Port'Alba
Napoli
Hidden gemHistory & archaeology
The story
A seventeenth-century arch cut into the walls leads to the booksellers' street, where stalls of second-hand volumes pile up among yellowed pages and the shade of the old city.
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The story
Port'Alba is a city gate opened in 1625 in the ancient walls, at the will of the viceroy Antonio Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba, from whom the name. It connects Piazza Dante to the old centre and marks the start of the main decumanus. Above the arch is placed a statue of Saint Cajetan.
What to see
The arch of the gate and, above all, the street that passes beneath it: via Port'Alba, the historic street of the booksellers, with its stalls and bookshops among eighteenth-century buildings. A little beyond opens Piazza Bellini; right here, in 1738, the Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba was born.
Tips
Port'Alba is crossed on foot passing from Piazza Dante towards the old centre: stop among the booksellers' stalls, it is one of the most characteristic walks of Naples. From here set off to discover the main decumanus and Piazza Bellini.
Frequently asked questions
What is Port'Alba?
A city gate opened in 1625 by the viceroy Duke of Alba, which connects Piazza Dante to the old centre; beneath it passes via Port'Alba, the historic street of the booksellers.
Why is via Port'Alba famous?
For its bookshops and book stalls, which make it the historic street of the booksellers of Naples; here too, in 1738, the Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba was born.
Where is Port'Alba?
Beside Piazza Dante, towards the old centre of Naples, at the start of the main decumanus.
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