Historic Center of Naples, Italy

Naples historic old town

One of the most beautiful and popular cities in Campania, no, all of Italy, is definitely Naples (or as the Italians say: Napoli): Here, on the wonderful Gulf of Naples, beach holidays meet culture, 2500 years of history meet Mediterranean natural beauty.

Historic Naples

Founded by the Greeks, conquered by Rome and always a coveted city, Naples has asserted itself over the millennia. The city’s historicity can be felt on every corner. Above all, the historic city center makes the hearts of cultural holidaymakers and those curious about knowledge beat faster. In 1995 it was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the heart of Napoli, small, narrow alleys, as we know them from many Italian cities, wind and invite you to stroll and explore. Churches, catacombs, remains from ancient times – all these are things that the attentive walker is guaranteed to come across.

A thriving culture

You will inevitably pass by the Cathedral of Naples, Santa Maria Assunta, when visiting the city:

In May and September you can marvel at the so-called blood miracle, a vial with the blood of Saint Gennaro, which mysteriously always seems to be liquid. But the cathedral also has a lot to offer in terms of sacred art, with frescoes from the 14th century, the treasury of St. Gennaro and an imposing reliquary. If you haven’t had enough, you can visit the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro right next door.
You can breathe a touch of contemporary culture in Krippenbauergasse: In Via San Gregorio Armeno, Christmas is booming all year round, in a Mediterranean ambience. Artisans and carvers can be seen at work in front of or in their shops and there are noisy water sellers and food stalls outside.

A touch of ancient Rome

It gets cooler on the descent into the underworld of Naples – entrances are hidden between small churches in the old town. The catacombs of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, offer a piece of real antique atmosphere. Built for a Roman aristocratic family in the 2nd century, they were converted 400 years later into an extensive grave complex and thus used until the 10th century. Art lovers will shudder in awe at frescoes that date back to the 2nd century.

St. Peter’s Basilica

one of the most important churches of Catholicism

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most important sights in Rome, both for study trips and city tours. The church is not located in Italy, but on the small national territory of the Vatican City. Access is via St. Peter’s Square. According to an old tradition, pilgrims should visit at least seven churches during their trip to Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica.

The main church of Catholic Christians

The Pope’s bishopric is not in St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Lateran Basilica. Nevertheless, the Church is extremely important to Catholic Christians. It can hold up to twenty thousand believers during services. Outside of the church service times, the church can be visited, for which no entrance fee has to be paid. Catholics like to attend mass in St. Peter’s Basilica when traveling to Rome.

Burial place of the apostle Peter?

The location of St. Peter’s Basilica is based on the assumption that the tomb of the Apostle Peter is located there. This assumption has not been clearly proven. Certainly the graves of various later popes such as Alexander VII and Urban VIII are located within the church. Also of importance are the relics of the canonized popes of the twentieth century. Inside the church, Peter is commemorated with a bronze statue whose touch, according to legend, brings good luck.

The Cathedra Petri

Cathedra means chair, but the work of the same name actually refers to the bronze jacket and other details of the Baroque total work of art that surround it. According to legend, it is the chair on which the apostle Peter sat during his teaching lectures. The Cathedra Petri of St. Peter’s Basilica is distinguished from the Pope’s bishop’s chair in the Lateran Basilica by its spelling Kathedra Petri.

Other significant features of St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the most important works of art within the St. Statues of the founders of the order are placed in the niches of the side walls.