Street Art in Naples

Using the facades of Naples to communicate an idea or give force to a thought is not such a recent phenomenon. In the 1990s, like a kind of WhatsApp group, the Ultras would share their team's impressive graffiti or, more often than not, come across inscriptions of lost or found loves, parades of "I love you, come back to me" that made passers-by smile.

Over the years, Neapolitan street art has evolved, giving way to many new artists from all over the world who, fascinated by the streets of Naples, have left their mark. And so Urban Neapolis was born, a collective of street artists with the shared idea of urban regeneration of the most popular districts, the very heart of the city.

Here are some districts that, just a few years ago, were not mentioned in tourist guides, but are now among the most popular attractions, not only for tourists, but also for locals, driven by passion or simple curiosity.

In the Forcella district, before losing yourself in the popular markets, you'll come across one of Jorit's many works. A four-storey high San Gennaro, in all its grandeur and humanity. Humanising the saints, Madonnas and patron saints with existing, well-known figures from the Neapolitan entourage is an idea taken up by many other Neapolitan artists, the best known of whom are "SantoDiego", dedicated to the great Maradona in the guise of a saint to represent the sacredness and devotion of all the Neapolitan people, or the famous food blogger Zia Flavia Foodn'Boobs made Madonna.

In the historic centre, in Piazza Gerolomini, crossing the Decumani, Banksy's "Madonna with a gun", now protected by a transparent shrine, is on display. Placed between the façade of the church and the Ospedale delle Bambole, Banksy's work is a must-see if you visit Naples, even if only for a day.

Bosoletti, Roxy in the box, CRL, Cyop&Kaf, Ernest Pignon, San Spiga, exit/Enter, Blu, Mono Gonzales and Tono Cruz, Alice Pasquini are just some of the names of the artists who have made Naples one of the best-known cities for European street art.

Every nook and cranny of Neapolitan alleys, from the Spanish quarters to the Sanità, will be a discovery of colour and originality, from Caravaggio reading the New York Times to Fidel Casto ogling the Via Mezzocannone, via the evocative three-dimensional 'Isis' inspired by Corradini's Pudicitia.

A new Naples to discover through street art, taking a stroll through the bowels of an authentic city, between the everyday life of the districts and the exceptional character of creativity in all its forms and colours.