Must-Visit Museums in Naples: History and Art in Naples
Visiting a museum is the perfect way to learn about the history of the place where you are. Naples is characterized by being a city full of history, it has more than 30 museums, which are the best way to know the nature, history and art of this Italian city. What should museums to visit during your stay in the city If you don’t have much time in Naples to visit them all, we leave you a list of the most interesting museums in Naples.
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Naples National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is located in one of the most interesting palaces in the city, since it dates from the year 1585. At some time it became the University of Naples and also the Royal Library, to become a Royal Museum in 1717 In this museum the collections of Pompeii, King Carlos III and Herculaneum were gathered.
Considered one of the most important museums in all of Europe, due to the amount of historical objects it has. Two of his most outstanding works are: the Sundial Hall and the Statues of the corridors of the Villa de los Papiros. In addition, the museum is made up of the following collections:
- The Farnese collection: composed of objects that come from Rome.
- The Pompeii collection: made up of marble sculptures, frescoes, the Segreto Cabinet and mosaics, among others.
- Egyptian collections: where authentic and pseudo-Egyptian pieces from Pompeii and other cities in Campania are preserved.
- Epigraphic Collection: bearing Oscan, Greek, Latin Roman and Etruscan inscriptions.
- Numismatic Collection: this is one of the most extensive collection of medals and coins that exists.
- Collection of ancient Naples: where the findings of the civilizations that developed along the Gulf of Naples in the period of Greek colonization are presented.
These are just some of the collections that you will be able to see on your visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples . To get there you just have to go to Piazza Museo, 19. It is open every day, except Tuesdays.
Capodimonte Museum
The second most important museum in Naples is the Capodimonte . It is located inside the royal palace of Capodimonte, which was built by King Carlos III. The museum was inaugurated in 1957 but it was from 1958 that works of art began to be received . An old historical and contemporary art gallery is preserved in the museum .
Among the most famous works in the Capodimonte museum are the collections of Italian painting. It houses paintings from the Trecento to the 18th century by: Masaccio, Simone Martini, Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Bellini, Rafael Sanzio, Caravaggio, Parmigianino, Guido Reni, Lorenzo Lotto, Tiziano, Luca Giordano, Annibale Carracci and Artemisia Gentileschi.
The Capodimonte Museum is currently known for its exhibitions, publications, library, technical services and archives that aid in the interpretation and study of the works.
The Chapel of Sansevero or Temple of Mercy
This chapel is considered as the museum of world cultural heritage . This gem is located throughout the historic center of the city of Naples, on Banedetto Croce street (popularly known as “Spaccanapoli”). The chapel is linked to the Sansevero palace, which belonged to the Prince of Sangro family.
In the chapel of Sansevero , or as the Temple of Mercy is also known, works of art such as the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino are preserved . This sculpture is very famous for the transparency effect of the marble veil that surrounds the shape of the dead Christ.
Other works that are in this museum is that of the Anatomical Machines , which are two human bodies that were discarded in such a way that it is possible to visualize in a detailed way the internal circulatory system of the human body.
Conservatory of San Pietro a Maiella
This historical museum and music conservatory had its beginnings in 1806 when the 4 musical schools of Naples were unified. Located on the Via San Pietro a Majella. In this museum you can see an excellent collection of paintings by the most famous musicians , such as: Painting by the Italian composer Gioachino Rossin by Domenico Morelli, Saverio Mercadante by Fancesco Palizzi, the painting by Richard Wagner by Francesco Saverio Altamura, among others.
Coral Museum
The Coral Museum preserves a collection of jewels as evidence of the manufacture of pieces in Cameos and corals in Naples from 1805 to 1950. In addition, it has documents, machinery, tools and photos with which you can learn the history from Naples more than 150 years ago.
If you are one of those who like to know history and enjoy observing works of art, we recommend these museums in Naples .
