Posillipo
The Basics
Take a break from the relentless bustle of central Naples with an excursion into one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, home to beautiful private villas, excellent local restaurants, and high-end shops and boutiques. Catch the scenic funicular from the Mergellina neighborhood below up to the top of Posillipo Hill for a bird’s-eye view across the bay to Mt. Vesuvius looming opposite. Afterwards, stroll along the tree-lined streets back down the hillside to the Posillipo Archaeological Park, where you can visit the remains of an ancient Roman villa and theater on the water’s edge, accessed through the Grotta di Seiano tunnel.
Many Naples sightseeing tours make a stop at the top of the hill to take in the view, especially those via Vespa scooter, vintage Fiat 500, and private car. Naples is known for its traditional cuisine, and tours often combine visits to the city’s top attractions with pizza tastings, and other local street food. The Pompeii archaeological park is just outside the city center, so it’s easy to pair a tour of Naples with a visit to these famous ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sightseeing tours of Naples are mostly outdoors; sunscreen and a hat are recommended in summer.
- The outdoor Posillipo Market selling everything from housewares to designer duds is held each Thursday.
- There are also two parks dedicated to Virgil in Posillipo—one at the top of the hill, and one at the bottom—perfect for families with kids.
- With its wider streets and lighter traffic, the Posillipo Hill neighborhood is easier to navigate with a wheelchair, so some areas are quite steep.
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views over the Bay of Naples from the hilltop.
How to Get There
Take the Mergellina funicular from the Mergellina stop on the water’s edge to Piazza Manzoni, the final stop on the Posillipo Hill, or join a sightseeing tour that includes transportation up the steep road that winds its way to the hilltop.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Most visitors stop at the top of the Posillipo Hill to take in the view over the Bay of Naples, so time your visit for early morning or sunset for the best light for photographs.
The Posillipo Archaeological Park
At the base of the Posillipo Hill, the archaeological ruins of the Imperial Villa Vedius Pollio and nearby Odeon theater covering the cliff above the water are considered among the most beautiful in Naples. The area, also known as Pausilypon, also includes the remains of a portico overlooking the sea, an oblong nymphaeum, and an aqueduct.
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- Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)
- Mergellina
- Saint Elmo’s Castle (Castel Sant'Elmo)
- Castel dell'Ovo
- Charterhouse and Museum of San Martino (Certosa e Museo di San Martino)
- Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale)
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Piazza Trieste e Trento
- Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola)
- San Carlo Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo)
- Saint Lucia Neighborhood (Quartiere Santa Lucia)
- Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)
- Naples Zoo (Lo Zoo di Napoli)
- Galleria Umberto I
- Naples and Pizza
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