Italy's second-most visited landmark attracting more than 6m people that's unknown to most
Maradona, the mural in the Spanish Quarters of Naples witnessed over 6 million visitors.
Italy’s second-most visited landmark attracts more visitors than the famous Colosseum. Maradona, the mural in the Spanish Quarters of Naples, witnessed over 6 million visitors last year.
By the end of 2023, the Maradona mural in Naples' Spanish Quarters was expected to become Italy's second most visited "site of interest," after the Colosseum.
An estimated 6 million visitors had climbed to the mural’s location, surpassing the number of those who visited the Pompeii excavations or the Uffizi Gallery.
Data released by travel agents in August suggested that 2023 was a particularly successful year for tourism in Naples, driven in part by the city's football team’s journey toward its third Scudetto.
It's important to note that the data mentioned is based on estimates, as no ticketing is required at the site.
However, the figures seem credible and have been promoted by travel agency associations.
For many visitors, a stop at the Diego Armando Maradona mural became essential.
Even Napoli's new coach, Antonio Conte, admitted he couldn’t resist visiting the mural with his family, calling it a "magical place."
Though Maradona’s mural only gained widespread attention in recent years, its history dates back to 1990 when local artist Mario Filardi created it to celebrate Napoli’s second Scudetto.
Over time, the mural faded and was even altered, but in 2016, local craftsman Salvatore Iodice revived it, enhancing its colours.
Don't miss...
Incredible reason WD-40 got its name as people just realising what it stands for [INSIGHT]
Brit escapes from high-security jail in Portugal as five prisoners on the run [REVEAL]
SNP warned of 'revenge act' as one party could force humiliating snap election [SPOTLIGHT]
Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti later reworked Maradona’s face, making it more lifelike. After Maradona's death in November 2020, the mural became a pilgrimage site, transforming the area’s fortunes for the better.
In the last four years, bars, pizzerias, B&Bs, and souvenir shops have opened around the mural.
Tour guides now offer visits to the Spanish Quarters, often as part of broader tours that include Pompeii, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the Amalfi Coast.
These tours range in price from 18 to 30 euros, depending on the number of stops.
Visitors leave with t-shirts, scarves, and memorabilia, drawn by their passion for the legendary footballer and the unique atmosphere of the neighbourhood.
