The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (National Archaeological Museum of Naples) is one of the most important museums in Italy and contains one of the richest collections of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts in the world. It is located in the historic center of Naples, near the Piazza Dante.
The museum was founded in the late 1700s, during the Bourbon period in Naples, as a result of the royal family's interest in collecting ancient artifacts. Over the years, the collection grew and was enriched with significant archaeological finds from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other ancient sites in the area.
The museum's collection includes thousands of artifacts, including statues, mosaics, frescoes, and household items. The most famous works on display include the Farnese Hercules, the Toro Farnese (Farnese Bull), the Alexander Mosaic, and the Secret Cabinet, a collection of erotic art from Pompeii and Herculaneum that was only opened to the public in the 1960s.
The museum is divided into several sections, including the Greek and Roman antiquities section, the prehistoric and Egyptian section, and the collection of ancient coins and medals. Visitors can also see the remains of the ancient city of Pompeii, including its famous plaster casts of victims, as well as artifacts from the nearby city of Herculaneum.
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and art. Its impressive collection and location in the heart of Naples make it a unique and fascinating museum.