Every blog post about the best things to do in Naples will mention walking down Spaccanapoli, Naples’ most famous street. But where exactly is Spaccanapoli? It can be quite confusing and hard to figure out exactly where to go, and most posts don’t do a great job explaining it.
That’s why I decided to write this guide! As an Italian born and raised in Bologna, I’ve had the chance to explore Italy extensively, so I can give you all the insider tips.
Spaccanapoli divides the city in two but it’s not an actual street name, so you can’t search for it on Google Maps.
Spaccanapoli is comprised of multiple streets: Via Pasquale Scura, Via Maddaloni, Via Domenico Capitelli, Piazza Gesù Nuovo, Via Benedetto Croce, Piazzetta Nilo, Via San Biagio dei Librai, Via Vicaria Vecchia, Via Giudecca Vecchia, and Via Tupputi.
This is just to be 100% clear, but you don’t need to remember it or add it all to your map. You’ll find a map down below that you can download to your Google Maps with all the points of interest.
If you want to walk the whole street, start from Via Pasquale Scura in the Quartieri Spagnoli and end in Via Tupputi. Or if you’re arriving from the train station, do it the opposite way – it’s a short walk from the station to Via Tupputi.
Spaccanapoli dates back to the Greco-Roman era, and although it has suffered changes in its width and length as new buildings were constructed and the city expanded, it remains pretty much intact to this day, still creating a gap between both sides of the city and offering a wonderful glimpse into its past.
The road originally connected where today stands Piazza San Domenico Maggiore with via Duomo, but it was widened in Roman Times to include the area of Piazza Gesú Nuovo. It was during the Renaissance era, however, when it reached its splendor.
Magnificent buildings were built around it and the existing palaces and churches were restored and brought to their former glory. Since most structures are still standing, walking along Spaccanapoli feels like taking a trip back in time.
Table of Contents
SPACCANAPOLI MAP
BEST THINGS TO DO ON SPACCANAPOLI, NAPLES & ITINERARY
Spaccanapoli extends for 1.2 miles (2 km) and it offers a great number of things to do and visit along the way.
These landmarks and attractions are organized in a way that you can start walking from and follow this itinerary to the end of the street. Some of the attractions are on side streets, but they are just a short detour.
If you are starting from Via Pasquale Scura, this is the itinerary you should follow. It’s a mix of historical sites, quirky corners, and food stops. You don’t have to follow it all, of course. Check out the attractions that seem most interesting to you, and skip the ones that don’t.
Starting from Via Pasquale Scura, immediately make a detour toward Pignesecca Market and “Pescheria Azzurra”, the most famous place in town for cuoppo.
This delicious Neapolitan dish will give you the energy you need until you refuel on your next stop. Let’s get going!
Gay Odin
Gay Odin is an institution in Naples. This cioccolateria has been open since 1894, crafting the most delicious chocolate-based creations you’ll find in the city. Needless to say, it will be the favorite stop of anyone with a sweet tooth (I’m one, so I should know!)
At Gay Odin you’ll find everything from chocolate bars to delicious (chocolate) ice cream, a great variety of cakes, truffles, and filled chocolates. Trust me, you’ll want to buy it all! It’s also the sweetest souvenir you could take from Naples.
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo & Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo
Gesù Nuovo (New Jesus) is the name of a church and a square in Naples, which are located right next to each other. Piazza del Gesu Nuovo is home to 2 of the most beautiful churches in Naples: Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo and the church of Santa Chiara.
Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo is a spectacular Baroque church with a very beautiful interior worth checking out. Built in the 15th century, it was originally a palace that saw many transformations over the centuries and ended up becoming a church.
The spire of the Immaculate Virgin is another landmark at the piazza worth checking out.
Cloister of Santa Chiara
Possibly one of the most beautiful attractions in Naples, the Cloister of Santa Chiara is part of a religious complex that comprises a monastery, a church, and a cloister.
The Cloister is completely covered in beautifully colored majolica tiles and it features 72 columns with benches in between, also coated in hand-drawn tiles. It’s a very attractive location and it looks amazing in photos, so it’s a must-stop for the Instagrammers!
Via San Sebastiano (the Street of Music)
Via San Sebastiano, known as the street of music, is a narrow street off of Spaccanapoli lined with music shops. Formerly the hanging garden of an ancient monastery, the slow changes that over the centuries took over the area’s massive complexes and restructured the city turned it into a street.
A music conservatory and a myriad of instrument stores – some of which are located in the ancient workshops of luthiers – are the main attractions at Via San Sebastiano.
Scaturchio (sfogliatelle and coffee)
Scaturchio is a historic pasticceria (pastry shop) where you’ll be delighted to make your second sweet stop of the day. It’s situated in Piazza San Domenico, and it’s the ultimate place to indulge in sfogliatelle (a delicious and very traditional-filled pastry) with a cup of coffee.
Once you’re stuffed in pastries (because I’m assuming a sfogliatella is not the only thing you’ll get…) stay in the area to explore Piazza San Domenico Maggiore.
Piazza San Domenico Maggiore
This piazza is one of the most important squares in the city, dating back to when the Greek founded Neapolis in around 500 BC. Home to the 13th-century San Domenico Maggiore basilica, an obelisk, and the statue of San Domenico di Guzman, the square boasts historical importance.
But wait, there’s more! It also has a bustling atmosphere and a variety of shops and cafes with outdoor seating (one of which is Scaturchio!).
The cathedral features Gothic architecture and it’s beautifully decorated, so I recommend taking a look inside while you’re there.
Sansevero Chapel
Cappella Sansevero is a few steps away from Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, on Via Francesco de Sanctis. The Baroque Chapel and Museum is home to some of the most breathtaking marble sculptures in the world, including the famed The Veiled Christ, and The Deliverance from Deceit, both dating from the 18th century.
Almost 30 statues are on display inside the chapel, which boasts an equally mesmerizing painted ceiling titled Glory of Paradise. I highly recommend spending some time at both the Chapel and Museum exploring the masterpieces.
Piazzetta Nilo
Piazzetta Nilo is a very small square in Naples’ old city that features two main attractions. The first one is a marble statue of the god of the Nile, sculpted approximately in the 2nd century AD. During the time that the Egyptians living in Naples moved out, the statue disappeared with them, only to reappear headless in the 1400s.
With a brand new head, it now sits in front of Piazzetta’s second landmark, Bar Nilo.
Bar Nilo for Maradona Altar
Bar Nilo is a very popular bar in Spaccanapoli, but not for the reason you may think. Its fame is not in its drinks or ambiance but in the altar built for Maradona.
The Argentinian football player played for Naples’ soccer team for many years and developed a very strong connection with the city and its people.
In Naples, you’ll find murals with his face, a stadium named after him, and a small altar in his honor at Bar Nilo, where fans visit to pay their respects or simply admire the platform.
Doll Hospital
The Doll Hospital is a very quirky location along Spaccanapoli. This workshop treats the wounds of dolls, repairing any ailments they may have.
The shop – or should we say clinic – also has a variety of dolls for sale, but its main purpose for the past century has been treating dolls in need of repair.
All sizes, materials – from porcelain to rag, plastic, and wood – and afflictions are welcome at Ospedale delle Bambole, where you’ll see the patients lined up on the shelves along with flasks containing body limbs, eyes, and all the elements necessary to bring them back to health.
It can be a bit morbid, but it’s also a very interesting shop worth checking out!
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Via San Gregorio Armeno is one of Spaccanapoli’s gems. It’s the street where every day of the year feels like Christmas because it’s lined with shops selling nothing but Christmas-related ornaments, decorations, and above all, Nativity Scenes.
It’s known as the Christmas Alley for a reason, and you’ll feel the holiday spirit as soon as you step foot in it. Besides stores selling a myriad of objects, you’ll pass by many workshops and get to witness the artists working on the figurines and Nativity scenes they will later display for sale.
It’s a great spot to do some souvenir shopping if you’re a Christmas lover, or simply take a stroll enjoying the atmosphere.
Naples Underground
Situated in the historic center of the city – or rather underneath it – is Naples Underground, one of the city’s major landmarks that receives the attention of both locals and visitors.
According to archaeological excavations, the site dates back to approximately 4,000 years ago, when the Greeks established a colony in the area which centuries later became the city of Neapolis.
The network of underground tunnels served various purposes over time. It started being used as a quarry where the rock used to build the city was taken, and it also served as a bomb shelter during WWII, which is why you’ll see abandoned hospital beds, toys, and vehicles in the chambers.
This monumental complex of underground passages covers 248 miles (400 km) of Naples, and besides Naples Underground, the main locations include the Catacombs of San Gennaro, Galleria Borbonica, and La Neapolis Sotterrata.
Have Pizza in Via dei Tribunali
Naples is the birthplace of the original Neapolitan pizza, so it’s the perfect place to stuff yourself with the most famous dish in the world. Whatever your diet, you’re allowed a pizza or ten when in Naples in my opinion!
And that’s why I suggest you head to Via dei Tribunali, where you’ll find many pizzerie to try a slice of Margherita.
Make sure to stop at Antica Pizzeria di Matteo to enjoy the renowned pizza a portafoglio or have a frittatina, two of Italy’s most delicious street food items, equally popular among Neapolitans and tourists.
Duomo of Naples (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)
One of the most important churches in the city – if not the most – is Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Duomo of Naples.
The Cathedral dates back to the late 13th century, and it’s the largest in the city, as well as the main Catholic complex and the seat of the Archbishop of Naples.
Its importance is not only religious but cultural, historic, and artistic, featuring a striking Neo-Gothic facade and an interior with a fusion of architectural styles, along with beautiful frescoes and sculptures by renowned artists. It is most definitely worth stepping inside to admire its grandeur.
BEST TOURS TO SPACCANAPOLI, NAPLES
Spaccanapoli and the whole area surrounding it is one of the main attractions in Naples, and exploring it with a tour will help you understand its past and the role it has played in the city (and still does!) in more depth. Below are the best tours of Naples that will bring you here.
▶️ The Spaccanapoli Tour of the Historical Center of Naples takes you to discover the heart of Spaccanapoli. You’ll explore some of the main attractions in the area along with secret locations, and be able to customize your itinerary with your private guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Naples Downtown Tour allows you to explore the city’s most charming streets and attractions, including the celebrated Spaccanapoli and the Veiled Christ, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Food Tour with Davide is perfect if you’re eager to eat your way through Spaccanapoli, sampling the local bites and snacks along the famous street (which are a lot!) You’ll also learn about the foodie side of Naples and its history. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
