Naples

The castle of Capodimonte boasts a wonderful view of the Bay of Naples. Built in the 18th century by Bourbon kings, it has been the royals' summer residence for a long time; today it hosts a museum which exhibits various collections, including masterpieces by Tiziano, Botticelli, Perugino, and Raffaello.

Castel Nuovo, also known as 'Maschio Angioino', is a medieval castle dating back to 1279. It was an important cultural centre, visited by important artists and writers such as Giotto, Petrarca, and Boccaccio. Today, it hosts various cultural events and is home to the Municipal Museum of Naples.

Literally named 'Egg Castle', Castel dell'Ovo is a 12th-century fortress that dominates the Naples seafront. The name comes from the legendary Roman poet Virgil, who supposedly strengthened the castle walls with a magical egg.

Not far from the Church of Gesù Nuovo, Basilica di Santa Chiara is a religious complex dating from the 1300s, which includes the Church of Santa Chiara, a monastery, tombs, and a museum, that collects historical documents, sacred relics, and marble statues.

This is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world: it contains bronzes, sculptures and many other objects from the Bourbon collection, as well as from the historical sites of Pompeii and Ercolano.

This magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, known by locals as 'Duomo di Napoli' or 'Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta', contains the relics of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. It is also the main church of southern Italy and the seat of the city’s Archbishop.

Built when Naples was under Spanish rule, Palazzo Reale is one of the four royal residences around Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their reign over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, the grand palace and its sprawling grounds are home to the Teatro di San Carlo, the Teatrino di Corte, the National Library, and a captivating museum that offers a glimpse into 17th to 19th-century history through the exquisitely decorated royal apartments. The Royal Gardens, an enchanting sanctuary within, boast tree-lined avenues adorned with rare plants, statues, and hidden gardens, adding to the historical allure of this magnificent landmark.

The enigmatic Sansevero Chapel is an important part of the Italian artistic heritage and is located in the historic part of Naples. Here you can see the famous Rococo sculpture of Veiled Christ made by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, as well as a feast of Baroque architecture and a mysterious temple of initiation.

This neoclassical theatre looks like it's frozen in time: the majestic golden décor and the red suede curtains will probably throw you back to the 18th century when it was built for Charles III, Duke of Bourbon. After several restorations, it is still open today and hosts great shows such as Swan Lake.

This narrow street is all about the nativity scene and teems with tourists and locals. When wandering down Via San Gregorio Armeno, you'll be amazed by the plethora of nativity scene objects lined up along the street. The place is especially popular during Christmas time when everyone is looking for Christmas cribs and figurines.

This fascinating archaeological site is worth checking out not only for its historical value but also for the majestic view it offers over Naples Bay. The villa, complete with an amphitheatre and thermal baths, was built by Roman knight Publio Vedio Pollione, and its name means 'stress relief'. The place is also known for its cave, which is more than 700 metres deep into the hillside.