There once was an ancient city called Neapolis. Its location on the southwestern coast, overlooking the Bay of Naples, made it a strategic for trade and political influence in the Mediterranean. From that time on, Naples has been one of the major European capitals, spreading its influence in many cultural fields, especially in art and architecture. Join our tour around Old Town, a perfect time capsule, inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List to discover the heart of this fascinating city!
We will start at Piazza Bellini, named after the 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini. It is a perfect place to enjoy a typical Italian outdoor café culture, but also to see the ancient Greek walls peeping through the surface. Greek influence remains a cornerstone of the city, seen in its urban plan, architectural design, and cultural traditions. From Piazza Bellini 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. As we stroll around, we will come across a curious sight – the Nile statue tucked away in Piazzetta Nilo. This Hellenistic-era statue is shrouded in mystery – local folklore ascribes it as a symbol of the city’s time-honoured rivalry with Alexandria. Just around the corner, we will meet another iconic city figure, the Pulcinella. With his distinctive hooked nose and white attire, is a beloved character from the city’s traditional Commedia dell’Arte. Walking down Via Spaccanapoli, the “street that divides Naples”, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city. This colourful artery throbs with life, brimming with street vendors, shops, historic sites and beautiful churches. A detour from Via Spaccanapoli will lead us to San Gregorio Armeno, the famous “Christmas Alley.” Known worldwide for its artisan shops producing intricate nativity figures offers a unique, year-round Christmas atmosphere. We will then meander our way to Piazza Domenico Maggiore. This grand square lined with architectural gems from various eras provides a great insight into the city’s rich history. The true and 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 modern city. But Naples is not only famous for its rich history and architectural marvels. Walking around, on almost every step you will smell the tantalising aroma of authentic Neapolitan pizza as you are in the birthplace of this dish! Besides pizza, Naples is also known for its mouth watering street food, such as cuoppo (a paper cone filled with a variety of fried delights) and the iconic sfogliatella pastry, with its delicate layers of crispy dough and sweet ricotta filling. Our guide will share stories of how these local foods are made and provide hints on where to try them.
Our tour of Old Town Naples is more than just a walk through the city’s historic centre; it is an immersive journey into the heart of Neapolitan way of life. Here, the past and present are blend seamlessly together, creating a timeless experience that promises to leave you enchanted. 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
- and much, much more!
Want to know more about Naples? Join our tour around Piazza Plebiscito!
