What makes this tour special
A tour perfect for art enthusiasts and culture vultures, this full day walking tour of Naples invites you to explore the beauty and history of the city.
- Take in the history of the Castel Nuovo and hear tales of battles and intrigue
- Enter the Piazza del Gesu and marvel at the Neapolitan architecture
- Observe charming churches and locals engaged in their day-to-day lives
- Relax with an espresso in the Piazza San Domenico
- In the Cathedral of Naples, revere the works of timeless artists such as de Ribera and Lanfranco in the Chapel of the Treasury
- See one of the most significant collections of ancient artefacts in the National Archaeological Museum
There’s no doubt that Naples has one of the most impressive historic city centres in Europe, dating back to hundreds of years BC. As designated by UNESCO, it has the largest historic city centre in Europe spanning over 4200 acres.
Castel Nuovo
Your tour begins at one of the country’s largest and most admired castles: Castel Nuovo. Construction began in the late 13th century as a residence for the King of Naples and also to provide security for the city and harbour, hence the castle’s position at the waterfront. Your guide will take you around the inner courtyards and briefly into the museum, recounting many of the stories of battles, royalty and betrayal that happened within these walls.
Historical Centre
After a brisk walk, or an optional taxi ride, you’ll next arrive at Piazza del Gesu, one of the city’s central squares that for centuries has been a hive of local activity. Pass a number of churches as you move east through the city, and in so doing you’ll see ordinary Neapolitans going about their daily business - buying, selling, chatting, propping themselves up against an espresso bar.
Speaking of which it will be time for an espresso of your own in one of the central squares - perhaps Piazza San Domenico. After watching the world go by for a few minutes, you and your guide will move on to one of the highlights of the tour: the Cathedral of Naples.
With almost 1000 years of history and an outward grandeur to match, you will explore the cathedral’s interior and admire the embellishments made by some of the most famous artists of the day, including de Ribera and Lanfranco, in the stunningly beautiful Chapel of the Treasury.
National Archaeological Museum (closed on Tuesday*)
Your final stop of the day will be at the Naples National Archaeological Museum which houses what is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important collections of ancient artefacts in the world.
You will see ancient pieces from Pompeii and Herculaneum, from the old Egyptian civilization, from classical Greece and the Renaissance period. Depending on your interests, your guide will spend more or less time in each section of the museum.
*You and your guide will choose an alternative activity