What are the districts of Naples? A complete list from the city centre to the outskirts

“Naples is a thousand colours,” sang Pino Daniele. A lively city with aristocratic echoes, layered with history and Neapolitan legends. From the ancient ruins of nearby Pompeii to the city’s modern urban districts, from the contemporary architecture of the Centro Direzionale to the traditional nativity scenes of San Gregorio Armeno, and even the artistic flair of the Toledo metro station, a shining example of sustainable mobility. Naples is home to 30 districts, each brimming with stories, distinct characteristics, and evolving futures. This is an imaginary journey, exploring the city district by district, from the seafront to the hills, from the historic centre to the outskirts.

How many districts are there in Naples?

Naples is made up of 30 districts, each with its own unique history and identity. In the past, the city was divided into 21 administrative districts, but today it consists of 10 municipalities, many of which still bear names that reflect their deep-rooted local traditions, such as the famous Spanish Quarters. Despite administrative changes, these districts remain a key point of reference for the people of Naples, both geographically and culturally. Here is a complete list of Naples’ districts, arranged in alphabetical order.

Arenella

• A residential neighbourhood situated on Vomero Hill. It is known for its Vomero Decò architecture and the historic Villa Floridiana.
• Population: 20,000
• Location: Vomero Hill, adjacent to the Vomero district
• Municipality: 05

Avvocata

• An ancient district that houses both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. It is characterised by its narrow streets and the Basilica of Santa Maria Avvocata.
• Population: 12,000
• Location: historic centre, adjacent to the Montecalvario district
• Municipality: 02

Bagnoli

• An industrial district undergoing urban redevelopment. It is enriched by the presence of the Archaeological Park of Baia and is accessible via Metro Line 2.
• Population: 25,000
• Location: western area, overlooking the Gulf of Pozzuoli
• Municipality: 10

Barra

• A peripheral area of Naples with a strong industrial and artisanal tradition.
• Population: 45,000
• Location: eastern area
• Municipality: 06

Chiaia

• A lively hub of social life and nightlife, offering some of the most popular seafront views among visitors. It is bordered by the Lungomare di Chiaia. The monumental Villa Pignatelli, home to a museum, is located on the Riviera di Chiaia.
• Population: 22,000
• Location: seafront, between the San Ferdinando and Posillipo districts
• Municipality: 01

Chiaiano

• A predominantly residential neighbourhood with both public and private housing. It features social and cultural gathering spaces as well as green areas, including Chiaiano Park and Poggio Park.
• Population: 20,000
• Location: north-western area of the city
• Municipality: 08

Fuorigrotta

• Fuorigrotta is a lively neighbourhood, home to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium (formerly known as the San Paolo Stadium).
• Population: 35,000
• Location: western area, west of the historic centre
• Municipality: 10

Mercato

• This traditional neighbourhood, known for its joyful atmosphere, is home to one of Naples’ historic markets.
• Population: 25,000
• Location: in the historic centre, adjacent to the port and the San Lorenzo district
• Municipality: 02

Miano

• A working-class neighbourhood with a strong local identity and a lively social fabric. It features public housing, green spaces, and a historic centre with notable landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria Visitapoveri and Palazzo Marigliano.
• Population: 25,000
• Location: north-western area of the city
• Municipality: 07

Montecalvario

• A hilly district rich in historic churches and palaces, famous for landmarks such as the Certosa di San Martino and the Galleria Umberto I.
• Population: 18,000
• Location: historic centre, between Vomero and the San Giuseppe district
• Municipality: 02

Pendino

• A bustling neighbourhood known for its lively atmosphere and the Porta Nolana market.
• Population: 15,000
• Location: historic centre, adjacent to the Porto district
• Municipality: 02

Pianura

• A district with ancient origins dating back to Roman times. Its name comes from the Latin planities, meaning “plain”. Historically, it was an agricultural area known for its vegetable and fruit cultivation.
• Population: 25,000
• Location: western area
• Municipality: 09

Piscinola

• A northern suburban district of Naples, which also includes the locality of Marianella.
• Population: 27,000
• Location: northern area
• Municipality: 08

Poggioreale

• A traditional working-class area located on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The district is home to the Poggioreale prison and benefits from excellent transport links, including several bus routes and a Circumvesuviana railway station.
• Population: 40,000
• Location: a few kilometres from the city centre and the A3 motorway
• Municipality: 04

Ponticelli

• A suburban district characterised by its shopping centres and the presence of the Mostra d’Oltremare exhibition centre.
• Population: 45,000
• Location: eastern area
• Municipality: 06

Porto

• An up-and-coming district with a lively nightlife, popular among university students. It enjoys a prime seafront location and is home to landmarks such as the Maschio Angioino and Molo Beverello.
• Population: 10,000
• Location: historic centre, along the Naples waterfront
• Municipality: 02

Posillipo

• Renowned for its panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples, Posillipo is an elegant residential area featuring grand villas, including Palazzo Volpicelli, which served as a setting for scenes from the well-known Italian soap opera Un Posto al Sole.
• Population: 18,000
• Location: Posillipo Hill, west of the historic centre
• Municipality: 01

San Carlo all’Arena

• A popular and distinctive district, best known for the Roman Amphitheatre and Naples Central Station, one of Italy’s largest monumental railway stations.
• Population: 20,000
• Location: a short walk from the historic centre and Naples Central Station
• Municipality: 03

San Ferdinando

• An elegant district filled with shops and boutiques, famous for Piazza del Plebiscito, which hosts major open-air events, and the renowned Teatro San Carlo.
• Population: 13,000
• Location: historic centre, between the Chiaia and Montecalvario districts
• Municipality: 01

San Giovanni a Teduccio

• An industrial area undergoing urban regeneration. Historically, it was one of the city’s first industrial hubs, along with Bagnoli and the Ilva steelworks.
• Population: 30,000
• Location: eastern Naples
• Municipality: 06

San Giuseppe

• The smallest of Naples’ districts.
• Population: 14,000
• Location: historic centre, between Avvocata and Pendino
• Municipality: 02

San Lorenzo

• One of Naples’ historic districts, known for its lively and colourful San Lorenzo market, which surrounds the basilica of the same name.
• Population: 40,000
• Location: adjacent to the historic centre and key tourist attractions
• Municipality: 04

San Pietro a Patierno

• A multicultural neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. It borders Miano, Secondigliano, San Carlo all’Arena, and Capodimonte.
• Population: 25,000
• Location: north-east Naples
• Municipality: 07

Scampia

• A peripheral district with agricultural roots, best known for the iconic Vele di Scampia, which have inspired literary and cinematic works.
• Population: 55,000
• Location: northern Naples
• Municipality: 08

Secondigliano

• Dating back to Roman times, this area was originally agricultural. In the 19th century, it saw significant urban expansion, with the development of residential and industrial buildings.
• Population: 36,000
• Location: north-west Naples
• Municipality: 07

Soccavo

• A hilly district offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. It features both modern buildings and historic villas, as well as green spaces such as Soccavo Park and the Campi Flegrei Nature Reserve.
• Population: 20,000
• Location: near the A56 Tangenziale motorway
• Municipality: 09

Stella

• A residential district located on the slopes of Vomero, known for Villa Comunale and the Filangieri Museum.
• Population: 17,000
• Location: in the hilly area of Vomero, north of the historic centre
• Municipality: 03

Vicaria

• One of Naples’ oldest districts, it was the heart of the medieval city. Historical landmarks include Castel Capuano and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
• Population: 40,000
• Location: borders Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Capuano, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
• Municipality: 04

Vomero

• An elegant district, like the hill from which it takes its name, known for its refined character and breathtaking views. It is home to the Certosa di San Martino and the Chiaia Funicular.
• Population: 45,000
• Location: Vomero Hill, north of the historic centre
• Municipality: 05

Zona Industriale

• Also known as Gianturco, after its main street, Via Emanuele Gianturco, this district is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Italy.
• Population: 6,000
• Location: south-east Naples
• Municipality: 04

Article translated by Agnese Giardini