Naples sights and attractions indicate the reputation that the city has gained for its history, art, and culture over its existence of 2,800 years. Greek and Roman antiquities that include artifacts from Pompeii as well as other findings from that archaeological site make for fascinating viewing. Mosaics, sculptures, glass, silver and gem collections will also enthrall visitors. Its location in between the two volcanoes of Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields gives it a further exotic reminder of its past ages. Sights and attractions in Naples would include museums and churches, and cathedrals that remind you of the magnificence of Neapolitan glory.

Pallazo Reale

The Royal Palace, or Pallazo Reale, is where you can see restored rooms, the apartments of the nobility of Naples, and a roof garden that gives an excellent view of Naples Bay. Just opposite the palace is the San Francesco di Paola, which is a huge domed church. These two attractions are at the virtual center of the city of Naples.

Via San Biagio

Once you are there, the Via San Biagio will be the main street that divides Naples. It is conveniently located in the center of the historical Naples sights that attract the tourists. This was the heart of the centuries-old Greek and Roman part of the city, and its winding streets make a virtual pedestrian zone that is a great place to wander around while you take in the many churches, shops and quaint buildings.

Nativity workshops and stores can be found on the Via San Gregorio Armeno, while other streets like the Tribunali have ancient arcades that are a pleasure to walk in. The Duomo, the 13 th century cathedral, is another Naples sight. This cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro. A vial of his blood is taken out in a yearly festival, when the populace hopes that the blood will liquefy. Nearby is the Basilica Santa Restituta, which has columns from the Temple of Apollo.

Castell dell’Ovo

Besides these ancient structures, Naples also has one of the oldest castles, the Castell dell’Ovo, which is used for concerts and exhibitions. Some of the castles around Naples are over 700 years old and house museums that contain frescoes, silver, bronze, and paintings from earlier centuries.

Teatro San Carlo Opera House

An opera house that is over 250 years old is the Teatro San Carlo, and its excellent acoustics make it one of best places in the world to hear operas. Watching a performance there from one of the many famous opera companies can truly be one of Naples most impressive sights.

Children will be fascinated by the Funiculare, which takes you up the hills to some fabulous views that cover a large part of Naples. One of these funicular railways is one of the longest in the world.

The Orto Botanica is a botanical garden that has the reputation of being the best in Italy, and is worth spending a day in. One can also visit Naples University, which was founded in 1224 and is thus one of the continent’s oldest universities. Finally, one can wind up the sightseeing tour of Naples by going on a boat trip around the Bay of Naples that further expands the area of sightseeing to other areas around Naples.

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During your Naples vacation, you will find out very quickly that the city and surrounding areas are filled with historic sights. Although the structural conditions of some important sights have been neglected for several years, one must admit, that the city has improved a lot. The beautiful Piazza del Plebiscito is closed off for traffic and the port of Molo Beverello (boats for Capri and Ischia) looks a lot better too.

The historic center is where the most important sights are. The Church of Santa Chiara, Chapel of San Sansevero, the church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli and the street of San Gregorio Armeno are highlights here.

The National Archaeological Museum is an absolute must for lovers of Roman and Greek culture, with lots of stuff from Pompeii. For paintings head to the Museo and Galleria di Capodimonte.