From the Fontanelle Cemetery to the Farmacia degli Incurabili: discover the sites to visit in Naples and delve into the most unusual and secret part of the city.
Would you like to visit Naples as you have never seen it? Yes, we know – the city of Mount Vesuvius has endless historical, artistic, architectural… and even excellent culinary attractions, thanks to pizza and other delicious specialties!
But what if for once, you wanted to organize a city tour of the city of curiosities and its unknown places? Let’s leave aside the most famous streets and monuments for a moment and delve into a secret city: here are the places to visit in Naples to discover a previously unseen part of it that, we are sure, will fascinate you!
These are 5 unusual places to visit in Naples:
- The Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples
- the Gate of San Gennaro
- The Bourbon Gallery
- Naples and the Spanish Palace
- The Pharmacy of the incurables
These are 5 unusual things to do in Naples:
- Climb the hidden staircases of the Pedamentina
- Discover the Art Nouveau elegance of liberty Naples
- Get lost in the book maze of Libreria Colonnese
- Explore the retro charm of the funicolare centrale
- Take a sunset walk at Parco Virgiliano
The Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples
In the heart of the Sanità district, carved out of a huge tuff cave, is a very special place: the Campusanto d’e Funtanelle, or Cimitero delle Fontanelle, a giant mass grave with many hundreds of skulls (called “cappuzzelle”) on display. These are the remains of all the people who were killed by the plague epidemic of 1656, then by the following famines and cholera: too many to be buried individually.
Today, according to the ritual of “peasant souls“, it is possible to “adopt” a skull, polishing and honoring it, and the soul of the deceased will grant a favor in return. Some cappuzzelle are said to have specific powers: ‘A Capa d’o Capitano is said to help unmarried girls find husbands, while ‘A capa ‘e Pascale is reputed to suggest winning Lotto numbers!
Unusual attractions in Naples: the Gate of San Gennaro
The second stop on our tour to discover the unusual sights of Naples takes us to the Porta di San Gennaro, the city’s oldest gate. Located opposite Piazza Cavour, it is mentioned as early as in some documents from the year 928 and was the only access point to the heart of the city for those coming from the north.
Of the seven ancient gates of Naples, it is the only one that has preserved its own fresco: this one depicts St. Gennaro and was donated by the painter Mattia Preti as a votive offering after the plague of the 17th century. As you cross it, you will find that the setting changes considerably from here on, as you enter the Greek part of Naples.
The Bourbon Gallery, one of the sites to visit in Naples
By now you know, it is under the ground that Naples hides some of its most amazing treasures-we have already seen this by taking you on a subterranean tour of the city and introducing you to the Neapolitan subway, with its beautiful art stations. Today, instead, we take you to discover the Bourbon Gallery, a fascinating underground tunnel.
In the project commissioned by Ferdinand II to Enrico Alvino, the intention was to connect Largo di Palazzo (today’s Piazza del Plebiscito) with Piazza della Vittoria, so that in case of emergency the sovereign could quickly reach the sea. Today, you can walk through the Bourbon Gallery with various itineraries and admire bridges, walls and walkways, on the way encountering the great tuff Carafa Caves, ancient Roman cistern.
But that’s not all: during World War II, the tunnel served as a hiding place (and still houses numerous everyday objects of the time); then, until the 1970s, it was used as a judicial repository: this is why you can admire statues, motorcycles, and even vintage cars.
Naples and the Spanish Palace
In the eighteenth century, when King Charles of Bourbon reached the Royal Palace of Capodimonte from Naples, he had to travel over the Vergini alla Sanità, a route so steep that the horses that towed his carriage had to be replaced by oxen. The “ritual” took place inside a building designed by architect Ferdinando Sanfelice: today, the Palazzo dello Spagnolo remains as a fine example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture.
In your itinerary of the unusual and secret Naples, observe in particular its extravagantly shaped staircases-Sanfelice’s designs were famous for their originality, so much so that the people feared they might collapse at any moment and had nicknamed the architect “Sanfelì, lievet’ ‘a sotto” (“Sanfelice, get out from under”).
Among the lesser known places: the Pharmacy of the incurables
The last of the places to visit in Naples is the Farmacia degli Incurabili, attached to the Renaissance hospital known as Santa Casa degli Incurabili located at the top of the Upper Decumanus. It is a true gem that tells of the city’s artistic history (with its Baroque-Rococo elements) and, at the same time, the history of medicine and pharmacology.
Inside the Pharmacy of the Incurables, you can see precious vases and urns that contained spices and ancient medicines, including the legendary theriac, a mixture containing, among other things, opium, meat and viper skin that was considered the panacea of all evils. Fun fact: the Pharmacy was also one of the symbolic sites of Neapolitan Freemasonry.
Would you like to know more about these and other places of secret Naples? Read “Napoli insolita e segreta” by Valerio Ceva Grimaldi and discover all the most original and unusual places in the capital of Campania.
Five unusual things to do in Naples
Naples isn’t just pizza and Pompeii. Behind the familiar snapshots of Vesuvius and Spaccanapoli lies a city bursting with surprising stories, underground treasures, and places that feel untouched by time. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to stray from the well-trodden path, Naples will reward your curiosity at every corner. Here’s a guide to unusual experiences that will make you see this passionate southern city in a whole new light.
1. Climb the hidden staircases of the Pedamentina
Most visitors take the funicular to reach Castel Sant’Elmo. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, take the Pedamentina di San Martino, a zig-zagging path of over 400 ancient steps carved into the hillside. Originally built in the 14th century for military purposes, this staircase offers breathtaking views over the city, from the bay to the chaotic rooftops of the Quartieri Spagnoli. Along the way, you’ll pass lemon trees, quiet alleys, and perhaps a few stray cats sunbathing.
2. Discover the Art Nouveau elegance of Liberty Naples
Naples has a wild reputation, but parts of it tell a very different tale — one of quiet elegance and belle époque dreams. Take a stroll through the Chiaia and Vomero districts to find graceful Art Nouveau villas, floral ironwork balconies, and mosaic-adorned doorways. Don’t miss Palazzo Mannajuolo, with its stunning elliptical staircase, or the less-known Villa Floridiana gardens, where peacocks still strut under leafy canopies.
3. Get lost in the book maze of Libreria Colonnese
Naples is a city of stories — and not just the ones on display in its museums. Tucked just steps from Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, Libreria Colonnese is a charming old bookshop that feels more like a curiosity cabinet. Here you’ll find antique books, maps, vintage postcards, and maybe even a few forgotten love letters tucked inside yellowed pages. The owners are happy to chat, recommend local reads, or help you find the perfect souvenir for a literature lover.
4. Explore the retro charm of the Funicolare Centrale
Sure, it’s public transportation. But in Naples, even the ride can be part of the adventure. Hop on the Funicolare Centrale, one of the four historic cable cars in the city, and enjoy the ride as it glides through the belly of the hill between the elegant Vomero district and downtown Naples. With vintage interiors and panoramic windows, it’s part movie set, part time machine. And yes — it’s included in your regular transit ticket.
5. Take a sunset walk at Parco Virgiliano
Forget the crowds at the Lungomare. If you want to end your day with a spectacular view and zero stress, make your way to Parco Virgiliano, a terraced park perched above the sea in the Posillipo neighborhood. Locals know this as the “park of lovers”, and it’s easy to see why. From its clifftop walkways, you’ll see Capri, Ischia, the Sorrento coast, and the jagged profile of Vesuvius lit by the orange glow of sunset. It’s calm, romantic, and one of Naples’ most serene spots.
To Naples with Italo
If this alternative Naples has amazed you, don’t wait: take one of the many trains to Naples that Italo offers from anywhere in Italy and set off on this itinerary to discover the most unknown and interesting places in the city!
