Get to know 5 unmissable places to discover Naples
The most important city in southern Italy
In the south of Italy stands the charming city of Naples, a place full of history, art, culture, gastronomy and football; which in addition to being the capital of the Campania region, is also the city with the largest population in southern Italy.
Naples was founded by Greek settlers in the 8th century BC, but throughout its history, it was ruled by different kingdoms.
Some of these kingdoms were: the Romans, the Holy Roman Empire, French and Spanish; leaving a multicultural imprint, in the Neapolitan city, along with numerous ancient monuments.
The patron saint of Naples is San Gennaro, who lived between the 3rd and 4th century AD, belonging to a family of patricians, who was sentenced to death by the Roman emperor Diocletian for his religious practices.
The other patron saint of the city is Diego Armando Maradona, who played for the Napoli soccer team, sealing the team's golden age, and one of the city's most glorious moments.
Despite the fact that more than thirty years have passed since those historic events, his name continues to be treasured as a beautiful memory, in the hearts of many Neapolitans.
Let's get to know some emblematic places, to get to know the city of Naples, the largest city in southern Italy.
What to see and do in Naples? 5 places you cannot miss
1. Royal Palace of Naples
The Royal Palace was created to house the Spanish viceroys, who held the Neapolitan government; creating in the year 1600, this prestigious palace, which would house numerous royal families.
During the Napoleonic period, the Royal Palace would be occupied by both Joseph Bonaparte and the Habsburgs, and even Victor Emmanuel II, who was one of the last kings of Italy, in the 19th century.
Currently in the Royal Palace of Naples, is the National Library, with an extensive collection of books.
In addition to being the seat of a historical museum, which shows the main rooms, next to the throne of the Neapolitan royalty, the Royal salons and the chapel.
Visiting the Royal Palace is an excellent activity, if you wonder what to do in Naples in 3 days?
2. Underground Naples
Several cities in Europe and the world have an extensive network of tunnels, which have remained ignored by the vast majority of passers-by who walk along the main streets on the surface.
Under the populous city of Naples, there are approximately 400 kilometers of galleries, tunnels, cellars, and cisterns; Of which, tourists can visit only one kilometer, but it is enough to understand the extensive Neapolitan history.
These underground passages were started by the Greeks, and enlarged by the Romans to extract stones.
They were used at different times in history, for example when Christians were persecuted by the Romans; being able to appreciate in certain locations, some murals with Christian motifs.
Another important occasion was during the Second World War, when the Catacombs of Naples saw their greatest use in modern times.
By doing this tour, you will see graffiti, toys and utensils, from the Neapolitans who hid here, during the period of that war.
3. New Castle
Castel Nouvo or Maschio Angiolino are other names given to the imposing New Castle; Other essential things to see and do in Naples.
The absolute grandeur of this incredible castle is due to the fact that it was a medieval construction erected by Charles of Anjou to house his court and become one of the most important political centers in the city.
The most striking and impressive elements are:
Its walls and towers.
The moat surrounding the castle.
The Hall of the Barons.
The Palatine Chapel.
The Civic Museum.
4. Neapolitan pizzerias
If you have asked yourself, what are the best places to eat in Naples? One of the main answers will be, the Neapolitan pizzerias, to discover the charm of these typical dishes in their place of origin.
Pizza was born in Naples in the 18th century, under the concept of a pancake with tomato, made from a thin dough, to which various ingredients can be added.
In Naples, pizza became one of the main dishes of the working class, thanks to its easy and cheap preparation, as well as being a truly delicious dish.
It is said that the famous Margarita pizza was born here, to honor Queen Margarita of Savoy and her husband Umberto I of Italy; using ingredients like those of the Italian flag, red, white and green.
The red came from the tomato, the green from the basil, and the white from the mozzarella cheese, making this pizza the first to use this emblematic ingredient.
In addition to the Margarita pizza, in Naples you can taste the Marinera pizza, which consists of: tomato, oregano and garlic.
During your trip through Naples you will see that pizzas are sold, both in the most luxurious restaurants, and in cheaper places; although always respecting the essence of one of the best delicacies created by human beings.
5. The route of Diego Armando Maradona
We call Diego Armando Maradona route, to the places where the main points are concentrated, where the city expressed its affection, to the great genius of world football.
Diego Armando Maradona arrived in Naples, after his time at Barcelona FC, which would end, after that monumental fight he had in the 1984 Copa del Rey final, against Athletic Club de Bilbao.
It is said that when Diego arrived, he felt identified by the poor children of the city, who reminded him of his difficult childhood in Villa Fiorito in Buenos Aires; wanting to become from the first moment, the idol of Neapolitan childhood.
Little by little, he would realize that his mission in Naples went beyond football, making the cities of the north such as Turin, Milan, among others; respect the city and the Neapolitan people, who had been despised by the cities of northern Italy.
Napoli and Diego Armando Maradona created an emotional story, with its glory passages and ups and downs, which is still remembered by the people of the city; making Maradona the other patron saint of the city, along with the holy martyr, San Gennaro.
We can talk about four emblematic places, which celebrate Maradona's passage through Naples:
The Nilo bar: which has the famous altar in honor of the Argentine star, with his photos, prints, Argentine banknotes, and even a lock of hair; where a large number of soccer tourists go to take a picture.
Giant mural of Maradona, in the Spanish Quarter of Naples: it was created in 1990, when Napoli won its second title in Series A, led by Diego Armando Maradona; to celebrate the figure of the Argentine and the Neapolitan triumph.
Giant mural in the Bronx of Naples: it is a mural created in 2017, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Napoli's first title in Serie A, in 1987. It was created by the artist Jorit Agoch, who has designed several murals of this type, in different cities in Europe.
Diego Armando Maradona Museum : It is not a conventional museum, but its collection of Maradona objects is one of the most complete in the world. It is located in the basement of a building, where numerous jerseys and invaluable objects of Diego will be appreciated.
After the death of Maradona in 2020, the Neapolitan city experienced the duel in a very heartfelt way, paying a posthumous tribute to its most beloved player.
On that occasion, the name of the football stadium, San Paolo, was changed to Diego Armando Maradona, to honor the memory of whoever was the greatest revolutionary in Neapolitan football.
These were some places you must see and know in Naples, the most beautiful city in southern Italy.