discover the city's ancient past. During the tour, you can explore tunnels, caves and shafts dating back to Greco-Roman times and discover how they have been used over the centuries.