Petraio

The path arose from an ancient self-formed alluvial channel that followed a natural and narrow watercourse, depositing rocks, stones and pebbles; meandering and bifurcating as it descended.

As it became trafficked, inhabited and developed, the path was improved to connect a rustic series of paved stone gradini (steps), discese (descending steps), vici (alleys), largi (widenings), rampe (ramps) and salite (climbs) — varying in slope and width — and framed by buildings, churches,and small businesses.

[2] As one of Naples' roughly more than 200 neighborhood stairs, inclined walks and ramps,[3] the Petraio is accessible only on foot, and is noted for its range of architecture — from Neapolitan Liberty villas to bassi, small one and two room dwellings directly accessed off the Petraio itself — as well as its picturesque character and broad views of the city, the Gulf of Naples,[4] Sorrento and the isle of Capri.

At its summit, the Petraio can be accessed by Via Annibale Caccavello in the San Martino section of Vomero, near Castel Sant'Elmo and the Montesanto Funicular — and at its lower terminus near the Chiaia area.

Port life, carriage ride, high-level opera house, even a piece of Rome: the National Museum.

Salita del Petraio, Villa De Rosa 48, Pensione Haase, Naples, is called this fabulous panoramic lookout.