The must-see museums of Naples: MANN, Capodimonte and more

Naples holds some of the most important art and archaeology collections in the world, often in palaces that are masterpieces in their own right. From the mosaics of Pompeii to Caravaggio at Capodimonte, from the nativity scenes of the Certosa di San Martino to contemporary art in the historic centre: in this guide you will find the museums not to miss and a few tips for planning your visits from Phaedra House.

Tips before you go

• Closing days: many state museums close one day a week, often Tuesday or Wednesday, but it varies from museum to museum.
• Tickets and opening hours: these change often, as do free-entry Sundays and temporary exhibitions. Check the official website of each museum.
• Tourist cards: there are passes that combine admissions and public transport; they are worth considering if you visit several museums in a few days.
• Timing: allow at least two or three hours each for the MANN and Capodimonte.

The National Archaeological Museum (MANN)

[foto da caricare] An ancient mosaic at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples

If you choose only one museum, make it this one. The MANN is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world and is a short distance from the historic centre, also reachable on foot.

What not to miss:

• The Farnese collection: great ancient sculptures, including the famous Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules.
• The mosaics of Pompeii: above all the Alexander Mosaic, depicting the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius.
• The frescoes of Pompeii and Herculaneum: painted walls that tell of the life, myths and colours of the Roman world.
• The Secret Cabinet: the section with the erotic works found in the Vesuvian cities.

The MANN is the perfect complement to a trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum: seeing the objects here and then the cities where they were found brings everything to life.

The Museum and Royal Park of Capodimonte

On the hill north of the city, the royal palace of Capodimonte houses one of Italy's great picture galleries, born from the Farnese collection and enriched by the Bourbons. Among the masterpieces:

• Caravaggio's Flagellation of Christ;
• works by Titian, Masaccio, Raphael, Bruegel and Artemisia Gentileschi;
• Parmigianino's Antea;
• the Royal Apartment and the porcelain collections.

Around the museum stretches the Real Bosco, a large park with avenues and views over the city: ideal for a walk after your visit. To get there from the centre, take a bus or a taxi: check the latest connections before you set off.

The Certosa and Museum of San Martino

On the Vomero hill, next to Castel Sant'Elmo, the Certosa di San Martino is a former monastery with cloisters, gardens and a lavish Baroque church. The museum tells the story of Naples and houses one of the most beautiful collections of nativity scenes in the world, including the famous Cuciniello nativity. From the gardens you enjoy one of the widest views over the gulf and the historic centre. It is easy to reach by funicular: we explain how in our itinerary Naples in three days.

In the historic centre, a few steps from the apartment

[foto da caricare] A cloister in the historic centre of Naples

You don't need to go far to find great museums:

• Sansevero Chapel: with the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino; book in advance.
• Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro: next to the Cathedral, with the jewels and silverware donated to the patron saint over the centuries.
• Pio Monte della Misericordia: on Via dei Tribunali, with Caravaggio's Seven Works of Mercy and a small picture gallery.
• Santa Chiara complex: the majolica cloister and a museum with archaeological remains.
• MADRE: the museum of contemporary art of Campania, in a historic palace a stone's throw from the Cathedral.

We also describe the churches and chapels of the centre in our guide to the churches not to miss in the historic centre.

The Royal Palace

In Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace was the residence of the kings of Naples: grand staircase, royal apartments, the court theatre and a chapel. It combines easily with a walk along Via Toledo and the seafront, as in our itinerary Naples in one day.

More places to visit if you have time

• Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino): the castle facing the port, with the great Aragonese triumphal arch at the entrance and a civic museum inside.
• Castel Sant'Elmo: on the Vomero hill, next to the Certosa di San Martino, with one of the widest views over the city.
• Villa Pignatelli: in Chiaia, a 19th-century villa with a garden, period furniture and a collection of carriages.
• The metro "art stations": some Line 1 stops, such as Toledo, Università and Museo, are decorated by contemporary artists and can be visited with a simple metro ticket.

With children

At the MANN children are often struck by the huge statues and the everyday objects from Pompeii; at Capodimonte, the park is perfect for running around after the visit. Many museums offer workshops and family tours: check the programme on the official website before you go.

How to plan your visits

• One big museum a day: the MANN in the morning, Capodimonte on another day; better not to combine them.
• Alternate museums and walks: after the MANN, a walk through the Rione Sanità; after Capodimonte, the Real Bosco.
• The museums of the centre in your free moments: Sansevero, Pio Monte and the Treasure of San Gennaro are close to each other and close to the apartment.

Sleeping near the museums

Phaedra House is in Piazzetta Sant'Arcangelo a Baiano: the Cathedral, the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, MADRE and the Pio Monte are a few minutes' walk away, and the MANN can be reached on foot or by metro. Discover the apartment and see where we are.

For more ideas, browse the Museums section of our guide.