Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)

The basics

Built to house troops during the Spanish occupation, the historic Quartiere Spagnoli buzzes with life, with colorful laundry flapping from the balconies, residents sipping espresso on their doorsteps, and motorbikes zipping by at all hours of the day and night. Because of its rather impenetrable maze of lanes, it’s best to tour this characteristic area as part of a guided walking tour of the historic center. Naples is famous for its cuisine, and many sightseeing tours combine a neighborhood walk with pizza tastings and samples of other local street food.

Things to know before you go

• Walking tours of the Quartiere Spagnoli are mostly outdoors, so sunscreen and a hat in summer are recommended.
• You’ll be doing a considerable amount of walking to explore this neighborhood, so choose comfortable footwear.
• Wear modest attire that covers knees and shoulders to enter the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
• Some churches and monuments aren’t wheelchair accessible, and much of the Quartiere Spagnoli is paved with cobblestones that may be difficult to navigate on wheels.

How to get there

The Quartiere Spagnoli is located west of Via Toledo in the historic center of Naples, an easy walk from both the city’s port and main train station. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with rains from major Italian cities and ferries from Sorrento and Salerno.

When to get there

Naples can be uncomfortably hot in summer, so try to visit in spring or fall. In summer, schedule your tour for the early morning before the temperatures soar.

The Historic Center of Naples

The historic center of Naples encompasses more than 10 neighborhoods covering the hillsides around the Bay of Naples to the water’s edge. A tour of this area is a journey back in time, beginning with the Roman roads of the Spaccanapoli, including the medieval Castel Nuovo and elegant 19th-century Piazza Plebiscito.

What is the Spanish Quarter in Naples and why is it called that?

The Spanish Quarter, called Quartieri Spagnoli in Italian, is a dense neighborhood of narrow alleyways and lively street life that’s part of the Historic Center of Naples. The neighborhood got its name from hosting Spanish soldiers that were used to quell uprisings against foreign rule in the 16th century.

What are the top attractions to visit in the Spanish Quarter?

While the Spanish Quarter doesn’t have the well-known landmarks like other areas of Naples, it’s famous for authentic street life. Among the neighborhood attractions are the Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, an atmospheric alley, the Church of Sant'Anna di Palazzo, and street art such as the mural of soccer legend Diego Maradona.

Are there any traditional foods or restaurants to try in the Spanish Quarter?

While there are many traditional foods to try in Naples’ Spanish Quarter, the neighborhood is ideal for wandering in search of street food rather than visiting specific restaurants. The dense neighborhood is a great place to try pizza a portafoglio (folded pizza), panzerotti (savory calzone), and frittura (mixed fried seafood).

Is the Spanish Quarter safe for tourists?

Yes, mostly, but Naples has a not completely unfounded reputation for being unsafe—although traveler safety has improved in recent years—and decades. When you’re exploring the Spanish Quarter, keep your valuables close, and watch out for pickpockets, which are likely the most dangerous criminals you have a chance of encountering.

How can I explore the Spanish Quarter using public transportation?

The compact Spanish Quarter in Naples is full of dense alleyways and best navigated on foot. The metro stations nearest to it are Municipio and Toledo to the south, as well as Montesanto to the north. The Central Funicular (Funiculare Centrale) provides transport from Via Toledo up to the Vomero Neighborhood.

Are there any guided tours available of the Spanish Quarter in Naples?

Yes, there are guided tours available of Naples’ Spanish Quarter—it’s one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the historic center and popular for private walking tours focusing on street art and street food. Some free walking tours of the historic center also explore parts of the Spanish Quarter.