Napoli: Ancient Urban Structure, Underground World and Opera

A city where history becomes walkable

Napoli combines ancient urban planning, underground history, opera and lively streets to create an exceptionally diverse destination. In the historic centre of Napoli, the rectangular grid of the ancient Greek Neapolis can still be recognised today. This centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. Those travelling with different interests can combine historical traces, architecture and walks here without reducing the character of the city to a single attraction.

Beneath the city and in its historic squares

The Napoli Sotterranea excursion offers a special perspective. It leads 40 metres underground and through 2,400 years of Napoli’s history. The evidence included there ranges from the remains of an ancient Greco-Roman aqueduct to air-raid shelters from the Second World War. Napoli Sotterranea also offers cultural activities and guided tours of underground Napoli. This makes the visit an experience in its own right, clearly distinct from a classic walk through the streets.

Above ground, further notable buildings and squares are concentrated here. Piazza del Plebiscito is home to the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, considered one of the most significant examples of Neoclassical architecture in Italy. Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, is a medieval and Renaissance castle as well as a landmark of Napoli. The Palazzo Reale was the historic residence of the Spanish viceroys. In San Gregorio Armeno, you will also encounter the alley known as the street of nativity scenes – a feature that gives Napoli an unmistakable cultural character.

City walks with different focuses

For orientation in the historic centre, the official city map identifies two named routes. Il Decumano Superiore runs from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to Parco Re Ladislao. Il Decumano Inferiore leads from Piazza del Gesù Nuovo to Ruota dell’Annunziata. The two routes offer you a clear way to plan a city walk thematically while getting to know different parts of historic Napoli. In addition, visitors can discover the treasures of the historic centre as they walk through its streets and alleys.

The coast is also part of the city’s historic character. The UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves Roman archaeological remains along the coast of Napoli, as well as restored small boat harbours from Castel Nuovo to Capo Posillipo. This aspect complements the old town with a different view of Napoli: alongside churches, palaces and underground spaces, archaeological traces and small harbour facilities come to the fore.

Culture for different travel days

By reservation, MANN offers tactile and multisensory tours of the museum’s masterpieces and most important collections. This allows a museum visit to be planned specifically as an experience in its own right. For a musical evening, there is Teatro San Carlo: founded in 1737, it is the oldest continuously active opera house in the world. This allows you to vary your days – with a guided visit underground, a tour of squares and alleys, a museum programme or an evening at the opera house.

When choosing your holiday apartment in Napoli, it is worth first establishing the rhythm of travel you want. If historical details and routes through the city are the focus, planning around the old town, museums and named city routes suits this priority. If you would like to combine different impressions, you can spread underground history, architecture, the coast and opera across separate days. Accommodation serves as a starting point for your personal combination, without every travel group having to follow the same itinerary.

More destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to compare destination pages for places besides Napoli, here is a compact selection: Nerano, Pozzuoli, Ottaviano, Marano Di Napoli, Marigliano, Nola, San Paolo Bel Sito and Saviano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Naples.