Naples Spanish Quarter: Your guide to the soul of Naples (Quartieri Spagnoli)

The Spanish Quarter is one of the most lively parts of Naples. Set just a few metres away from Via Toledo and Via Roma, the main shopping streets, this is the picturesque side of Naples that not many people have told you to explore.

As locals, we know that narrow alleys very well. Through this guide to Naples’ Spanish Quarter, you’ll discover the main sights, where the great mural of Maradona is located, and what to eat, drink, and have fun.

As locals, we couldn’t miss walking you through one of the most fascinating neighbourhoods of Naples. This guide to Naples Spanish Quarter will take you hand in hand to discover where the heart of Napoli beats. Naples’ colourful Spanish Quarter Neighbourhood is safe to explore, and you should include it in your itinerary.

What is the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)? A Glimpse into Naples’ Soul

The Spanish Quarter is where Naples bares its soul, revealing its vibrant street art, its passionate locals, and its deep-rooted traditions. If you’re seeking the unfiltered essence of this incredible city, your journey must begin here.

The Spanish Quarter, or Quartieri Spagnoli as it’s known locally, is a dense network of narrow, steep streets and towering buildings nestled on the hillsides between Via Toledo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. There is a wealth of history in these alleys, which is interesting whether you are into history, food, or sports.

A Brief History: From Military Barracks to Cultural Hub

Dating back to the 16th century, the Quartieri Spagnoli was originally constructed during Spanish rule. The area was dominated by Spanish garrisons, which also housed the soldiers’ families. The sector is in proximity to Naples Royal Palace.

This already gives you a sense of why these alleys are so narrow; the buildings have courts and are built like barracks. Over time, the barracks left place to the growing population. The building transformed, and dormitories became homes.

Despite periods of neglect and a reputation for being a ‘no-go’ zone. Over the last decade or so, the area has undergone significant development, becoming one of the most popular and safe destinations. Still, it is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

Is the Spanish Quarter Safe?

While many friends still ask if the area is safe, you can check for yourself, given the presence of numerous B&Bs and hotels. It’s the boom of the Spanish Quarter of Naples, and that name of an unsafe area is behind.

Tips for visiting the Quartieri Spagnoli

The Spanish Quarter is generally safe and bustling with life. You’ll find families going about their daily business, vendors selling their wares, and tourists taking it all in. As with any crowded urban area, common sense precautions are always advised:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in very crowded areas or when distracted by sights. Pickpocketing can occur, just as in any major European city.
• Blend in: Try not to make yourself an obvious target. Dress comfortably and refrain from flashing expensive electronics or jewellery.
• Trust your instincts: If a street feels too quiet or deserted, it’s okay to turn back.
• Day vs. Night: While the main arteries and popular food spots remain lively into the evening, it’s generally recommended for first-time visitors to explore the deeper residential alleys during daylight hours.
• Embrace the chaos: The Quarter is vibrant, loud, and sometimes chaotic. Embrace it as part of the authentic Neapolitan experience rather than being intimidated by it.

Today, local associations, street artists, and community efforts have transformed the Quartieri Spagnoli into a welcoming, though still wonderfully gritty, destination. It’s a place where locals are genuinely proud to share their heritage.

Top Things to Do in the Spanish Quarter Naples: Immerse Yourself in Local Life

We went through a unique self-guided tour of the Spanish Quarter. We missed this place for a long, and so much has changed in the meantime.

Our favourite entry is located at the intersection of Via Toledo and Via Emanuele De Deo. This road leads to Largo Maradona, one of the most popular areas of the Spanish Quarter, featuring a mural of the great football player.  Now that we’ve started let’s go through the best things to do in the Spanish Quarter of Naples.

Try traditional food in local trattoria

If you have only a few days in Naples and want to explore the Spanish Quarter, we also suggest doing so through a food tour. This area features many of our favourite trattorias, small shops, and street vendors. This is what you should try in the Spanish Quarter:

• Street Food Delights: Don’t leave without trying a cuoppo (a paper cone filled with mixed fried delights such as seafood, vegetables, or pasta), a frittatina (a deep-fried pasta fritter), or the iconic pizza a portafoglio (a small, folded pizza designed to be eaten on the go). Look for small, unpretentious stands.
• Traditional Trattorias: Seek out family-run trattorias where grandma might still be in the kitchen. Here, you’ll find classic dishes like pasta with seafood, gnocchi alla sorrentina, and hearty meat dishes; all served with a warm, no-frills attitude.
• Espresso Culture: Stop at any local bar for a quick, potent espresso – the Neapolitan way. It’s a ritual, not just a drink.

Admire the Maradona Mural

It might be my personal favourite spot in the Spanish Quarter because I support the football club, but it’s truly incredible. Many people, neither watching football, come here every day to pay homage to Diego Maradona.

At Via Emanuele De Deo, you’ll find a mural depicting the legendary footballer. It takes up the whole facade of the building, including a window too. This is a pretty famous window around here. This is also known as “Largo Maradona”, a square-like area featuring a shrine reminiscent of a saint.

Maradona Tours in the Spanish Quarter:

• Spanish Quarter & Maradona Street Art Tour
• Walk in the Footsteps of Diego Maradona with a Local
• Diego Maradona Guided City Walking Tour

Spanish Quarter Murals

The Maradona Mural isn’t the only piece of street art in the Spanish Quarter. One of my personal favourites is within the shrine square, and visitors often overlook it. The Pudicizia is a stylistic street art mural by Basoletti. It takes the side of an old building facing Largo Maradona.  The mural by Basoletti takes inspiration from the veiled Christ in the San Severo Chapel.

Montecalvario Church

Hidden within the Quartieri Spagnoli’s dense fabric are numerous small churches and countless edicole votive (votive shrines). These often elaborate, candle-lit nooks dedicated to saints or the Virgin Mary are an integral part of Neapolitan spiritual life.

One of the churches you can visit for free in this neighbourhood is the Montecalvario Church. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque. The Church of Santa Maria della Merced in Montecalvario was built in 1560 and then extended in 1677. It is one of the most revered churches in Naples.

Palazzo Cattaneo-Barberini

If you love photography, you must explore some of the best buildings within the Quarter. As a very hidden gem of Naples, the Spanish district preserves some of the most beautiful buildings in the historic centre.

The 17th-century neoclassical building is also known as the Palace of Sannicandro Prince, named after its owner, Francesco Cattaneo. The courtyard is a well-maintained piece of architecture, very simila to the Palazzo dello Spagnolo in the Sanita’ District.

You might find it close as it’s a private property. Please, be mindful that people leave in it and be quiet and respectful visiting it. To get to the Palazzo Cattaneo Barberini, point your phone in the direction of Via San Mattia.

Walk through the narrow street and discover the “Bassi”

The bassi are a typical house built on the ground floor of the building. It is traditional in Naples neighbourhoods, mostly the poorest ones. During the Spanish colonial period, this area was undoubtedly overcrowded. There was not much space for new soldiers, so the ground floor was arranged as a shophouse. The front for commerce and the back to sleep.

Today, those are houses, with few spare shops. Often, you’ll see little street balconies with old ladies having coffee and chatting. The name “Bassi” in Italian means lower house; in Neapolitan, it is also known as “Vascio”. It’s now a practice to convert these bassi into B&Bs, cafes, Instagram spots, or boutique shops.

Maradona Museum

Another unique attraction of the Spanish Quarter is the Museum of Maradona. You’ll walk through all the phases of the career of the Argentinian Player who won the league twice in Naples. The museum shows the incredible bond between Maradona and the city. The entrance ticket is €10, and you can purchase it in advance here.

Explore further: Rione Sanita’

Whether you are on a quick tour of Naples, or staying over a few days, you must explore another traditional neighbourhood of Naples. Rione Sanita’, is about 10 minutes walking from the Naples Spanish Quarter. Still, it has that peculiar napoletaneita that you’ll hardly find anywhere else.

During our walk, we were enchanted by the grandeur of some of the aristocratic buildings, historical sites and the overall rebirth of a traditional quarter of Naples. Read our guide to the Naples Sanita District for a cool, self-guided walking itinerary.

Night out at Via Lungo del Gelso

It might sound nothing to you, but it’s very popular with Neapolitans. Via Lungo del Gelso is a unique narrow alley parallel to Via Toledo. This is the location of many trattorias, restaurants, and pizzerias. It’s quite charming at night, with romantic lights and cute corners ideal for an evening stroll.

On Via Lungo del Gelso, we suggest checking out a few places:

• A taverna de Zoccole: A unique concept with fresh food (seafood is great), atmosphere and outdoor tables.
• O’ Vascio – Quartieri Spagnoli: A theatre that performs comedies and serves food all in one for an incredible night out in Naples.
• O’ Sprizz ro Scugnizz: Just a few metres above the road, you’ll find your spritz for just €1. Naples is the ideal place for budget travellers, as food, drinks, and overall life is affordable.

Where to Eat in the Spanish Quarter: Our Top Recommendations

The Quartieri Spagnoli is home to many authentic trattorias and small, family-owned restaurants. We have some recommendations we’d like to share.

For Authentic Pizza:

• Pizzeria Da Attilio: Just on the edge of the Quarter (Via Pignasecca), renowned for its “pizza a otto” (eight-pointed star pizza) and classic Neapolitan pies. It’s featured in the Michelin Guides. There is always a queue, but it’s worth it. This is the best pizza in Naples Spanish Quarter.
• Pizzeria Santa Maradona: Don’t be afraid to duck into a tiny, unassuming pizzeria. At Santa Maradona, you’ll have the best experience in a humble setting.
• Pizzeria 400 Gradi: A must for budget travellers. High quality Margherita for just €5. We suggest getting deeper into Neapolitan traditions by trying the Tarallo. Thank us later.

For Traditional Neapolitan Cuisine:

• Trattoria Da Nennella: They have recently moved to a new location on the edge of the Spanish Quarter. However, this family owned restaurant is the symbol of the district’s redemption and popularity. They offer a hearty and affordable cuisine. You must try their Pasta e patate con provola. However, it isn’t just the quality food; it’s the chaotic atmosphere and unique experience that will make your meal memorable.
• Trattoria da Concetta: Same style as the above, with a hand-down generational trattoria. Da Concetta prepares the best dishes from the Neapolitan tradition, with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the Spanish Quarter. At this restaurant, you must try the polpette, scialatielli (pasta), or the famous Spaghetti alla Nerano.

Practical tips for visiting the Quartieri Spagnoli

The Spanish Quarter is easy to navigate if you point your GPS to Via Emanuele De Deo. This is the main road that leads to many sights. However, it is easy to get lost through the maze of narrow alleys. These are our tips for a seamless visit to the Quartieri Spagnoli of Naples.

How to get there

Metro: The easiest way is to take Metro Line 1 to the Toledo Station. Actually, this is popular as one of Europe’s most beautiful metro stations. The underground station is located directly on Via Toledo. Exiting there, you’ll be in front of the entrance to the Spanish Quarter. A picturesque way to start your walking tour of the Spanish Quarter instead is getting off at Montesanto Station. This is served by Metro Line 2 or Funicolare Montesanto. Check our guide to Naples Metro lines.

Walking: The Quarter is easily walkable from major central Naples attractions, such as Piazza Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I, and the historic centre. You can reach it in about 30 minutes walking from Naples Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi.

Best Time to Visit

Daytime (late morning to late afternoon): Best for general exploration, shopping, and street food. The area is most vibrant and feels safest.

Early Evening: Many restaurants open for dinner, and the streets take on a different, atmospheric charm.

Avoid very late at night: Unless you’re familiar with a specific restaurant or bar, it’s generally best to stick to the main thoroughfares or more populated areas after dark.

What to Wear and bring with you

Comfortable Shoes: The streets are steep, uneven, and cobbled. We wore sneakers, and it was enough to get around.

Small Bag: We always carry a bumbag (fanny pack), as it’s easy to carry essentials and keep our valuables safe. Remember, during busy and popular times, it can get very crowded, and there is a risk of pickpocketing.

Cash only: Apart from restaurants, most shops only accept cash. Carry small notes but not much cash to flash out.

Navigating through the Spanish Quarter

Google Maps works brilliantly, even though it sometimes gives us trouble finding the right position in narrow alleys. Directioning you in line with the main roads, you’ll soon discover that it is a square reticulate of roads.

Locals are generally friendly and always happy to point you in the direction of Via Toledo, so you know it’s close to the metro station or the Cruise Port of Naples.

Beyond the Stereotypes: Why the Spanish Quarter is a Must-Visit

More often, the Quartieri Spagnoli has been associated with the dangerous side of Naples. The reality is that it is behind the social redemption of residents. They have found in tourism a way to sustain themselves, so it’s now thriving and leading in the right direction to show Naples’ empathy and welcoming side.

We always suggest making space for a visit to the Spanish Quarter of Naples and the Naples Sanita District because it’s there that the Neapolitan identity is laid. It’s the heart of Naples, and by exploring these parts, you are contributing to upholding locals and their efforts.

Visiting the Spanish District, you’ll feel the pulse of Naples, engaging with its people and embracing its unfiltered, vibrant reality. It’s a place that challenges preconceptions and rewards curiosity with an unforgettable journey into the city’s most authentic soul.