Christmas Markets in Naples

Naples traces its origins to a Greek settlement known as Neapolis, meaning 'new city,' founded around the fifth century BC. It grew into one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world and later became a prosperous capital under successive rulers — Norman, Hohenstaufen, Angevin, and Aragonese — each leaving a distinct architectural and cultural imprint. The city flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Naples for centuries, accumulating a rich legacy of art, music, and civic tradition that still defines its identity today. Naples has one of Italy's most distinctive Christmas traditions centred on the craft of presepe, or nativity scene construction. Via San Gregorio Armeno has been associated with nativity artisans for centuries, and during Advent it transforms into a celebrated market where craftspeople display elaborately detailed figures and scenes. This tradition dates back at least to the eighteenth century, when the Neapolitan presepe reached an artistic peak and became a revered cultural expression.