Spaccanapoli

There is no better way to experience Naples than to wander down the Spaccanapoli. It runs right through the heart of the city showing you the many facets of the place. History marks every step of the way as you wander down this long, narrow road. If you want to see the sights or just feel the life in the city, walking down this road can be quite an adventure.

If you want to see churches, you’ll find them one after the other here beginning with the church of the Santa Maria of the Seven Sorrows. It is located at the top of the via Pasquale Scura and has been in place since its construction in 1583. Within the church lies the tomb of Cosimo Fanzago, an Italian sculptor and architect who passed away in 1678.

Then there’s the church of the Most Holy Trinity located right beside the hospital of the Brotherhood of the Pellegrini (Pilgrims), before which stands statues of San Gennaro and San Phillip. Originally built in the 1500’s, it was renovated in the 18th century, with a number of famous architects involved to complete the work. Among them were Luigi Vanvitelli and his son Carlo, who completed his fathers work as the century drew to a close.

Other churches you’d probably like to see are the church of Santa Maria which dates back to the 17th century and was built by Pietro de Martino and the church of Gesu, the former home of the prince of Salerno, Sanseverino before the it became a Jesuit church. You’ll also want to stop by the church of S. Angelo a Nilo and the church of Gesu Vecchio.

There are many palaces on the way as well. You can get a quick peek at the courtyard of the Pandola Palace from between calata Trinità Maggiore and via Domenico Capitelli. The Filomarino della Rocca palace is a beautiful sight to see. The window frames are of particular note as works of Ferdinando Sanfelice. There were many visitors to the kingdom of Naples and the Capone Palace was the home of the Venetian envoys for about a century beginning in 1412. They are all samples of the homes of the rich and powerful.

A place that you must stop by and see is the Piazza San Domenico. It has a beautiful spire in the center by Picchiatti and is clode to such structures as the Dominican church and the residence of the de’ Sangro family. This is the heart of the ancient city

Another must see sight is the Basilica de Santa Chiara. This structure contains the tombs of the Angevin kings. It was badly damaged in August 4, 1943 when a bomb was dropped during a raid by the Alliance. The Basilica has since been restored and is a true testament to the skills of Italian restoration experts.

The Spaccanapoli changes names a number of times. A portion of the street is named after Benedetto Croce, a Neapolitan philosopher who in fact lived in a building on this portion of the street for 40 years. Another portion of it is called S. Biagio dei Librai — the portion that used to be the center for books and is now the center of art specifically dedicated to the Neapolitan Christmas creche.

There is so much to see and do on the Spaccanapoli. Words cannot do it justice. One needs to walk its length and see it for oneself to truly experience Naples. Just wear good walking shoes and be open to the experience.