Discovering the historic centre of Naples: what to see and where to stay

Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe and with the largest historical city centre. Here you can find all the traces of its cultural influences, crossing and telling 27 century oh history. 

In 1995, a portion of its historic city centre was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique universal value, which profoundly influenced most of Europe. An incredible stage of art, history and urban expression for almost three millennia. 

"Spaccanapoli" is the most characteristic road in the historical city centre of Naples. It goes from the Spanish Quarters to the district of Forcella, cutting in a straight line the city of Naples. If you watch it from San Martino in the highest part of the city, you will understand the why of its name.

In Spaccanapoli, you can find a lot of impressive Neapolitan handicraft shops.  You will discover all the stories, curiosities and anecdotes of Neapolitan tradition and folklore.

A trip in Spaccanapoli is a journey through the thousand-year history of the city, where there are not only the ancient palaces, the churches, but also the legends and the unmistakable smells of Neapolitan cuisine. 

Along the route of Spaccanapoli, you will meet beautiful churches and families living in the “bassi”, artists and artisans. But do not be surprised at anything! Spaccanapoli is not a tourist postcard, it is Naples!

Hidden in the alleys of the historic centre of the city. Cappella di San Severo, also called the church of Santa Maria Della Pietà or Pietatella, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious museums in Naples.

Located in the centre of the Chapel, the Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ) is one of the most beautiful and evocative works in the world, whose image has become famous all around the world for the prodigious “weaving” of the marble veil. 

In Sansevero Chapel, there are also wonders of virtuosity as “Disinganno” and enigmatic presences as “Macchine Anatomiche”. 

The Naples that we see today rests its foundations on an ancient network of as many underground roads. In Underground Naples, we found the tunnels excavated by the Greeks when they began to extract the tuff from the subsoil to strengthen the city walls.

Over the centuries, the underground Naples has been in ferment almost as much as that on the surface. The tunnels below Naples have been used in different ways.

During World War II, the underground Naples was modified to accommodate the population during the bombing. During the war years, about four thousand people populated the underground city, waiting for the war to allow the return to daily life.

According to popular belief, Underground Naples is a place frequented by the funny “Monaciello” (monk): the spirit who inhabited the buildings of Naples; this could find money in the drawers or the jackets hanging at the entrance. But, by chance, the spirit was offended, showing little devotion or claiming not to believe in ghosts, the revenge of the "Monticello" was inevitable.

Piazza del Gesù was born casually when the city was widening westward. It is one of the most important squares of Naples. You reach it, walking along Spaccanapoli. There are three significant monuments in the square: Gesù Nuovo Church, the Immaculate Oblisk and Santa Chiara Monastery. 

The church has a typical Neapolitan Baroque architecture, with marble, decorations and paints. According to the legend, the building was built with magic stones, able to attract positive energies. Inside the church, there is San Giovanni Bosco Chapel, where on the walls, there are thousands of ex-votos as signs of gratitude for the miracles. 

Also, about the Square's Obelisk, there are many legends. Watching it during some hours of the day, thanks to a game of lights and shadows, you can glimpse death's image. 

In the beginning, the Santa Chiara Monastery was a Gothic building, then transformed into a Baroque example, till to go back to its origins after the post-war restoration. 

It was born by Roberto D'Angiò's willing and, under the Angioinians, was the fulcrum of civil and religious ceremonies. Close to the monastery, there is the famous and beautiful Majolica Cloister with its pillars completely covered by blue, yellow and green majolicas: colours that perfectly match with their surroundings. The cloister is a proper peace oasis in the chaotic heart of Neaples. 

Piazza San Domenico Maggiore stands up in the centre of Naples as a reality unto itself, absolutely alien to the surrounding traffic. Far away by modernity, the square takes the gaze of the beholder. 

In its centre, the monumental obelisk built by the Dominicans in 1556 as gratitude for the ending of the plague. Next it, the Basilica in Baroque style. 

The square is populated, both on the day and the night, by tourists and youth. 

In the heart of Naples, closed the historic city centre, there is Airone Hotel. A charming hotel that fascinates all the travellers who stay there. A precious jewel set among the oldest walls of the city surprising every day its visitors. The Airone Hotel expresses grace and elegance while retaining the traditional and typical Neapolitan atmosphere.

The rooms are welcoming, all equipped with safe, free wifi access, writing corner, wardrobe, telephone access for free. Their lovely balconies offer a city view on Via Guglielmo San Felice.

For a more enchanting view, the hotel has a roof garden. It is the terrace where they serve breakfast and where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Airone Hotel serves a rich ITALIAN Breakfast or, upon request, you can have an Intercontinental breakfast for a small fee.

In Summer, on the roof, the hotel set up a comfortable solarium for you to enjoy the beautiful Neapolitan sunshine. Also, the terrace overlooking the city for events of all kinds.

According to the Anti-Covid rules, Airone Hotel works to offer its guests a peaceful and safe holiday, introducing new procedures to make you feel safe at home, but without giving up a stay in Naples!

The hotel offers its guests its own minibus with a driver with a capacity of up to 8 people for transfers and excursions.