NAPLES

“Metropolitana di Napoli” is the name of the metro in Naples, which consists of three lines. The extension of line 1 is not only hindered by archaeological finds, but also by earthquakes and the location of the city. Two stations are even connected by a spiral incline in order to overcome the underground height difference over a short distance.

A ride on Linea 1 from Piscinola (a kind of suburb) towards the city center not only ends right by the sea, but is also like a visit to a museum. The ANM (transport company) even employs an art historian who exclusively looks after the works of art and excavations and makes them accessible to passengers. We accompany Maria Corbi on her working day and show the restoration work that is carried out in the metro stations during ongoing operations to preserve the art treasures for eternity.

On the other side of subsidized art is the sprayer Alpa, with whom we break into the system together at night and follow him as he sprays a train. Through him, we gain a rare insight into a very special scene that has its traditions and rules just like the “real” art world.

But it’s not just in the stations and on the walls of the trains that there are small and large works of art, many of the stations are also architecturally unique. We meet the star architect Doriana Fuksas from Rome, who designed the DUOMO station on Linea 1, and follow her through her work.

As colorful as the southern Italian city is, so are its passengers. We learn to enjoy and feel the Italian attitude to life, which takes place between soccer fanaticism, great food and the creativity of life right at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

This attitude to life is best embodied by the self-proclaimed METROMAN, a TikTok superstar who is known beyond the borders of Naples and Italy. He is a karaoke singer who makes the metro sing and dance with his infectious energy. We can be there live as the metro is transformed into a karaoke party.

METROCOSMOS Naples is probably the best example of how much the mentality and attitude to life can be reflected in a system as sterile and rigid as a metro. A colorful and touching episode that invites you to marvel and laugh.