Background

Riviera di Chiaia: A Stroll Through Neapolitan History

Experience Naples' aristocratic past with a stroll along the Riviera di Chiaia, a scenic promenade lined with noble palaces and lush gardens.

The Riviera di Chiaia is a historic street in Naples, Italy, stretching along the Gulf of Naples. Built in the late 17th century, it's lined with noble palaces and bordered by the Villa Comunale, offering a glimpse into the city's aristocratic past and providing a scenic waterfront promenade.

A brief summary to Riviera di Chiaia

  • Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, IT

Local tips

  • Take a leisurely walk along the Riviera to soak in the atmosphere and admire the architecture.
  • Visit the Villa Comunale, a large park that runs alongside the Riviera, for a relaxing break.
  • Explore the side streets branching off the Riviera for hidden gems, shops, and local eateries.
  • Check out the Museo Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortés in the Villa Pignatelli for a glimpse into the life of Neapolitan aristocracy.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Amedeo, walk straight down Via Francesco Crispi towards the sea. Turn right onto Riviera di Chiaia. The walk is approximately 8 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Napoli Centrale Station, take the L2 train to Piazza Amedeo. From there, walk straight down Via Francesco Crispi towards the sea. Turn right onto Riviera di Chiaia. The walk from Piazza Amedeo station is approximately 8 minutes. A single metro ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Naples. A taxi from Napoli Centrale Station to Riviera di Chiaia typically costs between €16-€20 and takes approximately 6 minutes. Keep in mind that additional charges may apply for luggage or night fares.

  • Parking

    If driving, consider parking at Garage Napoli Chiaia on Riviera di Chiaia. It is open 24/7 and guarded, with hourly rates around €4. Be aware that car rates apply only to vehicles with a maximum length of 4 meters.

Unlock the Best of Riviera di Chiaia

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Riviera di Chiaia

The Riviera di Chiaia, nestled in the heart of Naples, is more than just a street; it's a journey through time. Constructed in the late 1600s by Viceroy Luis de la Cerda y Aragón, the Duke of Medinaceli, this elegant thoroughfare connects Piazza della Vittoria and Piazza della Repubblica, showcasing centuries of Neapolitan history and architectural grandeur. The name 'Chiaia' itself evokes the area's origins, derived from the Catalan word for 'beach,' a nod to its coastal location dating back to the Aragonese period. Once a humble shoreline dotted with fishermen's houses, the Riviera gradually transformed into a prestigious address, lined with opulent villas built by aristocratic families between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today, the Riviera di Chiaia offers a captivating blend of history and leisure. Stroll along the promenade, with the lush Villa Comunale gardens on one side and a parade of noble palaces on the other. Admire architectural gems like Palazzo Ravaschieri, Palazzo Caracciolo of San Teodoro, and Villa Pignatelli, each bearing witness to Naples' rich cultural heritage. The Villa Pignatelli, in particular, stands out as one of the most famous structures on the Riviera, now housing the Museo Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortés. At the end of the Riviera, you'll find the Torretta building, which marks the division between the road to Mergellina and the one that continues towards Fuorigrotta and the Phlegrean Fields. This area, called La Torretta by locals, references a defensive tower built in 1564 by the Duke of Alcala.

Popular Experiences near Riviera di Chiaia

Popular Hotels near Riviera di Chiaia

Select Currency