Naples is a city captivating with its millennia-old history, vibrant culture, and inimitable cuisine. However, beyond the most famous sights, there are hidden corners that tell unique and surprising stories. If you want to discover a lesser-known Naples, here are five unmissable experiences.
The Doll Hospital: A Journey into the Past
In the heart of Spaccanapoli, inside Palazzo Marigliano, lies the Doll Hospital, a place that unites art, history, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1895 by Luigi Grassi, a set designer and restorer, this workshop specializes in restoring vintage dolls and toys. Over the years, the hospital has become a landmark for the city, so much so that people began calling it the "spitale d'é bambule" (doll hospital).
Today, under the guidance of great-granddaughter Tiziana Grassi, the Doll Hospital is also a museum displaying a vast collection of dolls, including Lenci Grugnette dolls and Mattel Barbie dolls. The workshop is still active, and visitors can witness the delicate restoration work and, in some cases, bring their own dolls for special "care."
The Catacombs of San Gaudioso: A Journey Underground
The Catacombs of San Gaudioso, located in the Sanità district, represent one of the oldest burial areas in Naples. The first nucleus of the catacomb arose between the 4th and 5th centuries AD, and was expanded following the burial of the North African bishop San Gaudioso between 451 and 453 AD.
This site, lesser-known than the more famous Catacombs of San Gennaro, offers a fascinating glimpse into early Christian Naples. Inside, you can admire original frescoes, tombs of nobles, and an evocative atmosphere that speaks to centuries of history.
The Pharmacy of the Incurables: Between Science and Art
Located in the Incurabili Complex, the Incurabili Pharmacy is one of the most evocative places in Naples where science meets art.
It might interest you
Built in Baroque-Rococo style, it was once a pharmaceutical laboratory and a meeting place for the elite of the Neapolitan Enlightenment. Today, the pharmacy is open to visitors and offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and Neapolitan culture.
The Palace of the Spirits: Between History and Mystery
The Palazzo degli Spiriti, located near Marechiaro in Posillipo, is an ancient Roman structure built in the 1st century BC. It was part of the Imperial Villa of Pausilypon, residence of the wealthy Roman freedman Publius Vedius Pollione.
Today, the palace is half-submerged due to bradyseism, but its grandeur is still visible. Legends surround the palace of mysterious sounds heard by fishermen during calm nights, adding an aura of mystery to this fascinating site.
The Staircase of Palazzo Mannajuolo: an Art Nouveau masterpiece
In the Chiaia district, on Via Filangieri, stands Palazzo Mannajuolo, an extraordinary example of Art Nouveau architecture. Built between 1909 and 1911, the building is known for its magnificent elliptical cantilevered marble staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade.
Often overlooked by tourists, the staircase represents a masterpiece of design and engineering, testifying to the evolution of Neapolitan architecture at the beginning of the 20th century.
Leave a comment