There are a number of Amalfi Coast museums which are worth visiting. In fact, there is an extremely eclectic mix of museums to choose from. As a result, there should certainly be something to meet everyone’s tastes and interests whether it’s art, history, nature or even transport.
You could easily argue that two of the biggest and best are the outdoor ‘museums’ of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii covers nearly seventy hectares of land. There is an incredible amount to see so do allow plenty of time to make sure you don’t miss anything. And remember to wear sensible shoes, and to bring plenty of water and suncream if it’s hot.
Herculaneum is a smaller site but visitors should still allow three hours there to be able to do it justice. In ancient times, Herculaneum was a wealthy Roman town. Approximately 5000 residents lived there. Like Pompeii, it has also been remarkably well preserved.
There are also three other lesser known archaeological sites in this area – Oplontis, Stabiae and Boscoreale. For those wanting to visit all five sites, it is possible to buy a ticket valid for all five sites on three consecutive days. This will certainly save you money on the entry fees. Just ask for a biglietto cumulativo.
Oplontis is where Nero’s second wife, Poppea, is believed to have had a villa. It’s a fascinating, incredibly well preserved site and well worth visiting. Boscoreale is located to the North of Pompeii. Exhibits here really help to bring the Roman times to life. Finally, Stabia is actually not one site, but a collection of buildings discovered over the centuries. Again, it’s well worth seeing if you have the time.
Located at the city’s university, this actually incorporates four museums. These include the Museo della Mineralogia, the Museo della Anthropologia, the Museo di Paleontologia and the Museo della Zoologia. The latter is a particular hit with children. But all four buildings are family friendly. They’re home to anything from dinosaur bones to creepy insects!
This museum contains a large number of Roman artefacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Artefacts include the Alexander mosaic, originally from the House of Faun in Pompeii. It also houses a number of extremely high quality works from Greek and Renaissance times. Not only that. It’s also home to the third largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in Italy. It’s open daily from 9.00 to 19.30 with the exception of Tuesdays when the museum is closed. I’s well worth a visit for anyone interested in history. Make sure you leave enough time to be able to see the main exhibits. We would recommend at least three hours is needed to do it justice.
Here, visitors will be able to appreciate works dating back from the Greek and Roman period through to the 19th century. It’s also one of the best places to take a look at underground Naples. Part of the original Roman city has been excavated revealing what is believed to be the Roman forum.
In 1974, experimental artist Hermann Nitsch was invited to Naples to perform one of his actions. His performance immediately outraged onlookers leading to his immediate arrest and deportation from the country. This museum now documents the artists works through photographs, videos, props and paintings. Be warned – this museum is not for the faint hearted or squeamish!
Opened in 2010, the Madre is the newest of Naples museums. Housing some of the world’s best and most thought provoking modern artworks dating from the 1950s onwards, it includes works by Andy Warhol and Jeff Koon. Don’t miss Paldino’s Callavo (horse) sculpture on the roof terrace.
Visitors to this Amalfi Coast museum can browse an extensive collection of ceramics, including pieces from as far afield as China and Japan.
Housed in a former monastery, the museum is home to many interesting displays. It also affords visitors a glimpse of monastic life in the frescoes, gardens and cloisters of the building.
This museum is home to religious themed artworks covering many different periods of history.
Once home to Charles III, this building now houses a museum rich with artwork. Works date from Medieval times to the present day.
Another museum with a religious theme, this time all associated with the patron saint, San Gennaro.
With an array of trains detailing the history of the engine from 1839 to the present day, there is plenty here to keep those locomative fans entertained.
This is another museum which is sure to be a hit with the children. With plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy it should keep the children entertained for a few hours.
A museum housing an eclectic mix of artwork, photographic equipment, paintings and porcelain amongst other things.
The museums traces the history of Sorrento’s marquetry. There are numerous examples of inlaid furniture and objects crafted by the marquetry makers of the past.
The museum houses all things sea-related, from marine creatures to nautical instruments.
A small musuem in the Amalfi town hall displaying a number of objects related to the history of the town.
An old paper mill that explains the traditional paper making methods. The town remains one of the European capitals of hand made paper. The museum shop is full of beautiful stationery to buy!
A small but informative mineralogy museum set up with the help of Pasquale Discepolo, an engineer and collector. Combine a trip here with a visit to Vesuvius before hand as some of the crystals formed by the volcano are on display here.
A small archeological museum which is free to visit.
This museum brings to life for the visitor what it would have been liked to have lived in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum prior to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Using state of the art multimedia technology, the museum will impact on all your senses. It’s a good option for those with younger children.
A museum housing the treasures, relics and architectural discoveries from Paestum’s Greek, Roman and Lucian eras.
