DUOMO
Address: Via Duomo 147, Spaccanapoli Tel: 081 44 90 97 Metro: Piazza Cavour Website: www.duomodinapoli.com Open: Daily 08:00-12:30 and 16:30-19:00

The city’s grand cathedral was constructed in 1272 on the site of a Roman temple in honour of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. It has undergone several restorations over the centuries due to severe damage after a series of earthquakes and Mount Vesuvius eruptions. The main attractions are the beautifully decorated ceiling and the Chapel of San Gennaro with two vials of the saint’s blood at the alter.

MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO NAZIONALE
Address: Piazza Museo Nazionale 19, Spaccanapoli Tel: 081 44 01 66 Metro: Piazza Cavour Website: www.cib.na.cnr.it Open: Mon and Wed-Sat 09:00-19:00, Sun 09:00-20:00

The museum boasts one of Europe’s most valuable collections of Greco-Roman artefacts and antiquities discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Among the remarkable statues and mosaics, is the adult-only collection of Roman erotic art. The Borgia collection of Etruscan and Egyptian relics is also a popular attraction.

POMPEII
Address: Ufficio Scavi di Pompeii, Via Villa dei Misteri 1 Tel: 081 8610744 Train: 30min from Central Station in Naples Open: Daily 08:30-17:00 (08:30-18:00 Apr-Oct) Admission: €10

Although not strictly in Naples, the ruins of Pompeii are a sight not to be missed. The city was destroyed during the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79AD, leaving behind only the remains of remarkable Roman temples, opulent villas, bathhouses, shops and schools. Visitors can wander through its streets, view restored villas with breathtaking frescoes and gain a riveting insight into how this ancient civilisation lived. The most memorable sights are Casa dei Vettii, Villa dei Misteri, the Forum, the basilica, the amphitheatre, the Temple of Apollo and Stabian baths.

CHIESA DI SANTA CHIARA
Address: Via Benedetto Croce, Spaccanapoli Tel: 081 552 62 09

Originally constructed in the 14th century, this magnificent church has undergone extensive restoration following damage during the Second World War. The highlight has to be its peaceful 18th century cloisters, Chiostro di Santa Chiara, adorned with Gothic columns, dazzling mosaics and octagonal fountains.

CASTEL NUOVO
Address: Piazza del Municipio Tel: 081 7959877
Tram: 1, 4 Bus: R2 Open: Mon-Sat 09:00-19:00 Admission: €5

The castle was built in the late 13th century by Charles I and was used as a royal residence for centuries. Its best feature is the imposing triumphal arch that forms the entrance. Today, the Barons’ Hall is used by the local council and the eastern wing houses the Museo Civico with a collection of local artwork, sculptures and frescoes dating back to 15th century.

CASTEL SANT’ELMO (MUSEO NAZIONALE DI SAN MARTINO)
Address: Largo San Martino 5 Tel: 081 5781769
Open: Tue-Sat 08:30-19:30, Sun 09:00-19:30

Built in the 14th century by the Angevins, this striking star-shaped castle offers spectacular panoramic views of Naples Bay, Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri. The castle is home to the National Museum of Naples, which is housed in a Carthusian monastery adorned with beautiful frescoes. The museum exhibits various artefacts from medieval military costumes and ship models to fine porcelain and intricate pieces of silver. Its extensive collection of charming wooden and clay figurines, presepi, is very popular with the visitors.