Naples Attractions

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

This world-class museum houses the Farnese collection of antiquities from Lazio and Campania and the incredible treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Notable among these collections are the Farnese Hercules and the Farnese Bull, the largest known ancient sculpture. On the mezzanine level is the Alexander Mosaic and at the furthest end of the mezzanine floor is the Secret Room (Gabinetto Segreto). The fascinating collection contained here showcases the erotic material found in the brothels, baths, houses and taverns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The top section of the museum houses the Campanian wall paintings, well preserved creations attesting to a mysterious past world. These are supported by a range of artefacts in the form of glass, silver, ceramics, rope and even foodstuffs surviving from the Campanian cities.

Address: Piazza Museo Nazionale 18-19; Telephone: (081) 440 166; Transport: Metropolitan line to Museum or Cavour Square; Opening time: Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 8pm.; Admission: €6.50, concessions €3.25