As locals, we couldn’t miss walking you through one of the most fascinating neighbourhoods of Naples. This guide to Naples Spanish Quarter will take you hand in hand to discover where the heart of Napoli beats. Naples’ colourful Spanish Quarter Neighbourhood is safe to explore, and you should include it in your itinerary.
The Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli) is one of Naples’ most iconic and liveliest neighbourhoods. As we wind through the narrow, graffiti-lined streets, the air fills with the sounds of animated chatter and laughter while the aromas of simmering ragù and fresh espresso envelop us.
This is Naples at its most authentic, and we can’t wait to show you the best things to do in the city’s most quintessential Quarter.
Key Takeaway | Naples Spanish Quarter Guide
The Story Behind the Spanish Quarter’s Name
Before we start, let’s learn a bit about the Spanish Quarter. As Neapolitan born and bred, this is an untold story that is handed down from generations. The area earned its name from the Spanish garrison troops who were stationed here in the 16th century during Spanish rule. Close to the Royal Palace, it provided ideal positioning for the foreign troops.
After the Spanish departed, the Neighbourhood evolved into a humble quarter inhabited by fishermen, craftsmen and the working class. Today, it remains a close-knit community where kids play football in the piazzas and neighbours trade gossip from their balconies.
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Is Quarter Spagnoli safe?
Yes. The Spanish Quarter of Naples is safe. Even though the Neighbourhood has often been relegated as one of the unsafe areas of the city, it is a thing of the past. In recent years there has been a huge requalification of the entire Quarter, making it one of the most touristy. Think about the Square where the murals of Maradona, which once was a parking spot, and today is a thriving market with shops, bars and popups.
Is it worth visiting the Spanish Quarter in Naples?
Yes. The Spanish Quarter of Naples keeps the essence of the city. For a neighbourhood that started as a military camp, the Quartieri Spagnoli today feels more like a village within the city. People in Naples, including us, believe that the gain in popularity of the city starts from this borough. The incredible artistic value of Naples Spanish Quarter is undeniably unique and worth a few hours walking around.
How to get to Naples’ Spanish Quarter
In Short: Get to the Spanish Quarter by Metro and get out at Montesanto, Toledo or Piazza Dante.
Naples’ Spanish Quarter is in the very centre of Naples, and the best things to do are at the centre of 4 metro stations. As you can understand, it is easy to get to the Spanish Quarter of Naples from everywhere.
Of course, getting to the centre of Naples by metro is the easy way. You can either get out at Piazza Cavour or Piazza Dante, which are further away but close to another interesting neighbourhood: Rione Sanita’ and Spaccanapoli.
The better option is to get out at Via Toledo, which is close to the shopping road, Via Roma. Alternatively, stop at Montesanto Metro Station, which is behind the Mercato of Pignasecca, featured in this guide.
Arriving by Train at Naples Main Station
Naples links to Italy’s high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo rail networks, making train travel convenient for exploring the city or continuing along the coast. It’s easy to get fast into Naples from Rome (Just 50 minutes) and Florence (3 Hours).
Napoli Centrale Station
- 1 mile (1.6km) west of the Spanish Quarter
- 25-minute walk or quick metro for a quick ride
- Connected by all high-speed trains & inter-city rail links
From Naples International Airport
If you are getting accommodation in the Spanish Quarter, it is easy to get there from Napoli Capodichino airport. It takes approximately 30 minutes from the arrival terminal to the entrance of the Spanish Quarter.
Taxi: The fastest route, official white taxis with metres make the drive in just 15 minutes outside rush hours. Expect a €25-30 fare. Agree on pricing beforehand.
Airport Shuttle: Shuttle vans like Alibus run to Napoli Centrale station (€5 ticket) every 30 minutes. You can purchase the ticket in advance here. You will get to Naples Main Train Station, where you can walk from here; it’s a quick metro ride or 25-minute walk to the Spanish Quarter.
Metro Subway: If you are a budget traveller like us, you will love this option. The ticket to the Metro in Naples only cost €1.30. You can get tickets at the machines before entering the station. To get to the Spanish Neighborhood, hop on the metro line 2, heading towards Pozzuoli. Exit at Toledo station in the Spanish Quarter’s heart.
Things to do in Naples Spanish Quarter
Maradona Mural in the Spanish Quarter
Maradona was a god in the city, and it still is, over 30 years apart. He was an idol for me as a youngster growing up in Naples, and like many of my generation built shrines in his honour. The most famous mural of Maradona in the world is in Naples, in the Spanish Quarter.
It might not be the most beautiful, but it’s definitely the most significant mural of Maradona. Everything in Naples reminds you of the greatest football player of all time. The area of the Spanish Quarter for Diego it’s at Via Emanuele De Deo.
Largo Diego Armando Maradona is a proper worship square, with all the team shirts worn by the players, scarves, flags and a proper shrine with its photo. Diego was often in this area of Naples during the golden age of the football team. The local inhabitants give that as tribute, over just the Stadium Name.
If you want to learn more about the period of Maradona in Naples, Book this tour in Diego’s footsteps in Naples.
Stunning Basoletti Murales in Largo Maradona
Thanks to the renewed interest in this area of the Spanish Quarter, another incredible mural is getting attention. The “La Pudicizia” of Basoletti, a renewed street artist, is gaining attention, even though still overshadowed by Maradona Murales.
If you have been to Sansevero Chapel, where the veiled Christ, you might have seen the subject of the murals.
Palazzo Cattaneo-Barberini
If you love photography, you must explore some of the best buildings within the Quarter. As a very hidden gem of Naples, the Spanish district preserves some of the most beautiful buildings in the historic centre.
The 17th-century neoclassical building is also called the Palace of Sannicandro Prince by its owner, Francesco Cattaneo. The courtyard is a well-maintained piece of architecture. However, it’s private and, for this reason, often close to visitors. To get to the Palazzo Cattaneo Barberini, you should point your phone to Via San Mattia.
Walk through the narrow street and discover the “Bassi”
A visit to the Spanish Quarter isn’t only worth paying homage to Dios Mural but also a walk around the traditional streets. The area during the Spanish domination of Naples was overcrowded. It was hard to find new places to house the troops. So the rooms on the ground floor became a house and shop together.
That’s the origin of Bassi, which in Italian means “Lower Level”. Today, those are still houses, which makes the Naples neighbourhood picturesque and picture-perfect.
Most of the new B&B restaurants and boutique shops are formerly “Bassi”. You can spot it easily. Check if they have only one door facing the street and, from time to time, small windows.
Sophia Loren Mural
We have told you that the Spanish Quarter is an iconic and unmissable part of Naples. Not only Maradona but also Sophia Loren, the actress, is capable of taking Naples around the world. Head to Bico San Liborio, where you will spot a mural of Filomena Marturano, a character played by Loren in a movie with Marcello Mastroianni by Eduardo de Filippo.
Montecalvario church
The Spanish Quarter is so vast that it once was an entire forest. You will get lost exploring the whole, and it might take an entire day if you consider lunchtime and a few stops for pastries and coffee. However, one of the best things to do in the Spanish Quarter for free is to discover its churches.
One of the most beautiful examples of Baroque style is in this Neighbourhood, and it’s the Church of Santa Maria della Merced in Montecalvario. The church, erected in 1560, was extended in 1677 and is among the best religious sites in Naples.
The church features a Greek cross construction, a single nave, a barrel vault, and five side chapels on each side, with the magnificent high altar displaying the Immaculate Madonna in the apse ascribed to Cosimo Fanzago.
Wandering around the Street Art in Vicolo della Cultura
Not so far from the Spanish Quarter, there is another area of Naples worth visiting, Rione Sanita’. This is one of the most creative areas of Naples’s old town, with theatres, libraries and street art all in one place. You must walk through Vicolo della Cultura, a nickname of Via Montesilvano. The long, narrow alley has been transformed into an outdoor gallery showcasing vibrant murals and graffiti art.
Creative talents like Francisco Bosoletti and Exit Enter have left their mark with colourful, thought-provoking works covering everything from music to social issues. Continuing down the corridor, we pause often to admire the imaginative works which have earned this section the nickname “Montmartre of Naples”.
Browsing the stalls at La Pignasecca Open-Air Market
Just around the corner from the Spanish Quarter lies La Pignasecca, Naples’ beloved open-air market. As we wander through the maze of densely packed stalls, bursts of colour and tempting scents greet us from all sides. Pyramids of plump tomatoes, tangled greens, and fresh catches of the day testify to the market’s prime location in the heart of the city.
BOOK A TOUR: Spanish Quarter and Naples Markets with a local guide.
Exploring Historic Piazza del Plebiscito
Traversing the Spanish Quarter’s winding alleys, you will eventually arrive at Piazza Plebiscito. The biggest Square in the city, it’s one of the most beautiful examples of architecture in Naples.
Naples’ most monumental square dazzles with elegant colonnades and stately buildings on all sides. We tip our heads back, taking in the sweeping facade of the Royal Palace and the dual domes of the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
Locals and visitors mingle and chat over coffee or gelato from nearby cafés. The Caffe’ Gambrinus is an institution in Naples, and it’s just across the street.
Indulging in Coffee and Sweets on Piazza Dante
Apart from pizza, coffee is another essential characteristic of the Neapolitan tradition. Chances are that, arriving at Montesanto Metro Station, you will pass by the Pignasecca Market. Afterwards, walking about 5 minutes in the direction of Naples Old Town, you will get to Piazza Dante, another wonderful square.
This open air piazza is just behind “SpaccaNapoli” the street that divides the historic centre in two halves. Piazza Dante is the ideal spot to start the day like a proper Italian. Take time for a nice breakfast, indulging in a hot, finest coffee and a pastry. Naples has plenty of sweet pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Across the way, a steady line snakes out of Pintauro pasticceria, famed for its melt-in-your-mouth sfogliatelle pastries. We simply can’t leave without sampling Naples’ signature sweet ourselves. Still warm from the oven, the shell-shaped pastry yields under our fork to reveal layers of light, orange-scented ricotta cream.
Pedamentina staircase to the Certosa
As the day gets to the end, you should know what to do for the best sunset in Naples. From the Spanish Quarter, you can get up a series of stairs to the top of the hill. The Certosa di San Martino is another monumental religious site of Naples, and it’s reachable from the Quartieri Spagnoli through the Pedamentina.
From above the hill, you will have the perfect view of Naples and the Gulf, with Vesuvius in the foreground.
Walking up there, you must know that the Pedamentina is a 14th-century route that connects the two sides of Naples.
Best tours of Naples Spanish Quarter
Where to stay in Naples Spanish Quarter
If you want a proper Neapolitan experience, look no further. Casa Luisa, with its balcony and central position, has the essence of the Neighbourhood. This is one of the most budget-friendly options in Naples, and rooms start at just $60 per night.
The best for price and reviews. Casa Maradona, like many others in the Spanish Quarter, is themed around the best footballer of all time. Right in the heart of the Neighbourhood, you will get all the comfort of your cocoon. Live like a local in this home in Naples. BOOK NOW, BEFORE IS TOO LATE.
Everything in this house is themed about Maradona. Booking La Magica, you will stay in the heart of the Spanish Quarter, with thriving bars and restaurants at walking distance. This place gets over 100 positive reviews and prices are acceptable under $100.
Tips for visiting the Spanish district of Naples
- Naples has a historic city centre with narrow streets, so be prepared for some walking.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Consider using a reliable navigation app on your smartphone for real-time directions. We download Google Maps on our mobile to have it available offline.
Navigating the Spanish Quarter Streets
Familiarise yourself with these key boundary roads and piazzas to gain your bearings when exiting transit stations:
North Edge: Via Toledo and Piazza del Plebiscito
West Border: Via Cristoforo Colombo by the ferry port
Key Streets: Atmospheric Spaccanapoli and Via Emanuele de Deo
Central Piazzas: Lively social hubs like Piazza San Gaetano and Piazza Montecalvario
Travel Insurance for Naples
Nowadays, booking travel insurance is becoming part of the travelling plan. It’s just a precaution, and you should consider it even if you are an experienced traveller. It doesn’t matter the journey, it’s always good to have a travel insurance, you never know what it can happen.
For us, having Travel Insurance is the way to enjoy our vacation with peace of mind.
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