Family Travel

The monuments and museums are open for free and the weekend celebrations include concerts, dances, and horse races for the annual May of Monuments Festival.  Make sure to check out the self-guided tours through the city’s underground passageways and historic district.

Aquarium (Acquario)

Established in the 1800’s this is the oldest aquarium in Europe.  It is home to over 200 types of marine plants and fish that live in the Bay of Naples.

Carthusian Monastery of San Martino (Certosa di San Martino) & National Museum of San Martino (Museo Nazionale di San Martino)

The museum is on the grounds of the Castel Sant’Elmo and former 14th Century monastery.  It is now the historical museum for the city of Naples.  The beautiful church features exquisite marble and art.  Make sure to visit the star-shaped Castel Sant’Elmo, as well.  It is known for it’s long medieval stone hallways.

Catacombe di San Gennaro (St. Januarius)

For a truly unique experience, explore this two story underground cemetery with a guided tour.  Originated in the 2nd Century, the wide tunnels lead to ancient burial grounds adorned with religious symbols and frescoes.

National Archaeological Museum (Museum Archeologico Nazionale)

Delve into the rich and fascinating archaeological past of Naples and the surrounding region, including the mythical city of Pompeii.  The National Museum of Archaeology was established by the royal decree in 1615 as the University of Naples.  The museum houses permanent collections of gems, sculptures, architecture, and mosaics.  The collection features Graeco-Roman styles but also includes sections on Egypt and special exhibits.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

The prince and princess in your family will enjoy touring a real palace.  A fine example of Baroque architecture, the palace boasts royal apartments, a church, and library with 1,250,000 volumes.

The Ruins of Pompeii

One of the most famous former cities of the world, Pompei was destroyed in 79 AD by the unexpected eruption of the Vesuvius volcano.  In an incredibly short period of time, the city was completely obliterated, submerged by a thick layer of volcanic ash that froze its citizens’ very last moments in time.  The large amount of preserved villas, brothels, frescoes, and ruins can take a full day to explore.