In the middle of the crowded hilly Vomero district is located the Floridiana park, a relaxing green area with a picturesque terrace from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples.
In the middle of this beautiful park, there is a neoclassical 18th-century villa, surrounded by 150 plant species, rare plants, rich collections of camellias in a romantic style. It was the king Ferdinando I of Borbone who gave the whole property to his morganatic wife Lucia Migliaccio, Duchess of Floridia, hence the name Floridiana. To enhance the romantic atmosphere the King expanded the gardens and also enriched them with statues, fake ruins, fountains, an open-air theatre, a circular temple with Doric columns and a pond. At the behest of the Duchess also caves were built to house tigers, lions and bears.
Floridiana park and museum
In 1919 the state purchased the villa and today it is home to the National Museum of the ceramics Duke of Martina. This is one of the most important Italian collections of European and Oriental decorative arts dating from the 12th to the 19th century. Its nucleus is characterized by pottery.
The Floridiana Park Museum spreads over three floors and the ground floor houses the ivory and bronze objects of the middle ages. Also, you can admire the Renaissance majolica tiles and Murano glass. On the first floor there is the collection of European porcelain works of art of the 18th century. This, including those of Capodimonte in Napoli! In the basement is the section of Oriental art objects, like the Chinese Ming-era porcelain ones. The Park, with two entrances on via Cimarosa and via Aniello Falcone, is open daily and admission is free.
The pure air that you can breathe and an atmosphere of complete relaxation makes it a perfect place for grown-ups and children. Children and kids can play, run and enjoy the cool during the hot summer months!