The National Archaeological Museum of Naples ('Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN)') is Italy’s most important archaeological museum, housing some of the finest treasures from antiquity. Initially a cavalry barracks and later seat of the city’s university, the museum was established by the Bourbon King Charles VII in the late 18th century to house the antiquities he inherited from his mother, Elisabetta Farnese, as well as artefacts looted from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The first two floors are predominantly devoted to these cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum which were destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Of the many frescoes and mosaics unearthed from the engulfed cities, some of the finest include the mosaic of Alexander the Great charging the Persians at the Battle of Issus as well as the statue of the faun itself, from the House of the Dancing Faun at Pompeii. There is also the opportunity to learn how the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum occurred through computer animations, photos and film footage.

Equally remarkable is the ground-floor Farnese collection of colossal Greek and Roman statues, found in the 16th century during excavations of the Thermes of Caracalla in Rome. Most famous is the Farnese bull, depicting the myth of Dirce, Queen of Thebes, one of the best preserved statues from the Roman era.

Downstairs you will find an impressive assemblage of ancient epigraphs including slogans from Pompeiian political campaigns, an array of ceramics and Italy’s second-largest collection of ancient Egyptian relics.

All Kirker clients travelling to Naples will receive a complimentary entrance ticket.

The museum is open daily 09:00-19:30 apart from Tuesdays, and a guided tour with an expert is highly recommended.

The museum is located 3km from the city centre and is easily accessible by bus, subway, metro, car as well as bicycle.