Art Treasures of Naples by Alex Koller

 Tour Director Alex Koller introduces the enduring cultural legacy of Naples and why it is such an important centre for exploring Neapolitan art.

The Enduring Legacy of Greek Neapolis in Modern Naples

While the individual buildings have changed, the Greek Neapolis survives in the plan of the city to this day, with the result that the feeling of being present in an antique city can probably be experienced better in Naples than anywhere else. In contrast to many cities that can trace their history to antiquity, Naples has never ceased to function as an urban community, not even in the darkest hours of the early Middle Ages.

The Evolution of Neapolitan Art Through the Centuries

This makes for a remarkably complete history of Neapolitan art, which peaked at several points in history: at the introduction of the Gothic style under the Angevins in the 13th century; at the arrival of the Renaissance in southern Italy in the 15th century; and, above all, in the splendour of the Neapolitan Baroque in the 17th century.

The Baroque Era: Naples as a European Art Hub

The Baroque period saw Naples, then under the government of representatives of the Spanish Crown, rise to the heights of the European art scene, as it attracted important painters from all over Italy and beyond to add to its significant local tradition. The churches of Naples are, in particular, veritable galleries of the achievements of the Neapolitan School of painting, and offer an opportunity to view many works of this period in their original setting.

The 18th Century: From Royal Palaces to Archaeological Discoveries

The 18th century saw the building of the last great royal palace of absolutist Europe at Caserta, but also the epoch-making discovery of the archaeological sites around Mount Vesuvius. The Royal Palace at Portici served as the first museum for the finds from nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, and gave rise to the building of dozens of fashionable villas along the Miglio d’Oro (‘Golden Mile’). Eventually housed in the former University building, now the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, these collections form the most comprehensive set of materials from a classical site anywhere in the world.

The Certosa di San Martino: A Comprehensive Symbol of Naples

More than any other building, the Certosa di San Martino summarises Naples: it is a testimony to the extremely rich religious life of the city, a testimony to royal patronage, home to a unique collection of paintings and sculptures of the 17th century, and provides a view from the heights of Vomero Hill over the city towards Vesuvius and across the Bay of Naples to the Sorrento Peninsula and the island of Capri.