Accademia di Belle Arti, Naples

The Accademia di Belle Arti is a school of fine arts attached to the University of Naples. It is located in a building that once housed a convent and has its own art gallery with works by well known early artists and some of its illustrious students.

The building was constructed in the 17th century. In 1864, the architect, Enrico Alvino renovated the structure and added a neoclassical façade, a grand staircase and the sculptures of two lions to guard the entrance.

The interior houses a library, a collection of plaster casts and a picture gallery for academic purposes that is also open for public viewing. The art gallery has over 28 valuable works dating back to the 16th century. The main collection represents the 19th and 20th centuries. It also has 206 sketches and watercolors created by the faculty and students and 227 works donated to the academy by the 19th-century realist artist, Filippo Palizzi. Notable works by former students on display are watercolors by Giacinti Gigante and works by sculptor Vincenzo Gemito.

Why You Should Visit:
To immerse yourself in Neapolitanism and at the same time study art. The building stands in the historic center among many monuments, near the main tourist and gastronomic attractions.