Naples – West Naples

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The hilly area of Naples just west of Centro Storico includes the wealthy neighborhood of Vomero, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the center of the city. Other neighborhoods west of the historic center of Naples include the densly populated Fuorigrotta, known for its sporting venues and recreational areas. This part of the city is included in the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Municipality.

✪ Charterhouse of San Martino

The Charterhouse of San Martino (Certosa di San Martino) is a large Carthusian monastery located on top of the Vomero hill in Naples, next to Castel Sant’Elmo. Founded in the 14th century, it was expanded several times, becoming a large religious complex. The main church and many halls of the monastery are adorned with several elaborate Baroque artworks and decorations. The complex is also known for its two beautiful monumental cloisters, and for offering a wonderful view of Naples from above. The charterhouse houses the National Museum of San Martino (Museo Nazionale di San Martino), which features hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, along with exhibits on local history, and also ancient ships, carriages, nativity scenes, and much more.

✪ Castel Sant’Elmo

Castel Sant’Elmo is a large medieval castle erected on top of the Vomero hill, located next to Charterhouse of San Martino. The fort was built in Late Middle Ages on the site of an older church, and it was later expanded during the 16th century. The castle was later used as a prison and, after being restored, it is now a museum. An art gallery known as Museo Napoli Novecento 1910-1980 is hosted here, and features numerous works of modern art dating from the 20th century and made by local artists. Due to its position, the castle offers a wide panoramic view of Naples from above.

Villa Floridiana

Villa Floridiana is a historic Neoclassical villa erected in Naples in the early 19th century. The villa is surrounded by a large and richly adorned park, while inside it houses the Duca di Martina National Museum of Ceramics (Museo Nazionale della Ceramica Duca di Martina). This museum houses a huge collection of historic ceramics dating between the 12th and 19th century, including several pieces from China and Japan.

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Also known as: Stadio San Paolo

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is one of the largest stadiums in Italy, and the home ground of local football team S.S.C. Napoli. Built for the 1960 Summer Olypics in Rome, it was renovated before the 1990 FIFA World Cup, of which it hosted the semifinal between Italy and Argentina. The stadium also hosted various other notable events of different sports, and also numerous concerts. Formerly known as Stadio San Paolo, in 2020 it was renamed in honor of Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football players of all time, who played for S.S.C. Napoli for several years.

Mostra d’Oltremare

The Mostra d’Oltremare is large exhibition complex in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood of Naples, built in the first half of the 20th century. The complex includes several large buildings and pavillions, and features various decorations such as the monumental Fontana dell’Esedra, the largest fountain in the city.

Naples Zoo

The Naples Zoo (Zoo di Napoli) is a large zoological park in Naples, located next to the Mostra d’Oltremare. The zoo houses numerous animals from all over the world, including several rare species, and offers various educational activities.

Città della Scienza

The Città della Scienza (“Science City”) is a museum complex in Naples which includes several exhibitions dedicated to science. A large portion of the complex was destroyed in a fire in 2013, and it is still in the process of being restored. Nevertheless, the area features a large planetarium, and exhibitions on human anatomy, entomology, oceanography, and more.

Nisida

Nisida is a tiny islet located just off the coast of Naples near the southern tip of Posillipo. The island hosted a Roman villa and a medieval monastery, and in the 16th century a castle was built here. This structure was turned into an infamous prison in the 19th century, and now houses a juvenile detention facility. The other side of the islet is occupied by the Italian Navy. Due to the presence of these facilities, access to the islet is restricted.

Hermitage of Camaldoli

The Hermitage of Camaldoli (Eremo dei Camaldoli) is a large religious complex located on top of the Camaldoli hill in Naples. Founded in 1585, it features a Renaissance and Baroque church adorned with several artworks and decorations. At the southern end of the complex is a panoramic terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples.