What to see near Naples Central Station

The station of Napoli Centrale, overlooking Piazza Garibaldi, is the entrance ticket to a city that thrives on contrasts and wonders. A route starts from here that allows visitors to discover in a few hours some of the city’s most beautiful and characteristic places, which can also be reached on foot. Tourists and travelers with little time available will still be able to experience and appreciate an authentic taste of Naples, among churches, historic streets and gastronomic stops that tell themost lively essence of the Neapolitan city.

From Piazza Garibaldi to Corso Umberto: the quickest route to the historic center

Leaving the station one finds oneself in Piazza Garibaldi. From here starts Corso Umberto I, known as the “Rettifilo”, a long avenue that connects the station with Piazza Bovio and leads increasingly to the heart of the historic center. Strolling along the avenue one encounters stores, period buildings and small side streets leading towards the historic market of Forcella , known to be a very convenient shopping place.

Going on foot takes:

• 8 minutes to reach Corso Umberto I;
• 9 minutes to get to the Forcella market.

San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity scenes

Continuing northward, one arrives at San Gregorio Armeno, one of the city’s most famous streets, animated by artisan workshops that display year-round handmade nativity scenes and shepherds, an art that has made Naples famous throughout the world. In addition to traditional nativity scenes, one can find small statues depicting contemporary characters, politicians and soccer players, demonstrating Neapolitan irony. The church of San Gregorio Armeno, with its Baroque cloister, completes the visit.

You can reach San Gregorio Armeno:

• by cab, in 12 minutes;
• by subway, also in 12 minutes;
• on foot, in 22 minutes.

A tour of Spaccanapoli

Moving on, one arrives at Spaccanapoli, the famous decumanus (a term that indicated the main streets that crossed Roman cities from east to west). To stroll along this axis is to delve into the heart of ancient Naples, among aristocratic palaces, churches, artisans’ stores and historic bakeries. Along the avenue one encounters the Santa Chiara complex, the Gesù Nuovo church and glimpses that show the lively and layered soul of the city: an experience not to be missed for those who want to get to know Neapolitan authenticity.

• From the Central Station is less than 1 km away, which can be comfortably walked in about 10 minutes.

Cappella Sansevero e Cristo Velato

Not far from San Gregorio Armeno, one arrives at one of the most visited places in Naples: the Sansevero Chapel, inside which is kept the Veiled Christ, a sculptural masterpiece by Giuseppe Sanmartino from 1753. The marble veil covering the body of Christ, sculpted with impressive realism, has made this work famous throughout the world. The chapel also holds other symbolic sculptures, commissioned by Prince Raimondo di Sangro, a fascinating and controversial figure of 18th-century Naples.

It can be reached:

• conveniently by subway, in about 15 minutes;
• by taking a cab, in 18 minutes;
• on foot, via Spaccanapoli, in half an hour.

The basilica of Santa Chiara, the Chiostro Maiolicato and Museo dell’Opera

Another fascinating destination that we recommend is the monumental complex of Santa Chiara . Here, in addition to, the Gothic basilica rebuilt after the bombings of World War II, we recommend visiting the Chiostro Maiolicato: decorated with azulejos (glazed terracotta tiles with floral motifs and country scenes) it represents a true oasis of beauty and tranquility nestled in the heart of the city.

From the station, it takes:

• 14 minutes by cab;
• 17 by metro;
• 29 minutes on foot.

Porta Capuana and Castel Capuano

A brief stop, on the way back to the station area, deserves Porta Capuana, one of the historic gateways to Naples, framed by Renaissance towers and decorations. Not far away stands Castel Capuano, erected in the 12th century and transformed into a palace of justice by Charles V in the 16th century. For centuries it was the center of the city’s judicial life, so much so that the term “Capuana” continues to evoke the world of the courts to this day. After recent restoration, the castle features a monumental Renaissance portal and richly frescoed interiors that testify to its long history.

• the site is easily accessible on foot, in about ten minutes.

San Giovanni a Carbonara

Not far from Porta Capuana rises the church of San Giovanni a Carbonara, a destination less considered by tourists but of extraordinary beauty. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it houses noble chapels and funeral monuments of great value, including that of Ladislaus of Durazzo (King of Naples from 1386 to 1414). Its Gothic and Renaissance style makes it an amazing visit for those who wish to discover a more authentic and hidden Naples.

It is about 1 km from the station, which can be traveled:

• by cab, in 10 minutes;
• by metro, in 12 minutes;
• on foot in 17 minutes.

Lungomare Caracciolo

With more time on your hands, you can push on to the Lungomare Caracciolo, a stretch of coastline that offers one of the most scenic walks in Italy, with views of Vesuvius, Castel dell’Ovo and the Gulf of Naples.

• You can get there in about 25 minutes from the station, choosing between cabs and subway.

Where to eat near Naples station

The itinerary certainly cannot be said to have ended without a gastronomic stop. Around the station there are historic cafes where you can enjoy Neapolitan coffee and the famous sfogliatelle, both ricce (crispy and crumbly short pastry) and frolle (soft short pastry). For a quick but unforgettable meal, pizzerias in the center offer the traditional Neapolitan pizza, which is protected by UNESCO.

In the adjacent streets, you will also encounter fry shops serving cuoppi (straw paper cone-shaped wrapper) of fried food, crocchè and arancini, perfect for an immediate and veracious taste of local cuisine.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini