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The most beautiful Diego places in Naples

Written by SANTOS, 25 November 2021

Diego Maradona sadly passed away more than a year ago. Have you ever wanted to go on a Diego pilgrimage to Naples? These are the most beautiful and special places to visit (and especially take the book 'In search of Maradona' with you).

The most beautiful Diego places in Naples

Centro Sportivo Paradiso

You'll find one of the city's most underrated Maradona spots in the Northeast of Naples. At Soccavo (at Via Viccinale Paradiso 36), remains the old Centro Sportivo Paradiso. The old training complex is dilapidated, and the field is overgrown, but on the outside walls, you can find beautiful graffiti in honour of Diego. This is a historic ground in several respects: Maradona was happiest within the walls of 'Paradiso'.

(Be sure to check out the gorgeous video below - and you'll understand why.)

Stadio Diego Maradona

A visit to a Napoli game and the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (formerly San Paolo) is of course a must. The stadium was recently thoroughly renovated, but it remains historic ground, and you can see, feel and smell Maradona here too. Getting tickets is not a problem, regardless of any corona restrictions.

Check here for all the information you need.

Bar Nilo

Before you read any further: check whether Bar Nilo is still open or not. During the corona crisis, this legendary espresso bar was threatened with closure, but at the time of writing, it is, fortunately, still open. Here you will find the famous Maradona shrine with Diego's hair, once sneakily taken by the owner of Bar Nilo when he sat behind Diego on a plane during a flight to Naples. The espresso here is great - and the decor just tops it off.

Hotel Paradiso, Diego's Headquarters

Are you still looking for a hotel? For the ultimate Maradona feeling, you need to book a room at Hotel Paradiso, in the beautiful district of Posillipo. The hotel is not cheap, but not unaffordable either. Maradona celebrated his most famous parties in this hotel as a permanent base for all his shenanigans. Diego's clan often rented an entire floor here, near Maradona's house. From hotel Paradiso, you have a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.

BONUS TIP: Maradona's house on Via Scipione Capece in Posillipo still exists. It is quite run down, but still nice to see: Diego hardly had any privacy here. Fans even climbed the trees to see him.

Quartieri Spagnoli

There's no escaping the Quartieri Spagnoli, the old Spanish quarter of the city when you're in Naples. Not only is this an authentic, popular and lively area, but you will also find numerous references to Maradona. On Via Emanuele de Deo you will find the famous square that you see so often on television, full of murals and relics (see the photo above this article).

A must-see, but don't forget the countless souvenir shops. With a bit of luck, you will come across original shirts, caps and jackets from the 80s.

Club Napoli Saverio-Silvio Vignati

There is no official Maradona museum in Naples (yet), but there is an unofficial alternative. You'll find this treasure trove on Via Lombardia in the residential area of Secondigliano, just below the home of Napoli fan Massimo Vignati. He is the son of the former stadium manager of Napoli and his mother was a household help for the Maradonas for many years. The Vignati family has a truly wonderful collection of Maradona items. Do you want to visit it? Club Napoli Saverio-Silvio Vignati has its own Facebook page, so send them a message.

Delicious Dinner in Diego Style

Do you want good food with a touch of Maradona? Ristorante Ciro a Mergellina is highly recommended, near the water and marina Molo Luise. Diego loved coming here with his family and friends. He reserved a double table in the middle of the restaurant, so he still had some privacy. The fish is especially delicious at 'Ciro'.

BONUS TIP: Maradona ate his favourite pizza at Luciano Sorbillo. This famous local pizza maker still has its own shop: Pizz A Street.

Want to know more? Order 'In Search of Mara'

For all the special stories and anecdotes about Maradona and Naples: order the wonderful book 'In search of Maradona' (in Dutch) by Sjoerd Mossou on our webshop. You will find many more special places here, inside and outside Naples. Whoever reads this book will truly understand forever what Maradona has meant to the people of southern Italy and far beyond.