Spaccanapoli (Via dei Tribunali)

Via dei Tribunali is one of the ancient east-west axes of Naples, preserving the Greek street grid within a living historic district.

Why it matters

The street reveals how Naples's ancient urban plan continued to shape the medieval and modern city. Churches, palaces and archaeological remains sit within a grid whose origins reach back to the foundation of Neapolis.

What to notice

The route's historic fabric includes the cathedral, the churches of San Lorenzo and San Paolo Maggiore, and Pio Monte della Misericordia. Beneath Piazza San Gaetano, excavations preserve remains of the ancient market and streets of Neapolis, while underground spaces elsewhere record Roman water systems and later wartime shelters.

Context and history

Greek settlers laid out Neapolis on a rectangular grid, whose principal east-west axes were later called decumani. The name Via dei Tribunali reflects the tribunals once housed at Castel Capuano. The popular term Spaccanapoli is often used broadly for the historic centre's east-west streets, though it more strictly refers to a parallel chain of streets.