MUSEUMS

A very short distance from the hotel you will find the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (Piazza Museo 19), which boasts the richest archeological collection in all of Italy. Inside you will come across the remains of some of the diggings up of Pompei and Ercolano. There are mosaics, jewelry and many other interesting objects from the Roman epoch. A must visit is the Museo di Capodimonte (Via Milano 2) and in it you will see the Farnese collection inherited by King Carlo III. Continuing on from this point, you will arrive at the Vomero hill where the Castel (Castle) Sant'Elmo is. (Via Tito Angelini 20). Visit the Certosa di San Martino (Largo S. Martino 5) and admire the magnificent collection of paintings, frescos, sculptures and multi-coloured marble works. The Museo Nazionale di San Martino is a pleasant collection of age-old artistic works, whereas the MADRE is innovative and modern. (Via L. Settembrini 79). The Museo di Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina of Napoli is a splendid building from the Thirteenth century that hosts today a permanent collection of contemporary masterpieces and frequent extremely unique exhibitions.

THE SANSEVERO CHAPEL

This authentic jewel of the early Sixteenth century hosts the very famous statue of Christ Veiled which was created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753. It reflects the Body of Christ dying and covered with a veil. It was created in the same block of marble as the statue and exhibits a unique touch of nimbleness and a unique suggestibility. The unbelievable maze-like pavement and the beautiful ceiling with a stunning fresco of the chapel render the atmosphere even more rewarding to the eye. There is also here the Macchine Anatomiche, the body of a man and a woman with their cardio-circulation systems visible and entirely integral. This exhibit of 1700 was made by the scholar and alchemist Prince Raimondo di Sangro. (Via Francesco de Sanctis 19 – Call 081 551 8470)

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THE CLOISTER OF SANTA CHIARA

The Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara is one of the first monastic complexes in Napoli. It was built 1310-1328. This, too, is a must visit because inside the cloister you will be able to visualize works of rare beauty, Sixteenth century frescos, and the numerous halls inside the cloister. Among the marvels are archeological remains, sculptures and marble creations (Via Santa Chiara 49 – Call 081 797 1224)

NAPOLI'S CATHEDRAL (DUOMO)

The Duomo of Napoli is the most important Roman Catholic church in the city. It is also called the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and it was constructed in the Thirteeth century, and it is one of the biggest basilicas in the city. It is here that each year thousands and thousands of worshippers gather to assist at the melting of the Blood of Saint Gennaro of Napoli. Inside the magnificent house of worship you will find the notable frescos of Luca Giordano: the Apostles, the Fathers, and the Doctors of the Church. (Via Duomo 147

BASILICA OF SAN LORENZO

This is the oldest basilica of Napoli. It was built in the Twelfth century. Inside you will find an impressive example of gothic architecture with many reworkings that the church has undergone throughout the centuries. These restorations had to be accomplished because of the earthquakes that frequently, in the past, damaged the city and many of its buildings and churches. The basilica is stunning and suggestive and has been frequently praised by famous artists and writers such as Boccaccio and Petrarch. (Via Tribunali 316)

CHURCH OF JESUS

This truly exceptional example of artistic beauty was created from the transformation of Palazzo Sanseverino in 1470. Inside one will discover a magnificent fresco which depicts the Cacciata di Eliodoro dal Tempio (The Expulsion of Eliodoro from the Temple), created by Francesco Solimena in 1725. Other than a collection of historical organs from the Sixteenth century, there is one, made by Gustavo Zanin, that still functions! (Piazza Gesù Nuovo – Call: 081 557 8111)