Naples, overlooking the splendid Gulf of Naples, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded by the Greeks as Neapolis, it offers a unique experience with its picturesque alleys, majestic architecture, and unparalleled artistic heritage. From Mount Vesuvius to the ruins of Pompeii, passing by the Royal Palace and Castel dell’Ovo, Naples enchants with its authentic charm and renowned cuisine, particularly Neapolitan pizza.
Museo Castel Sant’Elmo
Inaugurated in 2010 in Piazza d’Armi, the Museo del Novecento in Naples offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s 20th-century culture. The collection includes over 170 works by 90 artists, both Neapolitan and non-Neapolitan, organized in chronological sections covering movements such as Futurism, Neorealism, and Informal Art. Housed in Castel Sant’Elmo, the museum promotes contemporary research and experimentation through thematic meetings and the international competition “Un’opera per il Castello,” which awards young artists. Alongside installations by renowned artists like Eugenio Giliberti and Mimmo Paladino, site-specific works by competition winners are also displayed.
Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri
The Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri, located in the 15th-century Palazzo Como in Naples, is a private museum dedicated to applied arts, sculpture, painting, and the preservation of ancient books. Founded thanks to the vision of Gaetano Filangieri, Prince of Satriano, who in 1881 proposed to the city council to house his art collections in Palazzo Como. This rare example of Tuscan Renaissance architecture in Naples was moved about 20 meters to avoid demolition. After 13 years of closure, the museum reopened on May 22, 2012.
Castel dell’Ovo
Castel dell’Ovo, also known as Castel Marino, is the oldest castle in Naples and an iconic element of the city’s gulf panorama. Although it has undergone numerous reconstructions over the centuries, particularly during the Angevin and Aragonese periods, its current form is very different from the original Norman structure. The castle’s curious name comes from an ancient Neapolitan legend about an egg hidden in the dungeons by Virgil, a poet and medieval magician. According to the legend, the fate of the castle and the entire city of Naples depended on the integrity of this egg. It was believed that its breakage would cause the fortress to collapse and bring about a series of catastrophes for the city. During the reign of Queen Joanna I, the castle suffered significant damage, leading to the collapse of a crucial arch. To prevent panic among the citizens, the queen solemnly declared that she had replaced the egg, thereby ensuring the safety of the fortress and the city. This connection between the castle and the egg has become a fascinating part of Neapolitan folklore.
San Gregorio Armeno
Via San Gregorio Armeno is a famous street in the historic center of Naples, renowned for its artisan nativity scene workshops. The street is characterized by the bell tower of the namesake church, which connects two convents and overlooks the street. Ascending the street, one first encounters the 10th-century Church of San Gregorio Armeno, followed by its cloister. Originally a Greek street, San Gregorio Armeno connected the main streets of ancient Neapolis, now Via dei Tribunali and Spaccanapoli. Later, the street was named Plateia Nostriana for the baths built by Bishop San Nostriano. Today, Via San Gregorio Armeno is a world-famous exhibition center for artisan workshops that produce nativity scene figurines year-round. The main exhibitions take place from November to January 6, attracting numerous tourists.
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