Terrazza di Sant'Antonio (tredici scese)
Posillipo
KnownViews & panoramas
The story
Thirteen flights of steps climb to the terrace of Sant'Antonio, where the gulf lines up like a postcard: Vesuvius, sea and city in a single glance.
Access
FREE
The story
The terrace in front of the church of Sant'Antonio, on the Posillipo hill, is one of the belvederes that tell of Naples throughout the world. It was laid out in the 1960s and takes its nickname from the «tredici scese» (thirteen descents) — in Neapolitan «'e tridice sces» — the long stairway that from here goes down towards the sea and the district of Santa Lucia.
What to see
From here the Gulf of Naples offers itself in one of its most celebrated images: the curve of the coast, Vesuvius on the horizon, the Castel dell'Ovo stretching out over the sea, the Riviera di Chiaia. It is a balcony far from the frenzy of the city, perfect for a pause and a photograph, especially towards sunset.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
The terrace faces the road in front of the church of Sant'Antonio a Posillipo and is freely accessible; you get there by going up Posillipo, by bus or by car (but the parking is scarce). The best light is in the late afternoon, when the sun sets behind the gulf.
Frequently asked questions
What is the terrace of Sant'Antonio in Posillipo?
A belvedere in front of the church of Sant'Antonio, on the Posillipo hill, with one of the most famous views over the Gulf of Naples; it is known for the «tredici scese» that go down towards the sea.
What can you see from the terrace?
The curve of the gulf, Vesuvius, the Castel dell'Ovo and the Riviera di Chiaia: one of the picture-postcard images of Naples, splendid at sunset.
How do you reach it?
It is on the road in front of the church of Sant'Antonio a Posillipo, freely accessible; you get there by going up Posillipo by bus or by car.
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