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An insurpassable museum for the range and beauty of its Greco-Roman art, with important pieces unearthed in Rome and in towns around Vesuvius. The experience is a total immersion in the life of the ancients – their religious beliefs, sports, eating habits, and even their erotic peccadilloes (see Museo Archeologico Nazionale).

This world-class museum also owes its main masterpieces to the Farnese Collection. Paintings run the gamut from medieval to contemporary; the porcelain collection also shouldn’t be missed.

This monastery complex is home to several collections of art. The Pinacoteca, comprising part of the Prior’s Quarters, is notable for its works from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, many having been commissioned for the monastery. On the upper floors, 19th-century works convey the look and feel of Naples in the days of Italian Unification. A section devoted to Nativity scenes demonstrates the power and beauty of this uniquely Neapolitan art form (see Certosa di San Martino).

For lovers of Neapolitan Baroque this little-known gallery is a must. Part of a monastic complex, there are fine works by Carracciolo, Vaccaro, Giordano, and several by Ribera, featuring his signature taste for the outrageous and extreme.

The palace itself is an unusual example in Naples of the 15th-century Tuscan Renaissance style, and was donated to the city as a museum in the 19th century. Until 1943 it housed Prince Filangieri’s private collection of armour, majolica, coins, porcelain, Nativity figures, sculpture and paintings. Sadly, most of the original pieces were destroyed in World War II, but since then the exhibits have been restored and augmented. They include works by Luini and Ribera.

Naples is famous for fine ceramic production and this museum provides rich amplification of the theme. Not only are exquisite Italian pieces found here, by Capodimonte and Ginori artisans, but also splendid creations by the factories of Meissen, Limoges, Sèvres and Saint-Cloud. Majolica works, from medieval times onwards, are also well represented, and the collection of Chinese and Japanese ceramics, from as far back as the T’ang Dynasty, is one of the country’s best.

Sorrento has been known since the mid-18th century for its fine inlaid wood furniture and objects (intarsio ) and this museum is devoted to the delicate art. Displayed in a beautifully restored palace, the exhibits also include paintings, old photos and other Sorrentine memorabilia.

Housed in the 18th-century Villa Arbusto, exhibits here illustrate the history of ancient Ischia, from prehistoric to Roman times. Many of the most important objects date back to the 8th century BC, when Ischia was settled by Greeks from the island of Euboea. The most famous pots were found at a nearby necropolis; among these are a typical late geometric krater , decorated with a shipwreck scene.

This fascinating museum, set in an old warehouse, preserves one of Europe’s first papermaking factories. Visitors can see the original stone vats and machinery downstairs, and there’s also an interesting exhibit tracing the history and technical progress of the paper industry over the centuries.

Among this museum’s beautiful treasures are ancient Greek tomb paintings that were only discovered on the site in 1968. Other finds include bronze vases, terracotta votive figures and various funerary furnishings (see Paestum).