There once was an ancient city called Neapolis, an important part of Magna Graecia, a group of Greek colonies in southern Italy. Its location on the southwestern coast, overlooking the Bay of Naples, made it a strategic for trade and political influence in the Mediterranean.
Join us on our mission to uncover traces of this ancient past of Naples. Greek influence remains a cornerstone of the city, seen in its urban plan, architectural design, and cultural traditions, including the celebration of the cult of the siren Parthenope, a symbol of the city. It retained its Greek culture and language even under Roman rule. This made it a uniquely Hellenistic enclave within the Roman Empire, an unusual occurrence that speaks to the city’s enduring cultural vibrancy.
Our tour uncovering ancient Naples will start at Piazza Bellini, named after the 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini. It’s one of the few spots in modern Naples where you can still see Greek walls dating back to the 6 century BC. From here we will enter the historic centre of Naples and walk the streets that follow the route of the ancient “Decumano Maggiore”, one of the main east-west roads in the old Roman city. We will also visit the site of the ancient Roman market (macellum), where today San Lorenzo Maggiore church is standing. The tour will continue through Via San Gregorio Armeno a narrow, bustling street famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and artisanal nativity scene figurines to learn that it’s also one of the oldest streets in the city, with a history dating back to ancient Greek times. We will see the iconic Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that divides the city and offers a glimpse into the authentic Neapolitan way of life. We will finish our journey at Piazza Domenico Maggiore, where the ancient Greek city walls are standing that once marked the eastern border of the city. The undeniable charm of Naples lies in the layers of civilizations that are stacked upon one another, with the ancient world still visible beneath the vibrant life of the modern city.
Join us on our discovery of Naples, a significant centre of the ancient Mediterranean world, a cultural melting pot, with a myriad of civilizations converging and influencing its growth and development. It is a journey you can’t miss!
During the 2-hour tour, you will see and discover:
- Piazza Bellini
- Via Tribunali
- Nile statue
- Pulcinella statue
- Via Spaccanapoli
- San Gregorio Armeno
- Piazza Domenico Maggiore
