Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Naples


Founded in 1224 by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, this is one of the world's oldest universities, its past students including St Thomas Aquinas, former Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, and journalist Roberto Saviano, writer of the internationally acclaimed Camorra exposé, Gomorrah.

This campus – home to the Faculty of Political Science – houses the Chiostro dei Santi Marcellino e Festo, a monumental cloister dating from 1567 and framed by elegant piperno-stone arches. The building's smaller courtyard is also worth a look for its theatrical double staircase, designed by the prolific baroque architect Luigi Vanvitelli.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Naples attractions

1. Lisa Weber Laboratorio di Ceramica

0.13 MILES

This is the earthy workshop of Swiss-expat ceramicist Lisa Weber, whose creations span whimsical translucent candle holders and Pompeii-esque terracotta…

2. Maradona Shrine

0.14 MILES

Bar Nilo is home to this tongue-in-cheek shrine dedicated to Argentine football player and ex-Napoli deity Diego Armando Maradona. Stuck to an epic poem…

3. Piazzetta Nilo

0.15 MILES

You'll stumble across two deities in this dusty little square. First is ancient-Egyptian river god Nilo: the marble Statua del Nilo was erected by…

4. Chiesa di Sant'Angelo a Nilo

0.15 MILES

This modest 14th-century church houses one of the first great artworks to grace the Neapolitan Renaissance – the majestic tomb of Cardinal Rinaldo…

5. Piazzetta Orefici

0.15 MILES

Piazzetta Orefici is the main square of the Borgo Orefici, a small, labyrinthine district that has housed goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers since…

6. Ospedale delle Bambole

0.18 MILES

Hidden in a bougainvillea-clad courtyard within the opulent Palazzo Marigliano, this family-managed doll hospital has specialised in restoring children’s…

7. Via San Gregorio Armeno

0.18 MILES

Dismissed by serious collectors, this narrow street nonetheless remains famous across Italy for its pastori (nativity-scene figurines). Connecting…

8. Museo Civico Filangieri

0.18 MILES

This kooky museum serves up an eclectic collection of treasures, from historic Asian and European armour and weaponry to sumptuous paintings spanning the…