Metro dell’Arte: the most beautiful metro stations of Naples
| Last updated: September 2024 |
Whenever I thought of a metro station, images of dimly lit platforms with cold concrete walls came to mind. These unwelcoming spaces seemed purely functional, designed for efficiency rather than beauty. However, the Metro dell'Arte project in Naples completely transformed my understanding of what a metro station can be. It revealed that if attention is paid to aesthetics, metro stations can be vibrant, colorful, or almost like underground galleries of art.
The Metro dell'Arte project, initiated by local authorities in 1995, aims to revitalize several metro stations while introducing contemporary art to the people of Naples. With over 200 artworks, it's no wonder the metro network is often called the city's open-air museum, and it has become an attraction in its own right.
Chiaia station is one the of recently openend art-stations along Linea 6.
Until recently, art stations were exclusive to Linea 1 (Line 1), which runs from Garibaldi Central Station to Piscinola near Scampia. However, as of July 2024, equally remarkable stations have opened along Linea 6. With now 14 art stations to explore, a 'biglietto giornaliero' (daily metro ticket) priced at €4.50 is certainly a worthwhile investment. Here's a glimpse of what to expect from the most impressive stations.
Garibaldi station, Linea 1
I'll begin this digital tour at Garibaldi station (Google Maps), right next to Napoli Centrale, the city's main train station. The extensive use of satin-finished and highly reflective steel gives the station its futuristic look. Travelers descend to the platforms via suspended, intersecting escalators. The mirror-like steel surfaces of the escalators capture and reflect both artificial and natural light streaming through the transparent glass roof, enhancing the station's modern design.
Suspended, intersecting escalators lined with mirror-like steel.
At the bottom of the escalators, right before the final stairs to the trains, mirrored wall panels showcase photographs of travelers. These static images blend seamlessly with the constantly shifting reflections of real commuters passing by.
Mirrored wall panels display photographs of travelers at the base of the escalators.
Duomo station, Linea 1
Museo station (Google Maps) is still under construction. During excavation, parts of the temple of the Olympic Games, established by Augustus in AD 2, were found. This discovery has significantly shaped the station's design. Once completed, it will feature a large museum area of around one thousand square meters.
As you descend to the platforms, you'll notice hexagonal patterns carved into the walls and ceilings. LEDs backlight the holes, shifting colors from light blue to orange during sunset and dark blue at night. The architect aimed to create a feeling of moving through the hours of the day, or the experience of an astronaut observing the phases of the day from the moon.
The backlit hexagonal patterns shift from light blue to orange as the sun sets, transitioning to dark blue at night.
Università station, Linea 1
Prepare to be greeted by a burst of modern shapes and colors when you enter Università station (Google Maps). The architect envisioned a space that reflects the language of the digital age, with a focus on communication, innovation, and mobility. This theme becomes apparent as soon as you step inside. The walls along the staircases leading into the station display a variety of words like "network," "database," "interface," and "software."
The walls along the staircases leading into the station display a variety of words linked to communication, innovation, and mobility.
Inside the station's atrium, a metal sculpture represents the synapses in our brain. Synapses enable communication between nerve cells, and the sculpture symbolizes human intelligence. The atrium also contains two uniquely shaped pillars. These pillars display large profile faces from every angle, acting as a metaphor for dialogue and human interaction.
As you descend to the platforms, you might spot another tribute to communication. A large portrait of Dante Alighieri adorns the staircase leading toward Piscinola station. Dante, a famous Italian poet, writer, and philosopher from the late 13th and early 14th centuries, is often celebrated as the father of the Italian language. On the opposite staircase, heading toward Garibaldi, you'll find a portrait of his muse, Beatrice.
Metal synapses sculpture and pillar with face-profile inside the station's atrium.
Municipio station, Linea 1 and 6
Municipio station (Google Maps) is a key hub in Naples's metro system, connecting Metro Lines 1 and 6. Opened in 2015, the station is located near Piazza Municipio and close to landmarks like Castel Nuovo, Teatro di San Carlo, and Palazzo Reale. The station also provides access to the port, Molo Beverello (Google Maps), where ferries depart for Capri, Ischia, and Procida. In short, Municipio station is a strategic point for both locals and tourists.
Currently, the station offers little to see aside from the base of Castel Nuovo's outer fortifications. However, construction unearthed significant archaeological discoveries, including the remains of Neapolis' ancient port, thermal baths, and five Roman ships. Once construction is complete, many of these remarkable artifacts will be displayed inside the station, transforming it into a cultural attraction in its own right.
Base of Castel Nuovo's outer fortifications inside Municipio station.
Toledo station, Linea 1
Toledo station (Google Maps), situated just off the bustling Via Toledo in Naples, is undoubtedly the most remarkable stop on Metro Line 1 and my absolute favorite. It has even earned the title of one of Europe's most beautiful transit stations.
At first glance, you might wonder what makes it so special. The walls on the first level feature mosaics depicting a procession of dark figures, many inspired by Naples' rich history. The dominant black tiles reflect the asphalt of the modern city, creating a striking contrast with the station's lower levels.
The walls on the first level feature mosaics depicting a procession of dark figures.
As you descend, water and light become central elements in the design. Thousands of Bisazza tiles change from light blue to a dark, ocean-like hue, creating the feeling of descending into an underwater world.
While on the second escalator, make sure to look up when you're halfway down. The most striking feature of Toledo Station is the architects' Crater de Luz (Crater of Light). This impressive cone directs sunlight into the station while a series of LED lights enhances the natural illumination, creating a stunning visual display.
Thousands of white and blue Bisazza tiles cover the lower level of the station. The most striking feature is the Crater de Luz above the second escalator.
Admiring the Crater de Luz is impressive not only when you look up from the elevator but also when gazing down into it. Just go to the small square where Via Armano Diaz meets Via Toledo, and you can look down into the illuminated shaft.
Finally, the ocean theme carries on in the corridor leading to the platform level. Two long light boxes display an image of a sea gently rippled by the constant movement of waves.
The ocean theme carries on in the corridor leading to the platform level (left) and from above ground you can gaze into the shaft of the Crater de Luz (right).
Dante station, Linea 1
As mentioned earlier, Università station features a small tribute to Dante Alighieri, but the next station honors the famous Florentine poet by bearing his name. Located in Piazza Dante (Google Maps), the entrance sits directly across from the statue of Dante Alighieri.
Piazza Dante (left) and neon text from Dante’s Convivio above the escalator (right)
Above the escalators that lead to the lower level, a bright neon text displays a passage from Dante Alighieri's Convivio (Book III, Chapter 9). Following Vita Nuova and Divina Commedia, Convivio is one of Dante's most renowned works.
But color and light are, properly speaking, visible because we apprehend them by sight alone and by no other sense. These visible things, the proper as well as the common, insofar as they are visible, enter into the eye –I do not mean the things themselves but their forms–through the diaphanous medium, not as matter but as an image, just as through transparent glass. The passage that the visible form makes through this medium is completed in the water within the pupil of the eye, because that water has a boundary.
Iron beams resembling pieces of track with numerous pairs of worn-out shoes.
The wall of the station's lower level features a series of iron beams that resemble pieces of track. A hat, coat, several toy trains, and numerous pairs of worn-out shoes are nestled between the beams and the wall. While I couldn't decipher the full meaning of this artwork, the shoes may symbolize journeys, while the toy trains could represent exploration.
Museo station, Linea 1
If you intend to visit the National Archaeological Museum, make sure to get off at Museo station (Google Maps). Inside the station are replicas of several renowned statues, including a copy of The Laocoön and His Sons. The original marble sculpture, one of the most famous examples of Greek art, is housed in the Vatican Museums in Rome.
Replica of the 'Hercules Farnese' (left) and the 'Laocoön and His Sons' statue (right).
This piece portrays Hercules resting on his club, adorned with the skin of the Nemean lion he defeated during his first labor. In his right hand, he clutches the three golden apples he retrieved from the Garden of the Hesperides.
Near the Piazza Cavour exit, the wall displays photos of the bronze 'Runners' discovered at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum. The original statues are housed in the National Archaeological Museum.
Materdei station, Linea 1
Materdei station (Google Maps) is located in the Materdei district, a family-friendly neighborhood that's less busy and chaotic than many other parts of Naples. One thing you'll notice before entering the station is the steel and colored glass spire near the entrance. This glass spire enhances the piazza and brightens the station's entrance hall, where green and blue tones prevail.
Piazza Scipione Ammirato is characterized by the station's steel and glass spire.
As you take the escalator and descend to the lower levels, mosaics with ceramic reliefs come into view. They portray various creatures and Neapolitan locals enjoying the waters of the Gulf of Naples.
Just after getting off the escalator on the track level, you'll find yourself standing in a central corridor decorated with bold, minimalist wall art in bright colors. This colorful design helped Materdei earn the 16th spot on The Daily Telegraph's list of Europe's most beautiful metro stations.
The central corridor on the track level is decorated with bold, minimalist wall art in bright colors.
Salvator Rosa station, Linea 1
Next on the route is Salvator Rosa station (Google Maps), where both entrances, like at Materdei, feature a steel and colored glass spire. Beside the station's eastern entrance stands the house where the composer of the iconic song "O Sole Mio" (My Sun/Sunshine) once lived. As a tribute to his work, the building's facade is adorned with golden sun rays.
Golden sun rays adorn all the façades of the former house where the composer of "O Sole Mio" once lived.
The station's main entrance sits on Via Salvator Rosa. Upon entering, you'll notice a large red curtain installed above the central staircase. It establishes a theatrical ambiance and highlights that passengers play a leading role. In this way, the station becomes a stage that welcomes and involves the public.
The central corridor on the lowest floor of the station features a lineup of four Fiat Cinquecento cars. Each of them is covered in fiberglass and papier-mâché. This installation, titled The Subway is Safer, conveys a message that resonates with everyone who has visited Naples: taking the metro is safer than driving.
Large red curtain above the central staircase (top left and right) and the lineup of Fiat Cinquecento cars conveying the message that taking the metro is safer than driving (bottom).
Quattro Giornate station, Linea 1
Quattro Giornate station (Google Maps) is, like the piazza surrounding it, named after the days of the uprising that freed Naples from Nazi occupation. Its entrance features paintings and bronze reliefs that pay tribute to the Neapolitan resistance.
As you descend toward the platforms, you'll notice four white sculptures of women wearing silver helmets. These figures, seated in deep meditation, draw inspiration from the women of the resistance. Below them is the phrase "In Girum Imus Nocte Ecce Et consumimur Igni" (We go around at night and here we are consumed by fire), which reflects the passion of those who bravely took up arms and confronted danger.
Bronze reliefs inspired by the Neapolitan resistance (top left and right), and close-up of one of the feminine sculptures adorned with a silver helmet (bottom).
Vanvitelli station, Linea 1
The final stop on Line 1 I want to highlight is Vanvitelli station (Google Maps). Opened in 1993 and restyled between 2004 and 2005, this station features a striking blue neon spiral adorned with numbers on the ceiling of the central hall. The spiral represents the Fibonacci sequence, attributed to the Italian mathematician who (re)invented a series where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.
Sequence of Fibonacci on the ceiling of the central hall of Vanvitelli station.
Chiaia station, Linea 6
Now, let's dive into Metro Line 6. Starting from Municipio, the first stop is Chiaia station (Google Maps). This station stands out as the most remarkable on Line 6, and in my opinion, it's even more impressive than Toledo.
The station takes passengers on a journey from the heavens to the mysterious depths of the underworld. Each level is dedicated to a Greek mythological deity and features a corresponding color, drawing inspiration from the wall paintings of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Statue representing Jupiter with twenty-four arms (left) and spiraling ramp with a verse from the Roman poet Ovid on the parapet (right).
A steel and glass dome tops the station's upper entrance, allowing natural light to filter down nearly forty meters to brighten the tracks below. At the entrance stands a statue of Jupiter with twenty-four arms. The sea at his feet and the symbolism representing the passage of time, make him appear as a guardian of travelers.
From the upper entrance, a spiraling ramp descends to a floor adorned in white and blue tones and dedicated to Neptune. Light from the dome filters through, illuminating the space. The parapet of the ramp features the inscription "Est in aqua dulci non invidiosa voluptas" (In pure water there is a pleasure begrudged by none), a verse from the Roman poet Ovid, who lived during the reign of Augustus.
The verse from Ovid reads "Est in aqua dulci non invidiosa voluptas."
The level below, featuring a dominant green color, is dedicated to Ceres. It is organized in a square matrix layout, showcasing large reproductions of statues from the Farnese collection at the National Archaeological Museum.
The level dedicated to Ceres contains several reproductions of statues from the Farnese collection at the National Archaeological Museum (left), including the Tyrannicides and the River Divinity (right).
As you descend even further, the next level presents a warm ochre yellow hue in honor of Proserpina, accented by six pomegranates. The track level, bathed in vibrant red, pays tribute to Hades and features a striking dome with a hollow center to let natural light pour in. Adorning this dome are 320 orange eyes, symbolizing the watchful gaze of the King of the Underworld as he observes the waiting travelers.
Adorning the dome are 320 orange eyes, symbolizing the watchful gaze of Hades as he observes the travelers.
San Pasquale station, Linea 6
The San Pasquale station (Google Maps) has a less spectacular design. According to the architect, the station brings back water to a place "stolen from the sea." The side walls depict the ocean, and a large metal element resembling a shell —recalling the appearance of a wreck on the sea floor— guides travelers down to the platforms. The architect describes the experience as "entering the water like in Tiepolo's frescoes in Venice." While I find this comparison a bit far-fetched, you'll probably get the idea.
A large metal element —recalling the appearance of a shipwreck— guides travelers down to the platforms.
Arco Mirelli station, Linea 6
The last art-station, Arco Mirelli (Google Maps), greets visitors with a striking Art Nouveau pavilion crafted from glass and steel, allowing natural light to reach the lower levels. Inside, the station's walls are adorned with elegant light beige Roman travertine, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.
The entrance pavilion opens up to a set of escalators and stairs that lead passengers down to the mezzanine floor. From there, travelers descend further to the platforms. At the base of the final escalator or staircase, they are greeted by The Musical Copper Horns, an intriguing audiovisual installation. These copper cones, each holding mirrors, fill the space with the melodic notes of a composition by André Baum.
The walls inside the station are adorned with light beige Roman travertine, adding a touch of sophistication.
If any new art stations open in the future, I'll be sure to update this post. For now, I'd love to hear from you! Which stations have you visited, and which one stood out to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
