Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Galleria Umberto I

Via Santa Brigida 68, Naples, ITA

One of the most beautiful buildings in Naples, the 19th-century Galleria Umberto I marks the center of the historic downtown like a huge, glass-ceilinged cross. This elegant shopping arcade set between Via Toledo and the San Carlo Theater is included in a number of food and sightseeing tours. It’s the perfect spot for a quick espresso break.

Modeled after Milan’s Galleria Emanuele II, Galleria Umberto I was damaged by bombing during World War II, but today the glass dome and roof again shine over its shops and cafés, protecting the ornate architecture and original mosaic floor. Located in one of the most vibrant areas of Naples’ downtown, Galleria Umberto I is a popular gathering place for Neapolitans and tourists.

Most guided walking or Segway tours of Naples take a turn through Galleria Umberto I, as well as important landmarks like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, Church of Santa Chiara, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. Naples is known for its bright flavors, and many tours combine sightseeing with tastings of local specialties. Pompeii archaeological park is located just outside Naples, so consider a joining a tour that includes a visit to these famous ruins along with highlights of Naples’ historic center.

  • Naples walking tours that include a stop at Galleria Umberto I are mostly outdoors; wear sunscreen and a hat in summer, and choose comfortable footwear.

  • Galleria Umberto I is located near many of the most popular attractions in Naples, so it’s ideal for a break from sightseeing, or for a quick espresso or gelato.

  • Shops inside the gallery sell high-end clothing and accessories, cosmetics, books, and gourmet treats.

  • The shopping arcade is wheelchair accessible.

Galleria Umberto I is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Naples’ port or Municipio train station, and sits in the heart of the downtown near the San Carlo Theater and Piazza del Plebiscito. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities as well as ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.

The best time to visit Galleria Umberto I is from late morning to early evening, when the shops are open for business and the cafés bustle with customers.

Naples’ historic center encompasses more than 10 distinct neighborhoods along the Bay of Naples and includes sights and monuments dating from ancient Roman times through the 19th century. Highlights include Piazza del Plebiscito, Spaccanapoli, and the National Archaeological Museum.

The Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery and arcade in the heart of the historic center of Naples. Inspired in part by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, it’s one of Naples' best-known architectural landmarks and is within walking distance of the San Carlo Theater and Via Toledo.

The main attraction and highlight of the Galleria Umberto I in Naples is the public gallery itself, especially its grand marble floors and soaring glass-domed ceiling. The gallery is a public mall with restaurants, shops, and cafés that’s close to other popular Naples attractions.

The Galleria Umberto I in Naples is home to clothing stores, cafés, a high-end restaurant, and an elegant hotel. The most famous boutique inside the shopping center is likely Casa Ascione, a venerable coral jeweler with a small museum dedicated to local cameo and coral jewelry-making traditions.

No, you cannot access the rooftop of the Galleria Umberto I for views of Naples. The Galleria Umberto I rooftop is partly a glass dome and isn’t accessible to the public. For the best views of the city, head to the Belvedere San Martino near Saint Elmo’s Castle (Castel Sant'Elmo) in the Vomero neighborhood.

While there aren’t any official guided tours of the Galleria Umberto I in Naples, the public gallery and arcade are some of the city’s top attractions, so are featured on many Naples sightseeing tours. These experiences range from hop-on hop-off bus tours to walking tours through the historic center and along Via Toledo.

The Galleria Umberto I in Naples is in a strategic position in the historic center near the Spanish Quarter near many top attractions. It’s steps from the San Carlo Theater, Piazze del Plebiscito, Via Toledo, and Gran Caffe Gambrinus, one of the most revered cafés in the city.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP