I am so excited to share my latest passion project with you. In my last issue, I drifted through the quiet, pastel-hued streets and lemon groves of Procida. But for this edition, I'm taking you on a quantum leap into the raw, electric, and utterly magical heart of Naples: Rione Sanità.
If you've ever wanted to truly experience a neighborhood that wears its soul on its sleeve, this is it. Sanità is a beautiful contradiction where ancient history, deep spirituality, and a cutting-edge youth-led art revolution crash together on every single street corner.
I’ve packed this Master Edition with all of my favorite neighborhood secrets. Here’s a tiny taste of what is inside:
The Deep Underworld: From the 2,400-year-old painted Greek tombs of the Cristallini Hypogeum to the eerie, beautiful "cult of the skulls" at the Fontanelle Cemetery.
Baroque "Flying" Staircases: The gravity-defying courtyards of Palazzo dello Spagnolo and Palazzo San Felice (you’ll recognize these from My Brilliant Friend!).
Modern Masterpieces: Standing face-to-face with Jago’s breathtaking Veiled Son and exploring his open-air church studio.
Canvas on the Streets: Tracking down Bosoletti's massive "RESIS-TI-AMO" bridge mural, the glowing "Luce" mural, and the colorful street library of Vicolo della Cultura.
The Ultimate Foodie Shortlist: Where to find Isabella De Cham's legendary, feather-light fried pizza, Poppella's cloud-like Fiocco di Neve pastries, and the best street-side aperitivo tables.
Best of all? I've designed this issue around a brand-new "Choose Your Own Adventure" style. No rigid timelines here—just 5 tailored travel personas (from the Urban Photographer to the History Sleuth) designed to help you conquer the valley based on whatever makes you tick.
Are you ready to descend into the valley of the soul?
READ THE RIONE SANITÀ MASTER EDITION ONLINE HERE
Pack your sturdiest walking shoes and leave your expectations behind. I'll see you in the valley!
Love my travel content? Creating The Next Stop guides is a true labor of love. If my public transit tips, street-art routes, or pastry recommendations help you discover the magic of Naples, please consider supporting my independent journey by buying me a coffee on Ko-fi.
. Your contributions help me keep exploring, photographing, and writing!
