Set high on a hill in Naples, Italy, the Museo di Capodimonte invites you to explore one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the country. Housed inside the grand 18th-century Palace of Capodimonte—originally commissioned in 1738 by King Charles VII as a royal hunting lodge—this historic Bourbon palazzo offers a magnificent setting for centuries of masterworks. When you visit, you will encounter the prime repository of Neapolitan painting, showcasing under-appreciated regional masters like Jusepe de Ribera and Luca Giordano alongside iconic Neapolitan Caravaggisti.
Spanning the first and second floors, the National Gallery displays extraordinary paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries by world-renowned masters, including Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Masaccio, and Giovanni Bellini. Beyond the paintings, you can wander through luxurious royal apartments furnished with authentic 18th-century pieces, intricate porcelain, majolica, and historic firearms. Be sure to admire part of the ancient Farnese collection of monumental Roman sculptures on the ground floor, as well as unique historic additions like a Roman-era marble floor brought from a villa on Capri.
From classical antiquity to modern Italian art, Capodimonte rewards your journey with an unforgettable cultural experience.
What to see at Museo di Capodimonte
- Masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and El Greco in the National Gallery
- Monumental ancient Roman sculptures from the historic Farnese collection
- Unrivaled holdings of the Neapolitan School, including works by Jusepe de Ribera and Luca Giordano
- Royal apartments decorated with 18th-century furniture, porcelain, and a Roman marble floor from Capri
- An extensive historic collection of firearms, weapons, and modern Italian art
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit the royal apartments to view unique historical features like the boudoir of Maria Amalia of Saxony alongside the classic painting galleries.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Museo di Capodimonte is easy to reach on Naples’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Teatro di San Carlo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Naples travel guide.
See the full Naples travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.