Naples, or Napoli, is the regional capital of Campania, Italy, and the third-largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. Situated on the west coast of the Italian peninsula, it lies on the Bay of Naples, near both Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, areas known for volcanic activity. Founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BCE, Naples boasts a rich history of over 2500 years. Its historic city center, the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As of 2025, the city has a population of approximately 908,082.
Naples is renowned for its deep historical roots, vibrant culture, and iconic cuisine. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of pizza, with authentic Neapolitan pizza preparation adhering to strict traditional guidelines. The city is also celebrated for its wealth of historical museums, including the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the Roman Empire. Key attractions include the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Spaccanapoli, Castel Sant'Elmo, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Italy. SSC Napoli, the city's football club, has a devoted following, and matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona create an electric atmosphere.
Recent developments in Naples include the ongoing revitalization of the city's economy and infrastructure. Zaha Hadid Architects won a design competition for the Napoli Porta Est masterplan, an urban regeneration project aimed at reconnecting fragmented urban areas. Additionally, a mass-timber metro station is under construction in the Centro Direzionale area. Concerns have risen due to increasing seismic activity in the Campi Flegrei volcanic complex, prompting analysis of volcanic structures to improve risk assessment.
