La Bottega del Mandolino

Naples


In a workshop with glue simmering on the hob and tools covering the walls, luthiers Salvatore Masiello and Michele Caiazza build mandolins under the warm glow of spotlights. This tiny space, which could almost have been fashioned by the Neapolitan crib artisans of nearby San Gregorio Armeno, is found in the bowels of a crumbling 17th-century palazzo (mansion). Visitors are welcome to drop in (on a donation basis) to learn about Neapolitan folk song and the long-standing tradition of instrument-making in the city.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Naples attractions

1. Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara

0.08 MILES

Vast, Gothic and cleverly deceptive, the mighty Basilica di Santa Chiara stands at the heart of this tranquil monastery complex. The church was severely…

2. Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

0.09 MILES

Star of this operatic square is the 18th-century Guglia di San Domenico. The work of Cosimo Fanzago, Francesco Antonio Picchiatti and Domenico Antonio…

3. Guglia di San Domenico

0.09 MILES

Taking centre stage on elegant, operatic Piazza di San Domenico Maggiore is this 18th-century obelisk. The work of Cosimo Fanzago, Francesco Antonio…

4. Chiesa di Sant'Angelo a Nilo

0.1 MILES

This modest 14th-century church houses one of the first great artworks to grace the Neapolitan Renaissance – the majestic tomb of Cardinal Rinaldo…

5. Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore

0.1 MILES

Completed in 1324 on the orders of Charles I of Anjou, this was the royal church of the Angevins. Pietro Cavallini's frescoes in the Cappella Brancaccio…

6. Lello Esposito

0.11 MILES

Dividing his time between Naples and New York, the infectiously charming Lello Esposito (who speaks very little English) is intrigued by Neapolitan…

7. Palazzo dei Di Sangro

0.11 MILES

It's in this 16th-century palazzo that Neapolitan musician Carlo Gesualdo murdered his unfaithful wife, Maria d'Avalos, and her handsome lover, Don…

8. Lisa Weber Laboratorio di Ceramica

0.13 MILES

This is the earthy workshop of Swiss-expat ceramicist Lisa Weber, whose creations span whimsical translucent candle holders and Pompeii-esque terracotta…