Virgiliano Park (Parco Virgiliano)

The Basics

Take a break from the relentless pace of central Naples with a stroll through the parks in the city’s wealthy Posillipo Hill neighborhood. The Parco Virgiliano a Piedigrotta (also known as the Parco Virgiliano a Mergellina, the neighborhood below Posillipo) offers a winding, greenery-lined path up the hillside with views over the Gulf of Naples and beyond. The supposed location of Virgil's tomb is at the end of a long tunnel along the path, and a popular stop for park visitors. At the top of Posillipo Hill, Parco Virgiliano a Posillipo has playgrounds and a small amphitheater where summer performances are held. Like its twin further down the hill, the park offers memorable views over the city and bay to Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. You can visit the park during a Naples sightseeing tour via Vespa scooter, vintage Fiat 500, or private car to take in the view, or stop as part of a food tour to combine samples of pizza and other local street food with a scenic photo op of the city from above.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Virgiliano parks are outdoors with limited shade, so sunscreen and a hat are recommended in summer.
• These two parks dedicated to Virgil are the perfect retreat for families with kids.
• The Parco Virgiliano a Posillipo at the top of the hill is on relatively level ground, easier to navigate with a wheelchair than the steeper park at the foot of the hill.
• Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views over the Bay of Naples from either park.

How to Get There

The Parco Virgiliano a Piedigrotta or Mergellina is located directly behind the Mergellina train station. Otherwise, take the Mergellina funicular to Piazza Manzoni, the final stop on the Posillipo Hill a short distance from the Parco Virgiliano a Posillipo.

When to Get There

If you are visiting the parks to take in the view over the Bay of Naples, time your visit for early morning or sunset for the best light for photographs. Otherwise, the parks offer a bit of quiet and cool in the busy midday hours.

Virgil in Naples

The ancient Roman poet Virgil didn't die in Naples, but the city had stolen his heart and he said he wanted to be buried there, at least according to the Neapolitans. On the pretty Posillipo Hill, there are three attractions associated with Virgil: the two parks and what is believed to be his tomb.