HomeThe Posillipo district in Naples

The Posillipo district in Naples

The Posillipo district in Naples

Posillipo, one of the hilly districts of Naples, elegant and full of places of interest.

Posillipo is a hilly area of ​​Naples, one of the most elegant and prestigious areas of the city. The name derives from the Greek Pausilypon what does it mean "respite from danger" or "which eliminates pain“, This reassuring name well represents the feeling that the inhabitants of Posillipo and the tourists who come to visit them feel.

The first to occupy this wonderful land were the Greeks followed by the Romans. The passage of these important cultures is witnessed by the archaeological remains present in various areas besides the important one Cave of Seiano which leads to the villa of Publius Velio Pollione. This rich residential structure is located in Pausilypon Archaeological Park, it is an archaeological area where you can admire the open-air theater.

The city began its development only in the first half of the 1800 and had to be largely rebuilt following the damage suffered during the Second World War. The historic palaces of value were preserved intact as Villa Rosebery. The Submerged Park of Gaiola it is another place not to be missed, it is a marine protected area that has the remains of ports, fish ponds and nymphaeums dating back to Roman times.

Posillipo is a residential neighborhood, there are therefore houses of a certain level, villas and hotels at 5 stars. The most elegant streets of the city are via Petrarca, via Manzoni, via Stazio and via Orazio where the famous pine of Naples was positioned, photographed and painted by tourists and artists from all over the world. The Posillipo is divided into four districts: Villanova di Posillipo, Porta di Posillipo, Casale di Posillipo, Santo Strato and the Marechiaro. Here is the famous Scoglio with the fenestrella that inspired the composition of the song Marechiaro by Salvatore Di Giacomo.

It is divided into four villages: Villanova di Posillipo or Porta di Posillipo, Casale di Posillipo, Santo Strato and the famous Marechiaro, with the "Scoglione" and the fenestrella that will inspire Salvatore Di Giacomo for the song Marechiare.

What to see in Posillipo

The places to visit in Posillipo are many and varied, here is a detailed list of the most interesting places in the neighborhood.

  1. Seiano Cave and Imperial Villa of Pausilypon

One of the most important attractions of Posillipo exists due to the will of Publius Vedio Pollione. The son of freed slaves, he grew up to become governor of the province of Asia, which is the richest area of ​​the Roman Empire. His occupation was to collect taxes, a task that he carried out in a very arbitrary way, making a large quantity of money disappear.

Pollione had the ingenious intuition to make a donation to Augusto, giving away his villa before being deposed from his post because of his impropriety and excesses. The ancient residence can be reached through the Grotta di Seiano, in addition to the rich residence there are also two theaters and all the other buildings built on the natural lookout with an incredible view.

  1. Gaiola submerged park between kayaking, diving and snorkelling

Visiting the Underwater Park of Gaiola is a fantastic adventure. The best period is between May and October. You can make kayak trips or alternatively you can choose the boat with the particular transparent bottom that allows you to see the seabed. For those who love direct contact with nature there is the possibility of booking diving excursions with wetsuits and tanks or snorkelling without tanks. Whatever the choice, these are emotions that will not be easily forgotten, a journey through submerged antiquities such as fish farms in which the Cavione Pollione had his breeding of morays and different types of fish. The kayak tour lasts for 3 hours and can be performed in small groups. For families with children it is better to choose the boat with the transparent bottom that can be made starting from May.

  1. The Virgilian Park

The most panoramic point of Posillipo is definitely the Virgilian Park, from this point you can enjoy a landscape view of great value with a view of the Gulf of Pozzuoli and the Islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri. To reach it, follow the Descent Coroglio and continue along Viale Virgilio. It can be accessed from two entrances, the main one has a grandiose entrance with a monumental fountain. The second entrance is located on the side of the building and is smaller and smaller than the other. Entrance to the park is free, you can take long walks while taking pictures. For children there is a dedicated area with many games.

  1. From Marechiaro to Mergellina on the seafront

One of the places of great tourist interest in Posillipo is the famous Marechiaro district. From here branch off the alleys that allow you to reach the sea reaching Mergellina, the fantastic seafront of Naples. Walking you can enjoy excellent ice creams or eat in one of the many restaurants and pizzerias in the surrounding area.

  1. The City of Science

One of the most popular attractions for young and old is the City of Science. Although it is not part of Posillipo, but of Bagnoli, it is only a few minutes away. This is an interactive park where interesting cultural scientific attractions are found. During the visit you can participate in workshops, games, shows and various exhibitions dedicated to all subjects in the field of natural sciences. But we must bear in mind that the City of Science it is open only in the morning until 15. On Sundays and holidays instead the opening is extended up to 17. For the complete visit it takes at least 2 / 3 hours.

  1. Leopardi's Tomb

Leopardi's tomb can be reached by going up an alley. The monument is introduced by arches created by digging in the tuff stone. The plaque was decided and wanted by the friend of the famous writer, Ranieri who saved the body that was about to be thrown into a mass grave. The base presents the oil lamp, the owl and the snake that symbolically represent study, knowledge and eternity

  1. The Tomb of Virgil

On the same street where Leopardi's tomb is located is also Virgil's. Continuing on the same street, going up higher thanks to a staircase that is after the Roman cave, you see the plaque bearing the commemorative inscriptions. Ancient traditions tell that Virgil was buried there as the poet spent much time in these places taking inspiration from them.

  1. Via Posillipo, Palazzo Donn'Anna, Villa Rosberry and Villa Volpicelli

The Via Posillipo allows you to enjoy a panoramic view that allows you to admire the Gulf of Naples and the Vesuvius that dominates the city on the horizon. Along this you can find the Fountain of Sebeto of Fanzago, the Villa Doria D'Angri and the Palazzo Donn'Anna which was represented in several paintings. In the inner rooms there is a theater while on the outside there is the beach from which you can see the villa of Sir William Hamilton. Continuing on via Posillipo you reach the neogothic church of Santa Maria di Bellavista situated in a wonderful panoramic position, further on you meet the Villa Rosbery and the Villa Volpicelli which was built like a castle on the sea. In these places, films of great importance or fiction have been shot very often, such as Un Posto al sole.

  1. The Temple of Fortune

Starting from the Cape crossroads, descend to Marechiaro, arriving at a small square that faces a lovely beach. Here you can find several bars and restaurants among which are the remains of a Roman column and the Temple of Fortune. Going down the ladder you reach the sea where you can choose to continue by boat. From here you can book one of the many organized trips that go towards Mergellina along the coast of Posillipo, the Gaiola and from which you can see the Palazzo degli Spiriti which shows the effects of sea erosion.

  1. The Bay of Green Rocks

The Baia delle Rocce Verdi is located in the Posillipo hill. it is a secluded area in which there is a splendid small beach and crystal clear sea. The perfect place for those looking for a little relaxation and fun that is part of the Villa Fattorusso. From the bay you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples, Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula and you can have access to the beach by paying a ticket ranging from 15 to 18 euros. There are also two pools filled with sea water, one small and lower dedicated to children and the other for adults. Also available to tourists are a garden area and a refreshment point.

  1. Scoglione of Marechiaro and Grotta dei Tuoni

The Scoglione of Marechiaro is the most beautiful place where you can swim in the summer months. To reach it you must arrive at Calata Ponticello, the fishing village from which you can book a boat trip that takes you to this sort of earthly paradise. The reduced size of the place allows only a few visitors at a time to go there, for this reason you can find very long lines to get there. There is no ticket to pay except the journey on traditional wooden boats you have to pay at a minimum cost of 5 euro which includes the outward and return journeys. You can also bring an umbrella and deckchairs. Those who love privacy can opt for the area of ​​mineral water that can be reached by sea. Here you can bathe in a crystal clear sea and with a breathtaking view, the Grotta dei Tuoni that has taken this name from the loud noises due to the undertow that hits the rock.

About Posillipo

How to Get There:

In funicular
Funicular of Mergellina

By bus
140
C1
C27
C31

Events in Posillipo

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