Borgo Santa Lucia: An Exclusive Location to Explore Naples
Borgo Santa Lucia (or Santa Lucia) is an historical district of Naples with an ancient, fascinating history.
The Roman general Lucio Licinio Lucullo commissioned the construction of his palatial villa right here in this picturesque seaside neighbourhood. It’s also believed that the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, spent his final days at the ruins of the villa.
The Castrum Lucullanum, or the General Lucullo’s splendid villa in the Borgo Santa Lucia district of Naples, stretched from Pizzofalcone as far as the sea, also embracing Mount Echia. A man of action, and of great military success, the Roman general went down in history for his sumptuous residences (including the villa in Santa Lucia) and feasts, which are still described as “Lucullan” even today.
During the Grand Tour years, Borgo Santa Lucia became a well-known destination of elite tourism, hosting intellectuals and artists who were travelling around Italy to rediscover the classical world.
The imposing Palazzo d’Alessandro Pescolanciano was built in this charming quarter and is now home to Artemisia Domus Giardino. This place has an ancient tradition of hospitality. In fact, it was in the very rooms of this aristocratic palazzo that one of Naples’ first hotels — the “Aquila Nera” — was founded. Marie Clotilde of France, Queen of Sardinia, stayed at the Aquila Nera in exile and died there.
Over the centuries, Borgo Santa Lucia radically transformed from a picturesque fishing village into one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods of the era, historically the area of great hotels such as the very first, Aquila Nera.
Naples’ Santa Lucia Neighbourhood Today
The Santa Lucia neighbourhood of Naples has charmed generations of artists over the centuries, who have produced sublime works of art capturing its beauty on canvas forever.
These days, Santa Lucia is an elegant tourist and residential quarter, home to some of the city’s most stunning hotels. Not only hotels, but also Italian Art Nouveau style palazzi, imposing buildings and some of the most prestigious Neapolitan sailing clubs make this delightful Naples’ neighbourhood truly divine.
The neighbourhood is steeped in history and jam-packed with monuments and tourist attractions. But it also offers plenty of opportunities to relax: it’s right next to the Lungomare (seafront) of Naples, one of the most beautiful walks to enjoy in the city, with its wide cycle path and myriad traditional eateries where you can sip on a refreshing aperitif or tuck into a tasty dinner. The Lungomare is also one of the most show-stopping vantage points, affording spectacular views of the gulf and Vesuvius.