Via San Gregorio Armeno (Christmas Alley)
The Basics
Walking and bike tours of the city center generally include a stop to browse Via San Gregorio Armeno’s crowded displays of figurines representing everyone from the Holy Family to pop stars and contemporary sports heros. On a Vespa or Fiat 500 tour, you can explore the alley and other attractions in the historic center: the teeming Spaccanapoli thoroughfare, Castel Nuovo, Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy), the Duomo, and elegant Piazza Plebiscito.
Naples is famous for its cuisine, and many tours of the historic center combine sightseeing with tasting local street food, including the city’s iconic pizza. The ruins of Pompeii are just outside the city, so you can easily tour both this famous archaeological site and the historic center, which is also home to the National Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from Pompeii are collected.
Things to Know Before You Go
Kids especially love to browse the endless displays of figurines lining Via San Gregorio Armeno.
The alley and its artisans, many of whom spend their days carving and painting figurines in their workshops, make for great photos, so be sure to bring your camera.
Walking tours of Via San Gregorio Armeno in the historic center are outdoors; wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
Touring the largely pedestrian historic center in Naples requires a considerable amount of walking, so choose comfortable footwear.
Wear modest attire that covers knees and shoulders if planning on entering Naples’ churches and cathedral.
Via San Gregorio Armeno is narrow, steep, and paved with cobblestones that may be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
How to Get There
Via San Gregorio Armeno is in the historic center of Naples, a short walk from both the city’s port and main train station. The alley is pedestrian only, but you can get close via public transportation by taking the metro to the Dante stop and walking from there.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
San Gregorio Armeno is lined with displays and stalls staffed by artisans selling Nativity scenes and figures all year round, but the Christmas holiday season can be an especially busy time. To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit outside the month of December.
The History of Neapolitan Nativity Scenes
First displayed in monasteries in the 16th and 17th centuries, Nativity scenes made their way into aristocratic homes, eventually becoming a tradition for all. Many people put up their nativity scene December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, but wait until Christmas Eve to add baby Jesus. Displays often go beyond a manager scene and can represent the life of an entire community or village.
- Things to do in Pompeii
- Things to do in Sorrento
- Things to do in Positano
- Things to do in Capri
- Things to do in Amalfi
- Things to do in Salerno
- Things to do in Rome
- Things to do in Matera
- Things to do in Palermo
- Things to do in Taormina
- Things to do in Split
- Things to do in Siena
- Things to do in Amalfi Coast
- Things to do in Lazio
- Things to do in Puglia
- Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore
- Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
- Centro Storico
- Pio Monte della Misericordia
- Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro)
- Sansevero Chapel (Museo Cappella Sansevero)
- Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore (Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore)
- Naples Historic Center (Napoli Centro Storico)
- Church and Monastery of Santa Chiara (Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Chiara)
- Piazza del Gesù Nuovo
- Gesú Nuovo Church (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo)
- Naples Piazza del Mercato
- Naples National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale)
- Church of Sant'Anna dei Lombardi (Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi)
- Via Toledo
- Naples and Pizza
- Pompeii Tours from Naples
- Amalfi Coast from Naples
- Nightlife in Naples
- Caravaggio Art in Naples
- Top Day Trips from Naples
- Ways to Beat the Crowds in Naples
- How to Spend a Rainy Day in Naples
- Where to Find the Best Views in Naples
- Art Lover's Guide to Naples
- Sightseeing on a Budget in Naples
- Must-See Museums in Naples