2. Naples: Spaccanapoli, Veiled Christ, & Sansevero Chapel Tour
Discover all the stories and curiosities of Neapolitan tradition and folklore on a guided walk through the old center of Naples along historic streets and squares, including Spaccanapoi, Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Sansevero Chapel.
The tour starts in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, one of the most famous squares in the city’s historic center. See the Gesù Nuovo Baroque church full of history and legends, then look to the middle of the square to admire the towering obelisk dedicated to the Immacolata Concezione.
Along Via San Biagio, best known as Spaccanapoli, you’ll be guided to discover the most fascinating and relevant sites like the Chiesa di Santa Chiara and the square of San Domenico Maggiore.
Next on the itinerary is the Cappella Sansevero (Sansevero Chapel) that hosts the statue of the Veiled Christ, one of the most admired sculptures in the world. Enter inside to see works of Rococo art by leading Italian artists of the 18th century and the anatomical machines.
Back on Via San Biagio dei Librai, stop in Piazzetta Nilo where the Statue of the Nile God sits. Nearby, reach Via San Gregorio Armeno, a historic street with artisan shops, particularly known for the production of presepe (static nativity scenes).
See the usual nativity characters along with figures representing famous personalities from cinema, TV, soccer, and politics. The tour continues to Piazza San Gaetano before heading to the final stop of the trip, the Napoli Dome.
The Napoli Dome was dedicated to San Gennaro and Santa Maria Assunta and features Neapolitan Gothic and Baroque art. The main attraction of the interior is the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro.
The church also houses a vial of the blood of San Gennaro, which is brought out three times a year, when the dried blood usually liquefies. According to legend, if the blood fails to liquefy, a disaster will befall Naples.