Maggio dei Monumenti 2027 in Naples: what it is, when it runs and how to book
Every spring the City of Naples opens palaces, churches and places that are usually closed for a month of guided tours, exhibitions, shows and concerts, most of them free. This is the Maggio dei Monumenti ("May of Monuments"), which reached its 32nd edition in 2026. The 2027 programme has not been released yet: here is how it works, what happened in recent editions and how to plan.
At a glance
- When
- Usually from the first days of May to 1–2 June; the 2027 dates have not been announced yet
- Where
- All over the city, from the old centre to the outskirts, with events in all 10 Municipalities (city districts)
- Price
- The City's main programme is free; some events run by museums and associations may charge a fee
- Booking
- In 2026 almost every event had to be booked on Eventbrite Cultura – Comune di Napoli, with bookings opening on Monday for the following week
- 2027 programme
- Not published yet: it is usually presented in late April on the City of Naples website
What the Maggio dei Monumenti is
It is the spring cultural festival promoted and funded by the City of Naples (Comune di Napoli). For about a month the city offers guided tours, themed itineraries, special openings of places normally closed to the public, exhibitions, talks, cinema, theatre and concerts. Each year has a different theme: from 2022 to 2025 the common thread was the four elements (earth, air, water and fire), while in 2026 the theme was the colours of Naples.
The 2027 programme has not been announced yet: the dates, the theme and the places that will open will be published by the City, usually just a few days before the start.
How recent editions went
| Edition | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 (30th) | 3 May – 2 June | the waters of Naples |
| 2025 (31st) | 2 May – 1 June | fire |
| 2026 (32nd) | 2 May – 2 June | the colours of Naples |
In 2026 the programme had more than 200 events, over 70 themed itineraries and nearly 20 exhibitions, with around 100 cultural organisations taking part. Special openings included Palazzo San Giacomo (the City Hall), the Teatro di San Carlo opera house and the church of the Certosa di San Martino. The highlight was Stefano Bollani's concert at the Rotonda Diaz, on the seafront, on the evening of 31 May.
How tickets and booking work
- Events in the City's main programme and in the Municipalities' programmes are free.
- Events run by museums, foundations and associations in the "Iniziative dalla città" (initiatives from the city) section may be free or paid: check each listing.
- In 2026, unless stated otherwise, you had to book on the City of Naples' Eventbrite Cultura page. Bookings opened on Monday for the following week, and places for tours and workshops went quickly.
Tip: if you are coming to Naples in May, mark the Monday of the week before your trip in your calendar and book the tours you care about most straight away.
Tips for visiting Naples in May
- Combine it with other festivities. In the same period there is the May feast of San Gennaro, with the procession from the Cathedral to Santa Chiara.
- Get around on foot and by metro. Most tours are in the historic centre, between Spaccanapoli and the Cathedral; Line 1 of the metro links the centre with the Vomero and the central station.
- Book your accommodation early. May is one of the loveliest months to visit Naples: read our guide on when to go.
What to see during the Maggio dei Monumenti
- Historic Centrethe heart of the tours
- Spaccanapolithe street that cuts through the old city
- Castel Sant'Elmonext to the Certosa di San Martino
- May feast of San Gennarothe month's other big celebration
Frequently asked questions
When is the Maggio dei Monumenti 2027?
The 2027 dates have not been announced yet. In recent editions the festival ran from the first days of May to 1–2 June (in 2026 from 2 May to 2 June).
Is the Maggio dei Monumenti free?
The City of Naples' main programme and the Municipalities' programmes are free. Some events run by museums and associations may charge a fee.
How do you book Maggio dei Monumenti tours?
In 2026 bookings were made on the City of Naples' Eventbrite Cultura page and opened on Monday for the following week's events. The 2027 booking method will be confirmed with the programme.
Where to stay for the Maggio dei Monumenti
203 places to stay in the Historic Centre on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
