Museo di Capodimonte- the major art museum
On our last full day in Naples we visited the wonderful Museo di Capodimonte. We took a cab to the museum, if you have the hotel agree on the set price (they have a set price list, but always want to rip-off tourists) the cab ride is about 15 euro.
Museo di Capodimonte in Naples
The museum is fantastic (but a bit run down). They have the masters such as Raphael, Bateccelli and even a Caravaggio. My main complaint is that apart from the highest floor (where modern, medieval, and the Caravaggio is located in nice air-conditioned environment) the floor with Raphael and other masters of the renaissance era are in open window rooms, no climate control. Worst part of the no climate control is that they have the air-conditioning on every window and they don’t use it (saving money is fine even if the art will be ruined from lack of climate control). The rooms are still better taken care of than in the Royal Naples Palace.
Fantastic room in the Museo di Capodimonte
Apart from the heart break of lack of care. The museum is absolutely worth visiting. The rooms are grand and many of the objects from closed down smaller museums and churches are kept in the Capodimonte. The views from outside of the museum overlook all of Naples and is a breathtaking view and perfect photo opportunity.
One of the most fantastic pieces in the museum
It was about lunch time, so we took a cab down to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (it is more centrally located). They have a great vegetarian spot Vitto Pitagorico. We ordered some salads and pizzas. They have wonderful fresh squeezed juices. The décor is decent with wood tables and plants.
One can gauge the size of the Hercules statue with the doorway in the background, which is fairly close to the statue, in the Archeological Museum
After we rested a bit, our adventure continued to the wonderful Archeology Museum in Naples. I would strongly suggest to visit this museum if you are in Naples, especially if you are visiting Pompeii, and any other city destroyed (and preserved) by Vesuvius. All of the tools, mosaics, paintings, sculptures, are located in this museum. If you want to get the full experience of Pompeii you have to visit this museum. Some of the sculptures are gigantic, but all of them are fantastic. The museum even has some sculptures with original eye inlays. The art is renaissance level, with perspective and portrayal. They have some wonderful jewelry pieces. Even medical tools! They even have a section of specialized X-rated objects. I cannot emphasize enough how important this museum is to visit.
The fantastic frescos that were recovered from Pompeii
On our walk back to the hotel we stopped by the beautiful Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore. The church is from the 1200s and has relics from the 4th century. This church looks as grand as some of those in Rome and is definitely worth a visit. They do not allow pictures inside, it is an active church (one of the most I have seen in Italy).
Golden wreathes that were discovered in Pompeii
At night we ended up walking around, Naples is a safe city, just like NYC or any other city in the world. Just take the appropriate precautions. Don’t leave things lying around, don’t look too gullible and you should be fine.
View from our window- a real city, not ruined by over saturation of tourists
I would recommend Naples wholeheartedly, because it is as wonderful as Rome, but more secret. As beautiful as Paris, but needs a face lift. In truth it is a diamond in the rough and if you want to visit a city that is not spoiled by tourists, Naples is the spot (many more locals than tourists).
Fifth day, Pompeii, and Amalfi Coast
More photos from Museo di Capodimonte
Fantastic views of Naples from Museo di Capodimonte
The building is regal, but does need a new coat of paint
Detail of the rooms decor
The majestic main ballroom
The Caravaggio of the museum
Saint George killing the dragon
Panoramic view from the museum’s rear exit.
More photo’s form the Archeological Museum
Amazing mosaic of a lion beating a leopard
These mosaics were either in public area’s (bathhouse, ect.) or in wealthy individuals homes.
Roman couple’s fresco
All these fresco’s and art pieces are over 2000 years old
Amazing and all of it was preserved because of such a unimaginable tragedy
this was a great piece of art
A great sculpture of Bacchus
Fantastic piece of pottery and a rare example
Another great example of a golden wreath
This is my personal favorite wreath
Two wreaths, his and hers (you decide)
High relief sculpture
Fantastic bronze sculpture with original eyes intact
Great fresco
More frescos from 2000 years ago
It was amazing seeing the art that inspired the renaissance
Frescos, were carved from the walls of Pompeii and brought to the Naples archeological museum to be saved for posterity
Atlas (a Tiatain “older” than Zues) holding the world
Bronze runners with their eyes intact (a very rare example) because most eyes were stolen
Close up of the eyes
Tiger heads from the fountains around Pompeii
Map and layout of Pompeii
One of the most beautiful, gigantic, and amazing sculptures i have ever seen
Other side of the massive, amazing sculptures
The last photo of Naples of this trip
The realness of Naples.