INDEX:
- The Hospital of the Dolls in Naples
- Pausilypon Park
- The Bourbon Gallery
- The Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples
- The Church of San Domenico Maggiore
A destination of choice for many tourists, Naples is one of the most visited cities in Italy in recent years.
Famous for its thousand-year history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine. But especially for its iconic sites such as Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Veiled Christ, and Pompeii.
Naples is a city that enchants, surprises and excites. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary architectural beauty and contradictions. But beyond the best-known tourist destinations, Naples also hides a number of lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions.
In this article, we will guide you to discover the hidden gems of Naples, to immerse you in an authentic and surprising experience.
Places that are little known and especially uncrowded compared to the cult sites of the Partenopean city, but equally wonderful and worth seeing.
The Hospital of the Dolls in Naples
Beginning with the special Doll Hospital, a museum that has been present since the 1800s that houses dolls, toys, Barbies, teddy bears, etc. And which provides restoration of them for all those who come there to repair their cherished toys, as if it were a real hospital.
It is an ideal place to visit for all doll lovers who want to relive old memories of their childhood while admiring the extraordinary collection of toys on display. Or for those who want to restore a doll or toy to which they are particularly attached.
The museum is located at Via San Biagio dei Librai, 39 in Naples. Tickets can be purchased directly on the museum’s official website, www.ospedaledellebambole.com, where you will find all the information about the museum’s opening hours and the opening hours of the doll repair hospital.
Pausilypon Park
Pausilypon Park is a wonderful archaeological site located in one of the most enchanting neighborhoods of Naples, the Posillipo district.
The Park located overlooking the sea is positioned on the Posillipo hill that directly overlooks the Gulf of Naples.
It is accessed by crossing for about 700 meters the Grotto of Seiano positioned below the Posillipo hill. And inside you can see the remains of the theater, odeon and some reception rooms of the old villa built in the 1st century AD.
Pausilypon Park can be accessed by booking either a guided tour or a free accompanied tour without a tour guide.
Guided tour entrance times are Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:30 am and 12:15 pm.
While for accompanied tour you can enter the park From Tuesday to Sunday: 9:15 am.
For all information visit the official website .
The Bourbon Gallery
A fascinating and little-known underground attraction is the Galleria Borbonica, a labyrinth of tunnels and underground passages located beneath the streets of Naples near the Royal Palace. These tunnels were originally built in the 19th century as escape routes for the Bourbon royal family, but were later used as shelters during World War II. Today, the Bourbon Gallery offers guided tours that allow you to explore this fascinating underground world, discovering the city’s history and secrets.
The Gallery has 3 entrances:
- Vico del Grottone, 4 – Plebiscito Square area
- Via D. Morelli, 61 – c/o Morelli Parking Lot
- Via Monte di Dio, 14 – Palazzo Serra di Cassano – Int. A14
There are as many as four routes that can be taken, two suitable for both disabled and claustrophobic individuals, two not recommended for the latter.
For all other information visit www.galleriaborbonica.com
The Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples
Fontanelle Cemetery is a unique cemetery unlike any other in the world, covering more than 3,000 m². Located in the Sanita district, it was built in the 17th century and houses the bodies of some 250,000 Neapolitans killed during the plague of 1656. The cemetery features an extraordinary collection of ornate tombs and mausoleums and has a special tradition: locals can “adopt” a skull and take care of it in exchange for good luck for themselves and their entire family.
This tradition is known as “pezzentelle souls.”
Fontanelle Cemetery, is located at Via Fontanelle, 80 in the Sanità neighborhood. Currently due to structural problems the cemetery is closed to the public, for more information on reopening you can contact the City of Naples directly. Admission is free of charge.
The Church of San Domenico Maggiore
Hiding extraordinary architectural and artistic beauty, the Church of San Domenico Maggiore is a little-known gem in the heart of Naples’ historic center. Inside the church, one can admire magnificent frescoes and detailed sculptures. But not only that, the sacristy houses the coffins of Aragonese nobles. It is said that the hearts of Charles I D’Anjou, Alfonso I, Ferdinand I and II, later lost during the Napoleonic reign of Naples, were kept here in silver coffins.
The tranquil atmosphere and sumptuous art make this church a must-see for all history and art enthusiasts.
The church of San Domenico Maggiore is located at Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, 8 A, not far from Piazza del Gesù Nuovo.
