From military outpost to lookout

Its bright red silhouette stretches out towards the blue sea of the Gulf of Naples, creating a picture-postcard contrast with Vesuvius in the background. The Neapolitan Navy's naval base occupies San Vincenzo pier, accessed from Via Acton. The origins of the pier date back to the 16th century, when the mooring was designed by Domenico Fontana.

After several reconstructions in later periods, it was used as an arsenal and important defensive outpost until the First World War. Today, the pier is accessible to the public and offers an attractive four-kilometre walk, especially at sunset when the sun sets over the sea and you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire city. The Lighthouse, red like the naval base with a statue of St Vincent, stands at the end of Braccio Alfonsino and acts as a bulwark to the quay.