For the casual tourist, while not necessarily the largest cathedral, the Duomo di Santa Maria…read moreAssunta, aka Duomo di Napoli, aka Cattedrale di San Gennaro--still presents a visual feast for the eyes. For the spiritual visitor, this cathedral is the city's central catholic parish, seat of the Naples archdiocese, dedicated to the city's principal patron saint. San Gennaro (Saint Januarius)*, was a bishop martyred in 305 AD under Roman emperor Diocletian, later buried here. While little is known about his life, his body was transferred a few times, lastly in 1497 to Naples. This was at the behest of Cardinal Oliviero Carafa, where his remains were kept in the Succorpo, a richly decorated crypt constructed for this specific purpose. The most notable religious relics housed here include: 1) ampoules of the saint's blood that supposedly liquify three times a year in a miracle to show the favor of the saint upon the city, and popes that visit. For this reason it's become a pilgrimage site for those hoping to witness the miracle of liquefaction. It's debated what type of liquid is contained within the hermetically sealed vials, though scientific evidence is scant considering the contents cannot be removed in fear of damage to its contents. 2) the treasure of San Gennaro (for which a separate ticket must be purchased €13) consists of the many works bestowed upon or donated to the cathedral over seven centuries from royalty and lay persons, as signs of devotion. Paintings, busts, ex-votos, objects made with precious metals and jewels are included in this collection. While there are a few sections of the cathedral that are currently not open regularly to the public, including a) the Santa Restituta, where the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte is located (part of the church built earlier in the 14th century--you could peak in from the side though couldn't enter), b) the Chapel of the San Gennaro Treasury, c) the Minuto Chapel, --the parts the were open were very impressive. In the cathedral, highlights include the colorful soaring dome, golden coffered ceilings, and the decorative statue "Assumption" at the main altarpiece by Pietro Bacci (1739). Mid-afternoon lighting thru the windows cast a bright warm glow making the statue look like it was shining. The Succorpo was also one of the most ornate crypts I've ever seen. Open daily 9:30am-17:00pm, general admission is free and there are tours available with advance booking required (€10 adult, €8 student, €6 6-15yr olds, €0 for 5 and under and those with disabilities.) Tickets for rooftop access are €6. Good-sized gift shop. For more info - their website is very informative about the duomo's history and visiting details: https://duomonapoli.it/en/ *This is the same saint for which an annual festival Feast of San Gennaro is held.

Spiritually Full and Completely in Awe…read more Duomo di Napoli took my breath away the moment I stepped inside. I can't even fully put it into words... the calmness that washed over me was unreal. My heart felt full... my spirit felt fed... and I could've stayed there for hours just soaking it in. The architecture is beyond anything a photo can capture: the detail, the artistry, the reverence in every corner. You feel the history... the faith... the devotion... all around you. If you're visiting Naples, do not miss this cathedral. It's not just a tourist stop... It's an experience for your soul. Absolutely beautiful.

Naples has no shortage of historic basilicas and church buildings and this is one of the most…read moreimpressive in the city. Highly recommend to drop by for a look as admission is free (donations accepted), and they are open later until 7pm so it's convenient to swing by before heading to dinner. On a cloudy day in April apparently many like-minded visitors had the same idea as it was fairly busy, though not extremely crowded. Located on the western edge of the Centro Historico district, the "New" in its name distinguishes it from another existing church of the name Gesu Vecchio. Initially the palace residence built in 1470 for Roberto Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno, political divisions led to his son and heir Ferrante Sanseverino being exiled and property confiscated, and this property sold to the Jesuit order. In 1584 construction began, led by appointed architect Giuseppe Valeriano, to convert this aristocratic palazzo to Jesuit church. The palace's unique facade was the only remnant left, with its bugnato (rusticated) grey volcanic-stone punta di diamante (diamond point) protrusions. What's even more intriguing is that this facade, designed by original palazzo architect Novello da San Lucano, who was also a composer, incorporated musical notes in Aramaic letters incised into the stone, which has been interpreted by musical historians as sheet music. The music has been named "Enigma" and you can find it played on YouTube. Other scholars interpret these symbols to be related to alchemy and esoteric practices popular in the day. This building passed between different hands thru the centuries though in 1900 definitively returned to the Jesuits. Nowadays it's known for the vast number of artworks that line its ceilings and chapels. They were certainly awe-inspiring to see! I spent about 30-45 minutes walking around, this is a functioning parish so administrative offices, prayer sections, a shop for purchasing ex-votos and souvenirs, and other functional facilities are also present. Hours: 8am-12:45pm, 4-7pm daily.

What a big surprise! There's a hidden gem behind that palace facade. You enter through the Baroque…read morelooking entryway at the Piazza of the same name. We were totally amazed at what we saw inside this church. I would have never known based on its exterior. It's immensely grand and ornate as you walk inside. The ceiling and chapels are covered in Italian Baroque art from famous artists such as Francesco Solimena and Luca Giordano. There are alters made of precious stones and marble statues. All of which are saintly and historical. I didn't realize it at the time, but people do go there to be healed. There is a chapel dedicated to a Naples doctor & saint named Giuseppe Moscati. His tomb lies under the chapel altar. He is known for taking care of the sick and the poor. There was a line of people waiting to enter a part of the church that houses his personal quarters and belongings. We didn't get to see it, so I can't comment on it. It's just something to consider seeing while you're there. This whole area is full of historical churches. I mean, you could visit churches all day long if that's your thing. This is a great option if you only have time to visit one, and it's free to the public. They accept donations as most churches do.

San Gaetano (Saint Cajetan) was a priest who lived and worked in Naples from the late 15th to mid…read more16th century and co-founder of the Theatine Order. Then over a hundred years later in 1671 he became canonized as one of the catholic saints associated with Naples. As the patron saint of the unemployed, job seekers, gamblers, and good fortune, he was known for creating an interest free bank to help the poor and disadvantaged, that later became the Bank of Naples. Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore is where he is interred, and the piazza outside also bears a statue in his honor. While located on the busy street of Via dei Tribunali, right next to Sotterranea Napoli (see separate review) and across from Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore La Neapolis Sotterrata (another historic site worth exploring) I didn't see many tourists flocking to this church, probably since it's not on the list of popular sites around the city, and according to Gmaps only open Fri-Sun. Probably also a good thing since it's a functional local parish too. Inside the ceiling nave is covered with colorful frescos, many of the damaged though appears to be extensive work restoring what portions remain. Sections depict the life and miracles of Christ while others depict life and miracles of Saint Cajetan. The walls are also covered in frescos, beautiful marble of many red, green, cream, black tones and striations, and gold painted trimmings. The domes are on the smaller side but are very ornate. Downstairs the crypt holds the remains of the Saint.

Remarkable church featuring paintings by Vasari, a room with majolica tile floors (you can't…read moreactually walk on the majolica) , statues, tombs of the local nobility and extensive frescos and statues. The outside is not impressive except for the Saturday leading to the entrance. Located in a workaday area between the central station and the archeological museum.

Neapolis is the city beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore - well, part of it. Amazing to know you've walked…read morewhere centuries of lifestyles had lived the way they did. People didn't mention this underground tour to me before. It's different from the other one. I still suggest you visit this one also. Look for LA NEAPOLIS SOTTERRATA. There are tours in English available. There's a museum in one branch of the structure. Then you're allowed inside the complesso where a courtyard invites you to several spaces. There's a chapel-like room, a meeting hall type of area with ceiling art. Worth the neck ache! I happened upon this tour only because I went inside the church. Then I saw the sign for tours which was about perfect timing. You get to see inside the church which is free. The tour is paid, but make sure to check their free offers on the first Sunday of the month!

Completed in 1324, Basilica San Domenico Maggiore resides near "Spaccanapoli" in the historic…read morecenter of Naples, and containing both an older church plus a monastery nicely represents the Gothic style with well preserved works of art and tremendous detailing throughout its fairly small interior.

One of Naples' crowning museums, the artifacts here complement a visit to Pompeii in the same trip,…read moresince the collections span archaeological finds from Pompeii, Rome and beyond. From sculpture, sacred and funerary objects, mosaics, paintings, household items and furniture, to architectural models and decorative elements, there's plenty of intriguing objects to pique various interests. On a grey Sunday morning in April, I arrived at 10am, and was glad I didn't come later! There were two lines, one for those purchasing tickets at the entry and those with pre-booked tickets online in advance. The latter was a fairly short line, maybe about 10 people, while the former was about 20ish. When I left a couple hours later both lines had more than doubled in length. Inside, the exhibit halls begin with sculptures unearthed during archaeological finds, with the direction of visit encircling one of the smaller inner courtyards. They do an excellent job of providing Italian and English translations for didactic labels and descriptions, and I was able to learn much about a) the background and provenance of sculptures and other finds, b) key figures in archaeological excavations which discovered many of the pieces now housed here, and c) the history of this museum. The route of visit continues to a columned hall with some waiting area seating and contemporary local art pieces, (apparently where school groups rest before touring the museum with docents), which lead up a pair of curved stone staircases where you can look upwards at a central dome. On the second floor highlights include a collection of watercolor works from watercolorist Luigi Bazzani, who captured colorful paintings of Pompeii at the turn of the 20th century, a collection of elaborate furniture, and many rooms of artifacts from steles, ceramics, blown glass and tableware. Many colorful wall paintings found in villas and homes were transferred from archaeological sites to this museum. There's a curious collection of erotic art from antiquity called the Secret Cabinet* too. Unfortunately both these sections were closed: a) the mosaic floor where they previously allowed visitors to enter wearing cloth covers over shoes, and b) the sprawling mini replica of Pompeii that looked to be at least 12 x 15 feet. The latter I glimpsed thru a walkway that was cordoned off. The Sundial Hall, named after (you guessed it) a functional sundial installed in the SW corner of the room, was one of the most impressive rooms in the museum, originally serving as the Bourbon** Royal Library of Naples, then later as the National Library. The beautifully restored ceiling fresco depicts the Bourbon royalty as patrons of the arts. Among the most famous group of objects here are items from the Farnese Collection, begun by then Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549), who later became Pope Paul III. Theses works were displayed in various settings notably the Farnese palace, villa and gardens in Rome, then subsequently passed down to descendants. Farnese Hercules, Farnese Artemis, the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Cup are all sublimely sculpted pieces. The total time recommended is easily 2.5-3 hours, additional if you want to read more of the placards. Free lockers, coat check and bathrooms are available. Admission is €20.00 for regular tickets, €2.00 for 18-25 year olds, free for teachers, disabled and those with certain city passes including Artecard and Naples Pass. Hours: 9.00 am - 7.30 pm with last entry at 6.30 pm Closed Tuesdays. *did not post these pics as I didn't want to get flagged for posting explicit content! lol **Bourbon as in the royal dynasty that ruled southern Italy from 1734 until 1860. Not the whisky made with a higher percentage of corn from the southern United States. =)

It was the highlight of our visit to Naples. We skipped it after seeing Pompeii over 10 years ago…read more There was no way that we were going to pass it up this time. This is where you'll find the original statues, artifacts, and frescoes unearthed from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ancient Rome, and even more archeological sites in Italy. The experience was everything that I imagined it would be and more. Some people wonder whether they should visit it before or after seeing Herculaneum or Pompeii. In my opinion, it should be after. The location of where some of these pieces were found is still fresh in my memory. It all came back to me when reading the descriptions. I was also very amazed with the Farnese Collection. These statues are colossal in size. The Farnese Bull has to be the largest sculpture ever unearthed. It's so incredible when you see it up close and personal. Very impressive! It's a very well organized museum. Well worth the admission fee. There's a nice café inside as well as a bookstore. My only disappointment was that they had sold out of the English museum guides that I collect when traveling. They did have the Italian version. Do purchase your tickets online in advance. There was a line of people trying to buy tickets. The situation gets worse when a tour group arrives. Especially when there are 4 cruise ships in port. Also, make sure you scan the QR code to download the museum app for free audio guides and maps. It makes it so easy to find everything. Give yourself more than an hour. There is so much to see. It's a popular attraction for a reason.