One of the most ancient cities in Europe, Naples’ history goes back to 470 BC when a group of Greek settlers found this gem of a city! Naples has rich cultural heritage and grand architectural structures that attract people from nearby The world will appreciate its grandeur. You might have heard about the fame of Naples Museums which are known to house an interesting collection of art and culture inside their walls. To appreciate Pompeii, Baroque and contemporary artwork, sculptures and other special artefacts you must visit these museums.
10 amazing Naples museums
If you are looking for famous museums in Naples, Italy to add to your itinerary; Your search ends here. Here is a list that you can take with you to the beautiful Italian city.
1. National Archaeological Museum of Naples
It is known as one of the most popular museums in Italy and certainly one of the most important Naples museums of archaeology. The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is housed inside a palace that dates back to the 16th century and houses many Greek, Roman and Renaissance artefacts that are a fascination for the eyes and the soul. Some of the most recommended attractions here are the mosaic collection or the secret cabinet which contains many Roman artefacts. If you are interested in history, you can choose an audio guide from the entrance to get detailed information about some of the pieces.
Place: Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 9 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: 1200 INR
Must read: Italy in December: Top 6 places that will make you experience the best of this winter paradise!
2. National Museum of San Martino
One of the best museums in Naples Italy, the National Museum of San Martino is located inside the Certosa di San Martino, a large monastic complex that has been in existence since 1368. Apart from the interesting exhibits, one can also look around the entire museum. There is also an option to visit the monasteries which gives you the chance to admire the many frescoes and mosaics inside. Some of the most popular attractions of this museum include Neapolitan preseppe or nativity scenes, artwork and sculptures from the 13th to 19th centuries and, above all, a stunning view of the city from the gardens.
Place: Largo S. Martino, 5, 80129 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
entrance fees: 800 rupees
Read suggestions: 16 stunning beaches in Italy for an unforgettable seaside holiday
3. Bourbon Gallery
Visit the Galleria Borbonica which served as a royal palace and bomb shelter for the military during World War II. As you stroll through the underground tunnels and hear from the guide about the military history of this tunnel and the role it played during the war, you will be intrigued by its presence. In fact, one can still see the remains of many things that were used here at that time such as tanks, old bikes and cars and other fascist statues. There are three different guided tours available and one of them is particularly interesting and offers a ride in a raft through an abandoned metro tunnel.
Place: Morelli Parking, Via Domenico Morelli, 61 C, 80121 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 10 am to 5 pm
entrance fees: 900 rupees
4. Sansevero Chapel
One of the jewels in the crown of Naples is the Cappella Sansevero an ornate chapel that dates from the 16th century. The fact that it is located in the center of the city and its luxurious interiors make it a favorite with tourists. The museum contains some great artworks that were created by famous Italian artists of the 18th century and today it is one of the most important art museums in Naples Italy. However, one piece that stands out from all the others is a moving and intricate sculpture of Christ in the Veil, created by a young artist, Giuseppe Sanmartino, who took his inspiration from a popular veiled state known as Modesty Was.
Place: Cappella Sansevero, Via Francesco de Sanctis, 19/21, Naples, Italy
opening time: 9 am to 6:30 pm
Read suggestions: 10 Best Hostels in Italy That Are Perfect for an Affordable Stay
5. Capodimonte Museum
This is one of the most popular museums in northern Naples and is located inside a stunning Bourbon palace. It is one of the largest art museums in the country and unfortunately, one of the most underrated. The Museo di Capodimonte contains some of the country’s most valuable art works such as the Farnese Collection which was inherited from the family of King Charles VII and priceless Greek and Roman antiquities. In fact, this museum was built in 1738 on the orders of the King to house these priceless properties. The museum is huge and has a vast property that spans hundreds of rooms as well as the National Gallery which houses paintings by the most popular names in mid-centuries art such as Raphael and Caravaggio.
Place: Via Miano, 2, 80131 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: 1000 INR
6. Catacombs of San Gennaro
One of the most important Naples museums, the Catacombs of San Gennaro is loved by locals as well as tourists. One reason behind this is that it is built over the tomb of San Gennaro, who was the patron saint of the city and also over the tombs of the first bishops of Naples. This museum is actually one of the most popular underground attractions in Naples and is made from tufa rock. The structure also contains numerous frescoes and mosaics that have been impeccably preserved and thanks to first-class lighting, one can appreciate these in their full glory.
Place: Via Capodimonte, 13, 80100 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 10 am to 5 pm
Read suggestions: Shopping in Italy: 6 best places for extraordinary fun for shopaholics
7. Certosa di San Martino
Although it is mostly known for being one of the most interesting museums in Naples, in recent years it has gained popularity due to its picturesque views of the city. The Certosa di San Martino offers a wonderful view of Mount Vesuvius and for this reason, it has developed as a tourist destination in the city. The museum is a former Carthusian monastery from the 14th century and one of the main attractions of the museum includes a large cloister. The museum is constructed in Neapolitan Baroque style and contains a world-renowned collection of Neapolitan country scenes composed of sculptures and miniatures.
Place: Largo S. Martino, 5, 80129 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
entrance fees: 500 rupees
8. Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano
One of the most stunning remains of Baroque-inspired architecture in Naples is Palazzo Zavallos Stigliano, located near the busy Via Toledo. The palace was built in the 17th century by Cosimo Fanzago, known as the city’s greatest Baroque artist. Today, the museum is home to a remarkable collection of Neapolitan and Italian works dating from the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These house grand rooms inside and some of the highlights include the Martyrdom of St. Ursula, which is generally believed to be the last work by Caravaggio.
Place: Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, Via Toledo, 185, Naples, Italy
opening time: 10 am to 6 pm
entrance fees: 400 INR
Read suggestions: If you only have 2 weeks in Italy, these fascinating places should be included in your itinerary
9. Royal Palace of Naples
We like that the opening hours of the Naples museums allow to include as many visits as possible during the day as most of them open early in the morning and remain open to visitors until the evening. One such museum that you should definitely consider visiting is the Royal Palace of Naples, which was built by Domenico Fontana in 1600 and is located in the area called Plaza Plebiscito. It has served as the residence of many people over the decades: Spanish viceroys, Austrians and, finally, Bourbons.
Place: Via Miano, 2, 80131 Naples NA, Italy
opening time: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: 1000 INR
10. Mother Museum
One of the most popular Naples museums of art, Museo Madre stands for The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina and is one of the most popular museums exhibiting contemporary art in Italy. It is located inside Palazzo Donnaregina and was converted into a museum by a popular Portuguese architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira and opened to visitors in 2005. Some of the most prominent works here include pieces by Andy Warhol and Lucio Fontana. ,
Place: Madre Museum, Via Luigi Settembrini, 79, Naples, Italy
opening time: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: 650 rupees
read ahead: Food festivals in New Zealand: where to enjoy the country’s most typical dishes
The Naples Museum is known throughout the world and contains some of the most spectacular marble artefacts. The Naples museums mentioned above are one of the primary reasons why people visit this vibrant city every year. Plan a trip to Italy through TourTravelHotels to explore this magical place at the best possible price. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags!
Are you looking to book an international holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TourTravelHotels with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.