Napoli’s famous “Spaccanapoli”, one perfectly straight, long street, cuts right through the middle of the historic center. This street may be a paradise for those looking to buy authentic Neapolitan sweets, wine, souveniers, etc. It captures the essence of any historical center whose cobblestone streets lead the way to various ancient churches and monestaries. However, Naples’ Spaccanapoli can’t be mistaken for any other city thanks to the zooming Vespas and exaggerated Neapolitan hand gestures. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander into one of the various shops and sample some delicious limoncello!
Spaccanapoli begins in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, identified by an 18th century baroque obelisck in its center. On the north side of the piazza you will find the famous Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo. The church’s unique facade of protruding pyramid-shaped stones will drawn you inside for a visit. Being from the 16th century, the church is exemplary of the city’s Renaissance architecture. Inside you will find frescoes by Neapolitan artists Cosimo Fanzago, Luca Giordano and Francesco Solimena.
On the east side of the piazza you find the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a reconstructed Gothic style complex. This church is famous for the beautiful, individually hand-painted ceramic tiles that completely cover the nuns’ cloisters. These tiles are a true example of unique local artwork, as the tiles convey scenes of Neapolitan culture and landscape, as well as the nuns’ lives.
Heading east on Spaccanapoli you will eventually hit the crossroad Mezzocannone. Venturing down this street you can visit the Centro Musei Scienze Naturali. One of the natural science museums is the Museo della Mineralogia, which features around 30,000 minerals, making it one of Italy’s most important. Also, take a look at the Museo della Antropologia, Museo della Zoologia and the dinosaur bones at the Museo di Paleontologia.
Back up at the intersection of Mezzocannone and Spaccanapoli you can relax with a beer or a coffee in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. This piazza, along with Piazza Gesù, tends to be a hangout spot for students, as it is right next to the univerity.
Reaching Spaccanapoli is a quick 20 minute walk from the hostel. Just ask one of our staff members to point out the way on your map.
Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo: 081 551 86 13
Hours: 6:45am-1pm and 4-7:30pm
Basilica di Santa Chiara: 081 552 62 09
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm and 4:30-5:30pm. Sun, 8am-1pm and 5:30-7:30pm.
Nuns’ Cloisters: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-6:30pm. Sun, 9:30am-2:30pm.
Price: €4
Centro Musei Scienze Naturali: 081 253 51 60
Hours: Mon, 9am-1:30pm and 3-5pm. Tue-Sun, 9am-1:30pm.
Price: €2.50 each museum or €4.50 for all museums.
Mon, Nov 9, 2009
Napoli City Guide, Travel Guides For Naples