Naples

Naples is the regional capital of Campania, Italy. It is the largest city in southern Italy and the third-largest city in the country, after Rome and Milan. With almost 900,000 people living within its city limits, Naples is a busy and important place. The city also has a big influence on international matters, hosting important groups like NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

Naples has a very long history, founded by Greeks in the first millennium BC. It has been an important place where Greek and Roman cultures mixed. Over the years, Naples has been a capital for different kingdoms and has been a center for art, music, and learning. Even though it faced heavy damage during World War II, the city was rebuilt and has grown strongly since then.

Today, Naples is known for its rich culture and history. Its old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is close to famous places like the Royal Palace of Caserta and the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The city is also famous for its music, opera, and special foods, especially pizza, which has become popular all over the world. Naples is home to some of the oldest universities in Europe, including the University of Naples Federico II, founded in 1224.

History

Main article: History of Naples

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Naples history.

Greek birth and Roman acquisition

See also: Magna Graecia and Ancient Rome

Naples has been lived in since very old times. Long ago, people from a place called Rhodes set up a small port called Parthenope on an island. Later, people from Cumae expanded the settlement. The city grew and became an important place.

The Romans respected Naples and built many beautiful things there, like homes, water systems, and public baths. Famous people, including emperors, visited and enjoyed the city. Christianity also began there during this time.

Duchy of Naples

Main articles: Duchy of Naples and List of Dukes of Naples

After the Roman Empire, Naples was taken over by different groups. Eventually, it became its own duchy, ruling itself for a time. Leaders came and went, and sometimes Naples worked with other groups for protection.

As part of the Kingdom of Sicily

Main article: Kingdom of Sicily

Later, Naples became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. A university was started there, making it a center for learning. New rulers came, bringing changes and new buildings to the city.

Kingdom of Naples

The city grew and attracted artists and merchants. It became a important place in Europe. Over time, different rulers controlled Naples, bringing their own styles and changes to the city.

Aragonese and Spanish

Sicily and Naples were separated but both were ruled by Aragon. Later, Spain took control. Spanish leaders made many changes to improve the city and its people.

By the 1600s, Naples was one of the biggest cities in Europe. Artists and thinkers lived there, making it a cultural center. There were times of trouble, like diseases and uprisings, but the city kept growing.

Italian unification to the present day

After Italy unified, Naples became part of the new country. The city faced many challenges, like health problems and economic difficulties. During World War II, Naples suffered heavy bombing but showed great courage.

Today, Naples continues to grow and face new challenges, but it remains an important and lively city.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Naples

See also: Buildings and structures in Naples and Archaeological sites in Naples

Naples has a rich history spanning 2,800 years, filled with beautiful buildings and important places. Nearby, you can find the grand Palace of Caserta and the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 2017, a famous group called the BBC called Naples "the Italian city with too much history to handle".

The most noticeable styles of buildings in Naples today are from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Naples has 448 historical churches, making it one of the cities with the most places of worship.

The main square in Naples is the Piazza del Plebiscito. It was started by a king named Joachim Murat and finished by another king, Ferdinand IV. On one side is a big palace, and on the other side is a beautiful church. Nearby is an old theatre called the Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Italy.

Naples is famous for its castles. One of the oldest is Castel dell'Ovo, built on a small island. Another important castle is Castel Nuovo, where important events in history took place.

The city is also home to many museums. The Naples National Archaeological Museum has many treasures from ancient Roman times, including items found in Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Museo di Capodimonte is a museum and art gallery with paintings from famous artists.

Naples has many churches, with the Cathedral of Naples being the most important. Every year, people gather to see a special event involving the city's patron saint, Saint Januarius.

Besides the Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples has two other big squares: Piazza Dante and Piazza dei Martiri. Underneath the city, there are many tunnels and caves that people can visit. During World War II, these tunnels were used as safe places for people to stay during air raids.

The city also has beautiful parks, such as Villa Comunale, and many fountains and stairways, like the Fountain of Neptune.

Geography

The city of Naples is found on the Gulf of Naples, along the western coast of southern Italy. It stretches from sea level up to a height of 450 metres (1,480 feet). Small rivers that used to flow through the city center are now covered by buildings. Naples sits between two important volcanic areas, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields. Campi Flegrei is thought to be a supervolcano. You can reach the islands of Procida, Capri, and Ischia from Naples using hydrofoils and ferries. The beautiful Amalfi Coast and the town of Sorrento lie south of the city. Nearby, you can also find the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae, which were covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The port towns of Pozzuoli and Baia, once part of a Roman naval base called Portus Julius, are west of the city.

Quarters

Main article: Quarters of Naples

The city of Naples has thirty different areas, called quarters (quartieri). For managing the city, these thirty areas are grouped into ten larger community boards.

Climate

Naples has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csa), which is very close to a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa). The warm weather and fertile land around the Gulf of Naples made this place well-known long ago, when important Roman leaders like Claudius and Tiberius used to spend their holidays nearby. The sea helps keep the winters mild but can sometimes bring a lot of rain, especially in autumn and winter. Summers are hot and humid. Winters in Naples are gentle, and snow is uncommon in the city but often falls on Mount Vesuvius. November is usually the rainiest month, while July is the driest.

Demographics

As of September 2025, Naples has about 905,000 people living in the city. The bigger area around Naples, called Greater Naples, has around 4.4 million people. Naples has more young people compared to the rest of Italy, with 19% under age 14, and fewer older people, with 13% over 65.

Naples used to have more people, but many moved to live in the suburbs. The city is very crowded, with about 8,182 people living in each square kilometre. Most people in Naples are from Italy, with only a small number of people from other countries like Sri Lanka, China, and Ukraine.

Education

Naples is well known for its many schools and research centers. The city is home to what is believed to be the oldest university in the world, the University of Naples Federico II, founded in 1224. This famous university has about 70,000 students and more than 6,000 teachers.

The city also has the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, which opened in 1989, and the University of Naples "L'Orientale", which focuses on learning about cultures from faraway places and was started in 1732. Naples has many other important schools, including music and art schools, as well as science research centers like the Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte and the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Campania, List of mayors of Naples, and Elections in Naples

Governance

In Italy, each local area is led by a group of people called a city council. This group is headed by a mayor, who is chosen by the people to lead. This way of governing started a long time ago and has been used in many forms since then. Over the years, different groups have helped lead the city of Naples.

Since 2021, the mayor of Naples has been Gaetano Manfredi. He was chosen to lead by a group of people who share similar ideas about how the city should be run.

Administrative subdivisions

Economy

Main article: Economy of Naples

Naples is an important city for Italy and the world. It has a big economy, ranking fourth in Italy and 103rd globally. The city has a busy port and has grown a lot since World War II. However, finding jobs and dealing with unfair politics are still big challenges.

Many people visit Naples as tourists. It is one of Italy’s top places to see, along with Florence, Rome, Venice, and Milan. After some tough times, Naples is becoming popular again with visitors. Tourism is helping the city’s economy grow, but there are worries about changes to the old parts of the city.

Transport

Naples has many ways to get around, including big roads called motorways. The Autostrada A1 connects Naples to Milan, and the A3 goes south to Salerno. There are also trains, with Napoli Centrale being the main station. The city has narrow streets, so many people ride small cars or scooters.

Naples has buses, trams, and a metro system that helps people travel around the city. There are also special funiculars and elevators to make getting around easier. The city’s airport is busy, and the port offers ferry services to nearby islands.

Culture

Art

Naples has been an important center for art and architecture, with many churches, castles, and palaces from the Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance periods. The arrival of Caravaggio in 1606 helped shape the Neapolitan school of painting. In the 18th century, Naples embraced neoclassicism after discovering ancient Roman ruins in Herculaneum and Pompeii.

The Neapolitan Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1752, became a key place for artists like Domenico Morelli and Giacomo Di Chirico. The academy still teaches painting, sculpture, design, and more. Naples is famous for its old theatres, such as the Teatro di San Carlo opera house from the 18th century.

Naples is also known for Capodimonte porcelain, which began in 1743. Many of its artworks are displayed in the Museum of Capodimonte.

Cuisine

Main articles: Neapolitan cuisine, Neapolitan ice cream, Neapolitan pizza, and Neapolitan ragù

Naples is famous worldwide for its food and wine, influenced by many cultures over time. Neapolitan cuisine became its own style in the 18th century, using rich but affordable ingredients.

Naples is known as the home of pizza, which started as simple food for poor people. The Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy in the 18th century. Traditional Neapolitan pizza has specific ingredients and must be cooked in a wood-burning oven.

Other popular foods in Naples include spaghetti with clams, eggplant dishes, and seafood. The city is also famous for sweets like ice cream, zeppole, and struffoli, as well as strong coffee.

Wineries around Vesuvius produce wines like Lacryma Christi, and Naples is the home of limoncello, a lemon liqueur.

In May 2024, Naples was named the best city for food by Time Out.

Festivals

The culture of Naples is shown through many festivals. Some of these include:

• Festa di Piedigrotta – A musical event in September honoring the Madonna of Piedigrotta, with workshops, concerts, and family activities.
• Pizzafest – An eleven-day festival celebrating pizza, with tasting stations and entertainment.
• Maggio dei Monumenti – A May event featuring art and music from the 18th century, with special openings of buildings.
• Il Ritorno della festa di San Gennaro – A three-day celebration for Saint Gennaro, with parades and religious processions. There is also a celebration in "Little Italy" in Manhattan.

Language

Main article: Neapolitan language

The Neapolitan language is spoken in Naples and the surrounding area of Campania. It has spread to other parts of southern Italy and the world through migration. In 2008, a regional law helped protect the use of the Neapolitan language.

Many famous Italian songs are written in Neapolitan, such as 'O sole mio' and 'Funiculì, Funiculà'.

Literature and philosophy

Naples is a major center for Italian literature. The history of the Neapolitan language is linked to the Tuscan dialect, which became the basis of modern Italian. Important writers and philosophers like Giovanni Boccaccio, Jacopo Sannazzaro, and Giordano Bruno lived and worked in Naples.

The Accademia Pontaniana, founded in 1458, was one of the first academies in Italy. Later, Naples became a key place for philosophy and historical studies, with thinkers like Giambattista Vico and Benedetto Croce.

Writers such as Matilde Serao, Salvatore Di Giacomo, and Roberto Saviano have made big contributions to Neapolitan literature.

Theatre

Naples helped shape modern theatre, beginning with the 16th-century commedia dell'arte. The famous character Pulcinella is known worldwide.

The music genre of opera buffa began in Naples in the 18th century. Naples also has a popular tradition of sceneggiata, a form of folk theatre that tells stories of love, humor, and everyday life.

Music

Main articles: Music of Naples, Canzone Napoletana, and Music conservatories of Naples

Naples has been important for Western music for over four centuries. The first music conservatories were started there in the 16th century. The San Pietro a Majella conservatory, founded in 1826, is still a top place for music education and has a museum.

During the late Baroque period, Alessandro Scarlatti helped start the Neapolitan school of opera. Naples is also where opera buffa began, a style of comic opera. The Teatro di San Carlo, built in 1737, is the oldest working theatre in Europe.

The six-string guitar was invented in Naples in 1779. Famous musicians from Naples include Enrico Caruso, one of the greatest opera tenors.

The Tarantella is a popular dance from southern Italy, performed by couples with lively music. The Canzone Napoletana is a traditional music style with many folk songs, some dating back to the 13th century.

Cinema and television

See also: Cinema of Naples and Category:Films set in Naples

Naples has greatly influenced Italian cinema. Many films and TV shows are set there, and many famous actors and directors come from Naples.

Early Italian cinema masterpieces were filmed in Naples. Well-known movies set in Naples include Shoeshine, Hands over the City, and The Hand of God. Naples was also the location for one of the first Italian color films, Toto in Color.

Some famous comedies set in Naples include Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and Adelina of Naples. Dramatic films like Scent of a Woman and war movies like The Four Days of Naples also feature the city. Modern films such as Gomorrah explore Naples' complex side.

Naples has appeared in TV shows like The Sopranos and The Count of Monte Cristo. The animated series Tom and Jerry also includes references to Naples.

Tailoring

Neapolitan tailoring began as a way to make clothing more comfortable for the local lifestyle. The Neapolitan jacket is shorter, lighter, and has less padding than traditional styles.

Sport

Football is the most popular sport in Naples. It was brought to the city by the British in the early 1900s and is loved by everyone, from children to adults. The city's most famous football club is SSC Napoli, which plays at the Stadio Maradona in Fuorigrotta. The team plays in Serie A and has won many important prizes.

Naples has produced many great football players, including Ciro Ferrara and Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro was the leader of Italy's national team and helped them win the 2006 World Cup. The city also has teams in other sports such as basketball, rugby, futsal, water polo, and boxing.

People

Naples has been home to many talented people over the years. Some well-known names include singers, actors, and musicians who have made a mark in Italian culture. For example, there are singers like Settembre and Antonia, actors such as Angela Luce and Luisa Ranieri, and musicians like Edoardo Bennato and Fabio Cannavaro, who is also a famous former football player. Many of these individuals have contributed to the rich artistic heritage of Naples.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Twin towns and sister cities

Naples has friendly connections with several cities around the world. Some of these cities are:

• Gafsa, Tunisia
• Kragujevac, Serbia
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Athens, Greece
• Santiago de Cuba and Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba
• Marseille, France
• Nosy Be, Madagascar
• Nablus, Palestine
• Limerick, Ireland
• Sassari, Italy
• Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Partnerships

Naples also works closely with these cities:

• Sighetu Marmației, Romania
• Călărași, Romania
• Budapest, Hungary
• Kagoshima, Japan
• Baku, Azerbaijan
• Tripoli, Lebanon
• Kolkata, India
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (since 1964)
• Yerevan, Armenia