Visiting Naples isn’t just about the city center; the bay of Naples has a huge amount to offer and something to suit just about any tourist.  Here’s a good suggestion for how you could spend three days in and around Naples.

Day One: Pompeii and Vesuvius

Doing Pompeii and Vesuvius in one day is not for the feint hearted, but follow our plan and it’s definitely do-able.  Rise early, grab yourself a quick cappuccino and cornetto from the bar outside the hostel and make your way into the port to catch the bus to Pompeii.  Try and get the bus around 8 or 9 to make the most out of your day; after all, you do have a volcano to scale and an ancient buried city to explore…Pompeii isn’t great food-wise, so in order to avoid over-priced and low-caliber grub, take some snacks with you.

From the ‘Pompeii Scavi’ stop (be careful: the bus keeps on going, we don’t want you ending up deep in mafia country) head into the ‘Vesuviana Mobilità’ office, directly in front of you when you get off the bus.   Here they sell the tickets for the bus that takes you within spitting distance of the summit of the volcano (yes,  it is still active but you should be safe enough, it hasn’t erupted now since 1944).  It’s just a short walk further until you can peer into the crater itself, although don’t forget to take a good look around you; this is one of the best views of Naples and the bay possible.  Make sure you take it all in but don’t get too comfortable, you still have the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by Vesuvius’ famous explosion in AD 79, waiting for you at the bottom.

Get the same bus down as you got up, and this will drop you right at the entrance of the ancient city.  Pay your entrance (it’s half price for EU  citizens under 25 and teachers so make sure you take some ID) and I’d recommend getting the audio-guide, which takes you on a guided tour of the whole site.  In total the audio-guide takes 5 hours, but you can always skip around the tracks to suit your own schedule.  I attempted to do Pompeii without a guide apart from the free little booklet they provide but regretted it, you end up walking around like a lost sheep, getting bored and going home early.

Buses aren’t so frequent on the way back, so get on the Circumvesuviana  train from where you got off the bus.  This train takes you all the way backs to the central station in Naples and jump on the R2 bus back to the hostel. An all-day ticket (the Unico Campania Fascia 3 Giornaliero)to and from Pompeii, including all buses in Naples itself, will set you back €4,60.

I know it sounds all sounds a bit daunting but don’t worry, you’ll get all your energy back in the evening on you return to Naples, with a delicious meal at Hosteria Toledo (http://www.hosteriatoledo.it/).  This cute little restaurant is set in the Quartieri Spagnoli, just off the main drag Via Toledo.  Here you can sample the array of Naples’ finest traditional dishes made in-house including homemade pastas, fish and meat.  It’s also  reasonably priced; a two course meal with wine here will cost you around €15.

If you still have any energy left, why not have a drink in the lively Piazza Bellini.  The bars here are relaxed but  get very busy with people sitting outside during the summer months.  Some are cheaper than others so shop around if you’re on a budget.  Take in the atmosphere but make sure you don’t over-do it, tomorrow’s another big day!

Day Two: The city of Naples

Many tourists bypass Naples to get down to the Amalfi Coast or to go to the islands, but they just don’t know what they’re missing.   Naples is jam-packed full character, with history and museums galore.  So that you can get the most out of your day exploring the city, here is our suggestion for Naples in only a day.

Naples is what some would describe as an acquired taste.  There’s nowhere quite like Naples for getting the true ‘Italian experience’; the atmosphere in this city is second to none.  It is, however, not for the feint-hearted but in order to really appreciate all it has to offer you need to embrace all the city has to offer.  Forget all the scare stories you’ve been told, Naples is like any other big city you’ve travelled through. you’re no more likely to lose your purse or wallet here than in Milan or Rome.

There’s nothing better to start off your day in Naples than a rich, Neapolitan coffee (just about any bar will do but for something a bit special try the caffè alla nocciola with a delicious pastry.  All sugared-up, get yourself lost in the winding streets and alleyways of the centro storico (the old town) visiting along the wall Piazza del Gesù, Spaccanapoli, the Duomo, Via San Gregorio Armeno famous for it’s year-round nativity scene shops, Piazza Dante and Piazza Bellini.

Having worked up an appetite experiencing Naples’ historic centre, there’s a treat in store.  Naples is known worldwide as the home of the pizza, and believe me, you will not be disappointed.  Head to Via Tribunali and one of the two most famous pizzerias: Gino Sorbillo or Di Matteo both as good as each other, these are best (and for some reason cheapest) in the city.

You’ve spent the morning very much in the thick of it, so how about seeing the city and its famous neighbor Vesuvius from above?  Feel free to relax your stomach for a while over another coffee before heading down the main shopping street Via Toledo until you reach the magnificent Piazza Plebiscito housing the Royal Palace.  Right next-door is the famous San Carlo theatre itself recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  From here, wander through the Galleria Umberto until you’re back onto Via Toledo and facing the funicular train stop ‘Piazza Augusteo’.  Take the train to the last stop ‘Piazza Fuga’ and follow signs to Castel Sant’Elmo.  From here you get the most fantastic view of Naples and it’s surroundings. You can see the ominous Mount Vesuvius, the beautiful coastline as well as the bustling city below you.  Sit here among the lovers and enjoy a cold drink from the bar.  If you have a chance the Certosa di San Martino, the Carthusian monastery is certainly worth a visit.

If Naples hasn’t already completely worn you out then it has one last trick up its sleeve: Nennella.  There are huge amount restaurants worth a mention in Naples but, if you have just one night in the city, Nennella is an unfortgeattable experience.  Run by a family (and yes, mamma is in the kitchen) this restaurant is not the kind of place where you can sit for hours sipping at your drink but there’s nothing like force-feeding you atmosphere.  Don’t worry if the waiters start dancing-or even if they force you to dance with them-its all part of the experience. Plus: a four-course meal with all the cheap table wine you can handle will set you back around 12 Euros…

Day Three: Capri Island

Capri is a must-see for any tourist, and Naples is the perfect base to visit it from.  Staying on Capri is typically reserved for the super-rich, so getting the ferry over from the mainland for a day trip is the perfect option for most.  The island of Capri is luxurious, but luxury doesn’t come cheap.  For an equally beautiful but cheaper and arguably less touristy option, try the island of Ischia, Capri’s bigger cousin.  Ischia also has the better beaches, so if you’re looking to have a day lazing around on the beach and having a dip in the Mediterranean then head here.

Having said that, visiting Capri is well worth it.  If you are trying to save money just make yourself up a lunch to bring with you to avoid tourist-priced food.  To have as much time on the island as possible before the last boat home in the evening, get up early, grab a quick breakfast to enjoy on the ferry and head to the port, Porta di Massa, about 5 minutes walk from the Hostel.  The cheaper ferries cost €9.60 and take around 1 ½ hours, but if their timetable doesn’t suit you, hydrofoils leave from the adjacent port, Molo Beverello, roughly every half an hour, cost around €17 and take 45 minutes.  Both ferries will bring you into the Marina Grande, a short funicular train away from Capri Town, the largest town on the island.  Capri Town is fairly self-explanatory; a seriously cute maze of teeny tiny cobbled streets and exclusive boutiques, leading you out every now and again to another beautiful view of the island’s  cliff shoreline.  For a change of scenery hop on an über-cute miniature bus to this tiny island’s other town, and long-term rival Anacapri.  Here you can take a short chairlift to the island’s highest point for  picture postcard  views.

If you do fancy a swim, there are options on Capri, although the majority of the coastline is cliffy.  Catch another bus (don’t worry, the island is only big enough for each coach trip to take about 15 minutes, even allowing for traffic!) to Marina Piccola and wind your way down the steps to the small but gorgeous beach at the bottom.

Another tourist favorite is the Grotta Azzura (the Blue Grotto).  Boat trips can be taken from Marina Grande, where the ferry docks, and cost around €15-20.  Although they will definitely ask, don’t feel forced to give your guide a tip, unless you feel he deserves it.  The grotto was  reportedly used as a swimming pool by Emperor Tiberius and, depending on your guide and  weather conditions, you can literally bathe in this cave’s history…

Make sure you don’t miss the last ferry: times vary with the seasons, so make sure you ask at the reception before you go, and prepare yourself for another feast back in Naples.   You might well fancy another pizza (and I don’t blame you) so try whichever pizzeria you didn’t make it to yesterday.  If you fancy trying any other one of Naples’ specialties, our recommendation is  Trattoria del Buongustaio.  Another classic Neapolitan restaurant,  Trattoria del Buongustaio is cheap and very cheerful.  Try the steak and friarielli  or any one of the primi  that change day by day…if it’s on offer, the genovese is particularly good.

On the way back to the hostel buy a bottle of wine- there are plenty of local ones to try out- and sit out in Piazza del Gesù  watching one of the frequent live concerts  that this square hosts.

The Quartieri Spagnoli area (the Spanish quarters) of Naples is one of the poorest areas and as is true of the rest of Naples, the poorer the area the more religious it is. Along with life-size statues of Padre Pio and shrines to various saints and dead relatives, this area contains an enourmous amount of churches. Although not one of the most famous, La chiesa di Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe (The Church of St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus) attracts a particular type of visitor: this church has a repuation throughout Italy for helping women experiencing problems conceiving, and people travel from far and wide (I once met a couple who’d made the trip all the way from Turin) with the hope that the nuns’ blessing will help them to get pregnant.

The church itself is small and very beautiful, but it’s not until you make the climb up the winding staircase that the miracles happen. If you weren’t already convinced, the walls are plastered with the ‘new arrival’ cushions common in Italy: proof of the nuns’ success. Not hoping to get pregnant myself any time soon, I declined the offer to sit in the famous chair where the magic happens, but the popularity and belief in the mircacle can be seen in the queues of women that flock here every day.

The Naples underground has a history that most people don’t know much about.  It wasn’t even until recently that Neapolitans themselves drew their attention to it, although it was born and has grown with the city of Naples itself.  This simultaneous growth is most obviously demonstrated by the identical  symbols and graffiti found on the underground’s quarry walls and on the walls of the city blocks above.

The very first excavations took place 5,000 years ago, and were then proceeded by Greek intervention.  The Greeks obtained tufa stone blocks by digging deep into the ground and used it to build the city walls and temples.  They also dug caves  for use as graves known as hypogea.  During the Augustan Age the Romans continued digging, eventually creating a 400 km long aqueduct named Claudio.  Because of rapid city growth, by the 17th century the Greek Roman aqueduct had to be extended.   In 1629 the Neapolitan nobleman named Carmignano built a new aqueduct in order to finally solve the problem.

In 1884, due to the cholera epidemic, people stopped digging and the aqueduct was definitely closed.  The result was the abandonment of two million square meters of tunnels and empty space.  The most recent use of the caves was during WWII when Neapolitans used them as air-raid shelters.  Because of extensive damage during this time, some parts of the caves are not reachable.

Address: Piazza San Gaetano, 68

Phone: 081 296 944, cell 368 354 0585

Hours: Mon-Fri, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00.  Thursday also at 21:00. Sat-Sun & holidays, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00.

Directions: Turn right our of hostel.  Turn right on the first main street that you come to, Via Depretis.  Follow Via Depretis, which becomes Corso Umberto.  From Corso Umberto turn left on Via Mezzocannone (by the university).  Continue up the hill into the historic center until you arrive at Via dei Tribunali.  Turn right and follow Tribunali until you reach Piazza San Gaetano.  The sign for Napoli Sotterranea is on your left side.

The tours last about 1 hour and a half.  It is advisable to wear a sweater even if it is hot outside.

More info: www.napolisotterranea.org

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are underground paleo-Christian burial sites in Naples and are the most important such sites in Italy south of Rome. They are situated in the northern part of the city, on the slope leading up to Capodimonte,  on a site that is now easily identified by the large church of Madre del Buon Consiglio. Originally there were three separate cemeteries, dedicated, respectively, to Gaudiosus of Abitine Severus of Naples, St. Januarius. These Catacombs in Naples are different from their Roman counterparts in that they have more spacious passageways along two levels.

The lower level is the oldest, going back to the 3rd-4th century and may actually be the site of an earlier pre-Christian cemetery later ceded to the new sect. It apparently became an important religious burial site only after the entombment there of Bishop Agrippinus of Naples. The second level was the one expanded so as to encompass the other two adjacent cemeteries.

The foundation of San Gennaro extra Moenia is connected with the Catacombs of San Gennaro, the largest Christian catacomb complex in southern Italy. The first structure was probably the result of the fusion of two ancient burial sites, one from the 2nd century CE that contained the remains of Saint Agrippinus of Naples, the first Patron saint of Naples, and the site from the 4th century CE that contained the remains of San Gennaro, the now traditional patron saint of the city.

The site was consecrated to Gennaro (Januarius) in the fifth century on the occasion of the entombment there of his remains, which were later removed to the Cathedral of Naples. Until the eleventh century the catacombs were the burial site of Neapolitan bishops. Between the 13th and 18th century, they were the victim of severe looting. Restoration of the catacombs was made possible only after the transfer of skeletal remains to another cemetery.

Address: Via di Capodimonte 13

Hours: Guided tours only. Tue-Sun, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm

Phone: 081 7411071

Price: €3

Directions: Turn right out of hostel and you will arrive at Via Depretis.  Cross to the bus stop on the other side of the street and catch R4 bus to Via Capodimonte.  Follow alley alongside of the Madre del Buon Consiglio church.

Galleria Umberto I is a spacious and elegant public shopping gallery right across from the San Carlo Theatre. It was constructed between 1887-1891 and named after the King of Italy at that time, Umberto I. It was built with the intention of combining public space- businesses, shops and cafes, with private space- apartments on the above floors.

The construction was the foundation of a decades-long project, leading up to World War I, to rebuild Naples. The project was appropriately termed the risanamento, literally meaning “make healthy again”.  The architectural design is that of Emanuele Rocco, who used modern architectural elements similar of those used for the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

The Gallery has an open and spacious inside with high glass dome ceilings.  There are four glass-vaulted wings, two of which open to the street.  One on the side of Via Toledo, and the other onto the San Carlo Theater.  It is interesting to note that Galleria Umberto was the setting for John Horne Burns’ The Gallery (1947).  It was based on this American writers’ experience as a soldier in post-war Naples.

Directions: Turn right out of hostel, then left on Via Depretis.  Walk towards the castle and pass it by about 100 meters.  Entrance to Galleria Umberto is on the right side of the street, facing the Teatro San Carlo.

The Reale Teatro di San Carlo is Naples’ most well-known opera house and is located right in the nucleus of the downtown area.  It has had the fortune of being recognized as  a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its status as the longest consistently operating venue of its kind in all of Europe.  Over the years the Reale Teatro San Carlo has won many prestigious music awards.

The venue was inaugurated in 1737, on the name day of the Bourbon Charles VII of Naples, November 4th.  From the start  this opera house enjoyed widespread fame and recognition.  Not only because of its grandeur, but also because it had the largest seating capacity, 3,300 people, of all opera houses in Europe.    The inside is appropriately decorated with gold trim and blue upholstery, gold and blue being the official Bourbon colors.

During the days when Neapolitan artists were on top, and the opera house was in its heyday, guests could enjoy not only opera buffa, but also opera seria.  Naples virtually became the capital of European music, and many foreign composers considered a performance at San Carlo as the high point of their careers.  Some notable composers from the Neapolitan school of opera include: Feo, Piccinni, Durante and Anfossi.

If you would like information on seeing a ballet, opera, or musical performance you can go there directly for schedules, or you can check out their website: http://www.teatrosancarlo.it

Box office hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00-19:00.  Sun 10:00-15:30

Phone: 081 79 72 331

Directions: Turn right out of hostel.  Turn left on Via Depretis and head towards castle.  Pass castle and continue up hill about 50 meters.  Theatre is on left hand side on Via San Carlo.

Facing the colossal Piazza Plebescito is the rectangular red Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace, of Naples.  This palace was just one of the four residences of the Bourbon Kings when they ruled during the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.   Like other palaces and castles of Naples, the Palazzo Reale has undergone many operations that have resulted in its current aspect.  Today the palace houses The National Library of Naples,  the Museo del Palazzo Reale, and along with adjacent grounds, part of the San Carlo Theater.

From the palace’s courtyard a gigantic  double staircase leads to the entrance of the  royal apartments.  Today these apartments house the Museo del Palazzo Reale.  Inside the museum you will find an extensive collection of both neoclassical and baroque remains that evidence  how  royalty furnished their residences.  Included are porcelain objects, tapestries, paintings and statues.  As part of the royalty’s life of luxury a private theater was built on the premises, the Teatrino di Corte.  In the Cappella Reale, or Royal Chapel, there is an enormous presepe, a traditional nativity scene.  The national library contains more than 2000 papyruses uncovered at Herculaneum, and also pieces of a 5th century Coptic Bible.  Don’t forget your ID or you’ll miss out.

Royal Palace: 081 40 05 47

Hours: Thu-Tue, 9am-7pm

Price: €4

Directions: Turn right out of hostel.  Take a left on Via Depretis and walk towards the Castel Nuovo.  Walk passed Piazza Municipio and passed the Castel Nuovo.  Continue up Via San Carlo.  You will walk directly into Piazza Trieste e Trento which is the side where you may enter the palace.

The Castel Nuovo is one of Naples’ most prominent landmarks.  It sits conspicuously near the  Bay’s shore and close to the downtown shopping area.  If you have become sufficiently “Italianized” you will probably refer to this castle as the “Maschio Angioino”, as the locals call it.  Take a walk under the famous two-storey triumphal arch, of Renaissance style, at the castle’s enterance, which was built to commemorate the arrival of Alfonso I of Aragon to Naples.

Work began on this castle in 1279, when Charles I of Anjou ordered a castle to be built to house the court.  He did this when the capital of the Kingdom of Naples moved from Palermo to Naples.   It took 3 years to finish construction which was managed by French architects, however, the castle has undergone several reconstructions since the original.  The castle is distinguishable by its facade of tough grey stone imported from Mallorca.

In the following years after construction was complete the castle became the epicenter of important activities and events:  In 1294, in one of the castle’s halls,  Pope Celestine V resigned his position.  Less than two weeks later, also in the castle,  Boniface VIII was elected as the new pope by the cardinal collegium.

In the following years the castle came under assault many times until the Kingdom was finally annexed by Spain in 1494, at which point it was reduced to use as a military fortress.

Inside the castle’s Cappella Palatina you will find worn away traces of Giotto frescoes near the Gothic windows.  You can also visit the Museo Civico that occupies the halls on three separate floors.  There is an abundance of 14th and 15th century sculptures and frescoes, as well as 17th-20th century paintings by Neapolitan artists.

Museo Civico: 081 795 5877

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm

Price: €5

Where: You can’t miss this coming from the hostel! Turn right out of the hostel, walk to the end of our street, look to your left.

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.

Naples’ Duomo is the spiritual  heart of the city.  You may also say that it is the center of Neapolitan superstition.  The cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron, San Gennaro (St. Januarius), and a vial of his blood is held sacredly inside.  During what may be the most important festival  of the city, the Festa di San Gennaro, thousands of people congregate in the Duomo to hope for a miracle.  The Saint’s blood is brought out with the hopes that it will liquefy.  According to superstition, this miracle protects any harm or evil on the city of Naples.  If the blood doesn’t liquefy disaster can strike.  Coincidentally the miracle failed in 1944 and there was an eruption of Vesuvius.  It failed once again in 1980 and an earthquake struck the city.  The festival takes place three times a year, once on the first Sunday of May, and again on 19 September and 16 December.

This cathedral was built on top of previous churches, which were built on top of a temple for the god Neptune.  The present Duomo was began in 1272 by Charles I of Anjou.  Because of countless remodels over the centuries the Duomo’s stylistic characteristics come from several influences.  Inside, in the Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius, the main attraction is the collection of famous frescoes by artists such as Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco, as well as alterpieces by Massimo Stanzione and Jusepe Ribera.  Don’t forget the bronze railing by Cosimo Fanzago and the 14th century reliquary by French masters.   Apart from these works you will find a plethora of other frescoes, canvasses and sculptures throughout the cathedral and the chapels.

Duomo: Via Duomo 081 44 90 97
Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am-12:30pm and 4:30-7pm. Sun, 8:30am-1pm and 5-7pm
How to go: Turn right out of hostel onto Via Depretis which becomes Corso Umberto.  Walk about 10 minutes to Via Duomo.  Take a left on Via Duomo and continue about 5 minutes.  Duomo is on your right side.

Both Certosa di San Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo were architectural feats of their time  and are still recognized today as impressive structures.  Both sit at the highpoint of Naples, in the Vomero area, and lend the most spectacular views of the city and the Bay.  The contrast between the ex-monastery and the ex-military prison sums up the true essence of Naples.

The Certosa di San Martino, or, Saint Martin’s Charterhouse, was initially a Carthusian monastery, completed in 1368.  In the 17th century it’s expansion  was directed by Cosimo Fanzago, and has remained the same exemplary baroque structure we see today.  In the early 19th century, under French dominion, the monastery was shut-down and subsequently abandoned by the religious order.  Today we can enjoy the museum the ex-monastery houses.  There you will find a fine collection of Spanish and Bourbon artifacts.  In addition there are plenty of  famous frescoes and paintings, not to mention one of the world’s finest presepes, or Nativity scenes.

Right next to Certosa stands Castel Sant’Elmo whose origins date back to 1275.  It was originally built in a medieval architectural style, but was modified to serve strategic-defensive purposes.  Seen from an aerial view the castle takes the shape of a six point star, supposedly the most militarily strategic shape.  Ironically, the castle’s military use was minimal.  Instead, it’s dungeons got plenty of use as a military prison up as far as the 1970’s.

Castel Sant’Elmo: Via Tito Angelini, 20.
Tel: 0815784030
Hours: daily, 9:00- 18:30, closed Wednesday
Price: 3 Euro.
How to go: From hostel walk to Via Toledo.  Take the Funicolare Augusteo until the last stop, Fuga.  The Castle is at 5 minutes walking distance.

Certosa di San Martino: Piazzale San Martino 5.
Tel: 0815586408
Museum Hours: 8:30-19:30, closed Wednesday
Price: 6 Euro.
How to go: From hostel walk to Via Toledo.  Take the Funicolare Augusteo until the last stop, Fuga.  The Certosa is at 5 minutes walking distance

The majestic and tranquil “Castle of the Egg” is an ideal and convenient site to see, especially if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Naples’ chaotic downtown.  Once you have visited you will understand why this beautiful Spanish castle is often the focal point of pictures of the Bay of Naples.  The castle appears to float gracefully over the water, as it sits atop the islet Megaride, linked to the mainland by bridge.   Besides touring the picturesque halls of the Castel dell’ovo you may also have the chance to see one of the periodical art exhibits at the on-site museum.

You may be wondering about the origin of this castle’s strange name.  Well, legend has it that the classic poet Virgil placed a magic egg under the foundations of the castle as a way to protect it.  Unfortunately, if the egg breaks, both the castle and the entire city will meet their doom.

The small islet was first colonized by Greeks in the 9th century B.C.   Since this time, the islet has been under control of various rulers, who have transformed the edifice from a fortress, to a Roman villa, to a monastery, and to a castle (the city’s oldest).

Places to visit inside the castle include the Museum of Ethno-Prehistory, Sala delle Collone (”Columns Hall”), and Loggiato.  For spectacular views don’t miss the Torre Maestra and the Torre Normanna.  If you want to dine, just outside the castle there are old fisherman’s houses which have been turned into quality restaurants.   The site is only a 15-20 minute walk from the hostel.

Phone: 081-2400055

Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm. Sun, 8am-2pm

Bus: 152, C25, or 140

Admission: Free for castle.  Prices vary for exhibits, 10% discount with Artcard.

If you enjoy history, archaeology and ancient relics you will definitely want to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The museum is one of the most important and leading archaeological museums in the world. It contains an unprecedented collection of Roman-Greco antiquities from Pompeii, Stabiae, Herculaneum and other archaeological sites located in and around the region of Campania. It is also the oldest archaeological museum in Europe.

The building which houses the museum was built during the later half of the 16th century, initially called the ‘Palace of the Royal Studies’. Among the most important in the museum is the Farnese collection of Charles of Bourbon, including Roman sculptures and portraits, added to the museum at the beginning of the 19th century and the archaeological findings from Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae, towns buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The museum contains over 100 various exhibitions located throughout the basement, mezzanine, ground and first floors of the museum, some dating as far back as 200 BC. Also in the collection are many sculptures attained from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other archaeological sites in Campania. The frescoes located throughout the museum, collected from various sites around Campania and southern Italy give us a wonderful insight into the everyday life in these cities during Ancient times. These paintings range from human sacrifices to burial rites to the beginning of spring. What perhaps amazes the most is that these frescoes, sculptures and other antiquities have survived so well the eruption of Vesuvius as well as over 2000 years of existence.

Opening times: Tuesdays closed, Wednesday-Monday   9am – 7.30pm

Admission: €6,50, 18-25 years €3,25, under 18 and over 65 free

How to get to the museum:

The museum is located in the historical centre of Naples, at the top of ‘Via Toledo’ and is easily reachable by foot from Hostel of the Sun, by taking the Metro Line 1 to ‘Museo’ station, or the buses R4, C57 or C63.

Piazza Museo, 19

The Museum owes its name to the building that houses it, the Palazzo Donnaregina, which stands next to the Monastery of S. Maria Donnaregina. All that remains today are two churches: the church of S. Maria Donnaregina on Piazza Donnaregina, built in the baroque period, and the earlier church of S. Maria Donnaregina Vecchia, in Quattrocento Gothic, today open to the public during exhibitions and special events organized by the Museum.
In June 2005, the MADRE celebrated its new premises by opening the site-specific installations on its first-floor rooms. This was followed in December 2005 by the inauguration of the historical collection housed on the second floor. The third floor of the building houses temporary exhibitions, current details of which can be found on the museum website.

Via Settembrini 79, 80139 Napoli
+39.081.193.13.016

OPENING TIMES:
Wednesday-Sunday
10.00am – 00.00pm
Tuesday: CLOSED

ADMISSION:
Ticket € 7,00
Reduced € 3,50
Special pre-booked groups [max 30]: € 4,00
INFO AND RESERVATIONS
Phone: +39.081.193.13.016
[Monday - Sunday: 10.00am - 08.00pm]

The Palace and Museum of Capodimonte ‘Museo di Capodimonte’ is a grand Bourbon building in formerly the summer residence and hunting lodge of the kings of the Two Sicilies, set high above the city in beautiful gardens. It houses the main museum and art gallery of the city, and is the prime repository of Neapolitan painting and decorative art, with several important works from other Italian schools of painting, and some important Ancient Roman sculptures.

The first and second floors house the Galleria Nazionale (National Gallery), with paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries including major works by Simone Martini, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, El Greco and many others. The museum is by far the best place to see Neapolitan paintings.  Much of the ground floor is taken up by part of the magnificent Farnese collection of classical, mostly Roman, sculptures.

HOW TO ARRIVE:
From the National Archaeological Museum take buses C57, R4 and C63.

OPENING TIMES:
Thursday-Tuesday 8.30-19.30
Wednesday: CLOSED

ADMISSION:
Ticket  € 7,50
18-25 year olds €3,75, under 18’s and over 65’s free admission

INFO AND RESERVATIONS:
Tel. 0039.081.7499111
www.museo-capodimonte.it

ADDRESS:
via Miano 2, 80131 – Napoli