Orto Botanico di Napoli — Attraction in Naples

In many reviews, we read that something strange was happening with the opening hours of the Botanical Garden, but we checked the schedule and decided to go. We arrived about an hour after opening and saw a locked gate and several disappointed tourists in front of it. I am a timid person, but my determined companion found a bell on the side of the lock and began energetically pressing the button. After about 2 minutes of intense ringing from a small office outside the gate, a gloomy man appeared and asked in Italian what we wanted. We firmly said that we want to go to the garden, which should be open during these hours. The gloomy man demanded that we fill out some indistinct paper, and let us in - my friend, me and the English-speaking tourists who were constantly thanking us. We spent a couple of hours with pleasure in an empty and beautiful garden and went to the exit. The gates were again locked, and in front of it stood a perplexed young couple of Italians, but obviously non-locals. The keeper got out of his office to let us out, but he resolutely refused let the couple in. I asked the young man in English why they were not allowed in, and he replied that because of COVID, no more than 100 people can be in the garden (12 hectares) at the same time, and now the garden is full. I told him that there were not even 10 people in the garden, not that 100, but they decided not to argue with the keeper and left. So if you want to get into the garden (and it's worth it ) get ready to fight and remember...

A great park/botanical garden in the heart of the city. On the day I visited, there were several school groups doing lovely end-of-term outdoor activities in the gardens area. How lucky they are to have this gorgeous space to do that. The place is great for a leisurely stroll and tree- or plant-spotting. Many have labels with a genus name and species epithet to guide you. But the sheer range of planting is amazing and in May when I visited everything looked healthy and full of vigour (see photos). The succulents are beautifully landscaped and so diverse. One area not to miss. Lastly, don't miss all the 'exemplary' plants:...

A weird way to enter a park, standing at the door waving for permission to go in or out. The entrance is one, in the middle.

Yes, it could use more benches but it's still a botanical garden, not a local park. The benches are actually beautiful! I wonder why it's free to enter, honestly.

It IS very well maintained at least from what I've seen. People were buzzing taking care of plants everywhere. And they had some amazing ones I haven't seen anywhere else, so - no complaints from me. I loved it. Sad that it's a bit remote from other attractions but worth it if you love plants. Very rich garden and great trees. Also, a home to...