We will be in Naples on a cruse stop Thursday, April 28, 2023, 7 hr to 19 hr. I've read varying comments on this forum and elsewhere about widely varying impressions of the Archeological Museum. From "its, a relic from the 1950's, not well maintained and many of the pieces normally on exhibit are on loan to museums around the world". Then I read it is a "must see, the exhibits are wonderful, you don't go there for the building that houses the exhibits, and if one visits nothing else in Naples, it must be the Archeological Museum."
So what's the verdict at the current time, and more importantly in April, 2023. Are the artifacts back from loan, if one has only 12 hours in Naples, is the Museum the one stop one must make. We've visited several major "museum" cities in the UK and Europe [London, Paris, Madrid, Florence, Rome], and have always visited the museums and enjoyed each visit to the max.
We are older folks not yet decrepit, but our walking pace is slower than a 30 year old, and after being on our feet for 3 hours or so we're ready for a rest.
With all this said, is the Archeological Museum a worthy visit, and what else would anyone recommend we do in our limited 12 hr visit. I was reading an older [2009] edition of RS Italy and was a bit surprised Naples got only 24 pages out of an 840 page book, [minus appendices] and the third paragraph in the Naples section notes ". . .Italy's grittiest, most polluted and most crime-ridden city." I suppose someone could introduce NYC with similar words, but nonetheless, it is interesting that this made the introduction to Naples. I might add this edition of "Italy" does start the guide to Naples with a visit to the Archeological Museum.
Based on RS' description, a visit to Spaccanapoli seems to have merit. Would a walk from the Archeological Museum down Via Enrico Pessina/Via Toledo to Via Domenico Capitelli through Spaccenapoli up to Via Duomo, a visit to the Duomo, then taking a taxi back to the ship. If my scale interpretation of the Naples map, this is about 2.78 miles or 4,500 meters, is this about right? Any suggestions on places for lunch or a gelato along with way would be appreciated.
Is the walk south from the Archeological Museum on Via Enrico Pessian to Piazza Dante a pleasant one, or is this more a vehicular thoroughfare? Are two slower walking Americans virtually walking with a sandwich board saying "pickpockets we're here". Also, are taxis readily available at the Duomo and is there any special skill required to negotiate a taxi tariff with the driver from the Duomo to the cruise terminal?
Forgive me for so many questions, but in our several travels to Italy, all have been Rome and north except for a one day trip from Sorrento to Pompei and Herculaneum, so we're neophytes regarding the culture of Naples.
Oh yes, assuming we do visit the Archeological Museum, what is the best way to get there with minimal walking? Thanks for any comments.
Jon
Jon