What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

Chaotic, lively, cheerful and colorful: Naples. The Campania capital is one of the most authentic cities in Italy. I even drove there and after this experience I can say that I am a good driver (joke). I simply loved the city, its atmosphere, the people who live there and the wonderful things I observed.

Yes, Naples looks decidedly different from northern Italian cities like Firenze e Venice. Yes, it is chaotic, busy and difficult to manage, and all of which makes it absolutely wonderful.



What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

Naples surprised me. Are those places that speak to your soul:

"Hey bye I'm messed up, real, alive and authentic, I'm Naples" 

If there is one thing that the covid-19 situation has taught me it is that Italy is a beautiful country full of things to discover and little gems: Naples, more than any other city will surprise you and even if you only have one day in Naples, I want it to surprise you in the best possible way just like it happened to me.

Unfortunately, when I talk to traveling friends (but I was the first to do so eh), very few leave enough time for Naples: of course, they spend a night there to base themselves on other destinations such as Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, but Naples itself is often overlooked, and trust me it's a shame.

During a visit to Naples you will certainly want to visit the most important places and that is why I have decided to prepare for you this short guide to the most beautiful things to see with a comfortable itinerary that you can do on foot (but legs on your shoulders, you will have to walk) in a single day even if I reluctantly tell you that it would take more.



Are you in a hurry? Plan your trip in less than 15 minutes!

☞ Are you coming from the airport? Here you can find the TRANSFER to your hotel

☞ Are you looking for a place to sleep? FIND your hotel here

☞ Are you looking for a non-binding tour? Book your FREE guided tour of Naples here

☞ It might interest you the audio guide app for the guided tour of Naples!

☞ Are you looking for areliable, honest and super touring local agency? Guarda qui Here and There, I have toured with them and they are fantastic.

Here and There is the agency with which I visited Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum and is a new safe, honest and reliable agency. You can request information from the following contacts:

Phone:+ 39 081 186 58586
info@hereandthere.it
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That said, if you don't trust me (there's nothing wrong with that, imagine) you can read their reviews here on TRIPADVISOR!

Buy from the buttons below the most popular tickets before they are sold out:

UNDERGROUND NAPLES

POMPEI

If you only stay one day in the city it is very likely that you will not be able to stop to visit each of these attractions, but with more time available you can certainly organize a complete multi-day itinerary.


It's worth it because there are many other things to see in Naples that I will list at the end of the article.

What to see in Naples in one day: walking itinerary

I have created this itinerary of Naples so that all the things to see are within walking distance: below I have created the map for you so that you can open it and follow it WHO on Google Maps with all the things to see in order.



Having said that, be prepared to walk. I don't know if you will be able to see everything in a single day: after all, there is a substantial time difference if you enter all the places to learn more or just look at them from the outside. This depends on personal needs.

FREE TOUR IN NAPOLI

There are two FREE tours in Italian in which you can take part: the tours are guided and you will decide whether to leave a tip or, if you are not satisfied, to leave without leaving anything.

I advise you to take a look, you can see the details of each by clicking on the respective link below:

– FREE TOUR in NAPOLI

☞ - FREE TOUR of the HISTORICAL CENTER of NAPLES

After the necessary premises, we are ready to start with ours Naples itinerary in one day!

1 - Piazza del Plebiscito

Let's start this one day itinerary in Naples with one of the real highlights of the city. You will be amazed by its beauty.

On the edge of ancient Naples there is what is, perhaps, the most emblematic square of the city: Piazza del Plebiscito.

What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

Its name recalls the popular plebiscite which sanctioned the union of the Kingdom of Sardinia with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1860.

The square is defined by the large and broad colonnade of San Francesco di Paola, a XNUMXth century church built in a neoclassical style. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the church has a circular plan with radial chapels.


PRO TIP: GAMBRINUS COFFEE

One of the best coffee in Naples for breakfast is the great one Gran CaffÚ Gambrinus, the oldest and most revered café in the city. This historic café from the mid-XNUMXth century has an interior decorated in a belle époque style and was once a famous café, meeting point for Neapolitan writers, critics and bohemian artists.

CaffĂš Gambrinus is located in Via Chiaia a stone's throw from Piazza del Plebiscito.

The big dome it reaches a height of 53 meters and is 34 meters wide, complete with rose windows. The church of San Francesco di Paola is most impressive at night when it is illuminated.

An interesting fact is that Piazza del Plebiscito was used as a public car park from the 60s to 1994 when it was restored and opened to the public. Piazza del Plebiscito today is completely closed to traffic and the Neapolitans use it as a meeting place and is frequented by street artists and artists.

Some of the most important buildings in Naples overlook this huge square: the Church of San Francesco da Paola and Royal Palace.

In the surroundings I suggest you also visit the Galleria Umberto I and San Paolo Theater.

2 - Royal Palace

Il Royal Palace of Naples it was one of the things I liked the most. The size and splendor of this royal palace are a great example of the Bourbon dynasty and the palace is worthy of a city that was once one of the most important in Europe.

It was built in the early XNUMXth century when King Philip III of Spain was to visit Naples and the other royal residences were believed to be unsuitable for a king.

It has been redecorated and renovated by successive rulers and is filled with salons designed in the most extravagant XNUMXth-century Neapolitan style. On the facade there are eight marble statues of important kings who ruled Naples from the XNUMXth century to the unification of Italy.

Buy here Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Naples and the Bourbon Gallery

3 – San Carlo Theater

Il Teatro San Carlo (Teatro di San Carlo) is not only one of the places not to be missed in Naples, but also one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. La Scala in Milan may be the most famous opera house in Italy, but the San Carlo Theater is older and more beautiful.

This majestic neoclassical structure was built in just nine months, after an 1816 fire burned down the original. It is renowned for its atmosphere and acoustics.

You will quickly understand why this theater was the envy of Europe when it opened in 1737. The focal point of the auditorium is the royal box, surmounted by the crown of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

4 - Galleria Umberto 1

La Galleria Umberto I is a shopping arcade lined with elegant shops and cafes. Going there is one of the best free things to do in Naples. Don't go here for shopping though.

Instead, marvel at the richly decorated neoclassical facades and the elegant covered passage: the vaulted glass ceiling and its giant 56-meter dome create a fascinating sense of light and space. A beautiful mosaic of the zodiac extends from the central point of the gallery.

The Victorian gallery was built in the late XNUMXth century to reinvigorate the neighborhood after a devastating cholera outbreak had occurred here. Its architectural elements are reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

La Galleria Umberto I is open 24/24.

5 - Spanish Quarters

Pay a brief visit to the Spanish Neighborhoods, one of the most densely populated popular districts of Naples. This charming neighborhood dates back to the XNUMXth century and is so named because it was part of an extension of Naples ordered by the viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo, in particular for the accommodation of the Spanish troops.

Despite its reputation as a petty crime, it is quite safe to venture into the Spanish Quarters during the day, but still beware of cell phones and wallets.

The Spanish Quarter is well known to visitors for its quaint narrow streets, grid layout, and buildings so close together that they barely let in any sunlight.

The neighborhood's alleys are decked out with clotheslines and windowless studio apartments, and its walls are decorated with old posters and graffiti.

Where to stop for lunch? 

If you spend only one day in Naples then you must absolutely try the local cuisine for lunch!

Directi alla Trattoria da Nennella, one of the best restaurants in Naples.

Located in the Spanish Quarters, this noisy restaurant may not be to everyone's taste, but the food is really good.

6 - The Toledo metro

During this itinerary you will cross Via Toledo: visit the Toledo metro station it is a must because it is a real work of art. Think this metro station it has even been declared the most beautiful in Europe and in the world.

The Spanish architect Óscar Tusquets worked on his project, who wanted to recreate the marine atmosphere with plays of light and colors.

7 - Piazza del GesĂč Nuovo and the Church of GesĂč Nuovo

Continuing the itinerary in the historic center of Naples, I suggest you reach Piazza del GesĂč with the homonymous church (also known as the Trinity Major).

It is one of the most important squares in the city and is characterized by the facade of the church in diamond-tipped ashlar.

In the center of the square you will certainly notice the obelisk of the Immaculate Conception.

8 - Complex of Santa Chiara

On the north-east side of the square stands the complex of Santa Chiara, one of the best known monasteries in Naples.

The complex consists of the largest Gothic-Angevin basilica in the city, four cloisters, archaeological excavations which also include ancient Roman baths and the Opera Museum.

The complex was built by the will of Robert of Anjou in 1310 and the works only ended in 1328.

Inside he also worked Giotto and the artist's frescoes are still visible today, in some cases.

Unfortunately not all of the Master's works survived because in more recent centuries they were hidden with stucco. Furthermore, in 1943, the bombings reduced much of the basilica to rubble, which was rebuilt at the end of the conflict.

I advise you not to miss the Maiolicato Cloister: a real gem.

9 - Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

One of the most beautiful squares in Naples is the one dedicated to San Domenico Maggiore at the center of which stands theobelisk of San Domenico.

The square is located a few steps from that of the GesĂč Nuovo.

This place once represented the eastern limit of the Greek walls of the city of Neapolis.

10 - San Severo Chapel

In the historic center of Naples there is also another of the most interesting attractions of the city: the Chapel of San Severo.

This mysterious church, now deconsecrated and once belonged to the princes of San Severo, was founded by Alessandro di Sangro and reorganized by Raimondo di Sangro.

Inside there is one of the most beautiful works of Italian sculpture: the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino.

The fame of this statue is due to its beauty, the fact that it seems almost real and the delicate veil that covers the face of the deposed Christ: it seems impossible that it is made of marble!

To visit the San Severo Chapel, I recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues and not waste time.

You can buy here the visit of Spaccanapoli and the Veiled Christ

11 – Spaccanapoli

What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

This long road that seems to cut the city in half is none other than the ancient lower decumanus traced in Roman times on the ancient Greek urban layout.

Today Spaccanapoli it is one of the most important streets of the Campania capital and corresponds, in the central area, to via Benedetto Croce e via Forcella and connects the latter with the same name with i Spanish Neighborhoods.

Walking through Spaccanapoli you will meet churches, squares, historic buildings, shops and some artisan shops.

Right in Spaccanapoli, a few steps from Piazzetta Nilo, you will find a votive altar dedicated to Maradona: perhaps it is a slightly irreverent place, but it is certainly folkloristic.

12 - San Gregorio Armeno

Among the most particular areas to see in the historic center of Naples there is certainly San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street of the cribs.

Here you will find numerous artisan shops that showcase the typical Neapolitan nativity scenes or the famous figurines with the caricatures of the most popular characters of the moment: from the classic Maradona, to politicians and TV personalities.

This famous street takes its name from the Church of San Gregorio Armeno founded in 930 on an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Ceres.

Today, as you surely know, the fame of this place has reached the whole world thanks to nativity figurines.

13 - Doll hospital

Among the most particular and characteristic things to see in the historic center of Naples there is certainly theHospital of the Dolls, a shop where dolls, stuffed animals and toys are repaired.

The idea of ​​this laboratory dates back to 1840 and from that moment this place has never stopped taking care of the games of children and romantic adults.

If you haven't been too traumatized by movies like The Killer Doll, then you should definitely drop by, otherwise leave it alone: ​​the heads, arms and legs around the lab are creepy.

You can also visit the little one on site Museum.

14 - Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Among the suggestions on what to see in the historic center of Naples, certainly can not miss the Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.

Today the Neapolitans are particularly attached to this church thanks to San Gennaro whose relics are kept here: every year, in fact, they gather in the Cathedral to pray that the miracle of the liquefaction of the saint's blood can be accomplished again.

The Duomo is the most important religious building in the city not only for the devotional link with believers, but also for its architecture.

Looking at it, you will notice that several styles overlap on the facade and inside, ranging from the XNUMXth century Gothic to the XNUMXth century neo-Gothic. The church, in fact, was affected by numerous restorations also following the eruptions of Vesuvius and violent seismic swarms.

Inside the Cathedral is housed the sumptuous Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro: a real unicum that I recommend you visit if you like the genre.

As you visit the church, look up to admire the beautiful paintings by Luca Giordano, while from the left aisle you can access the Basilica of Santa Restituita, an important example of early Christian art.

Other things to see in Naples

If you have more time, in addition to my one-day itinerary, you will find others below things to see in Naples in 2 or 3 days.

1 - Underground Naples

Did you know that another city is hiding beneath the city?

Yes, among the things to see in the historic center of Naples there is certainly the Underground Naples, a labyrinth of ancient tunnels hidden beneath the city that holds the ruins of 2.500 years of history.

You can visit it going down to about 40 meters underground, in the tuffaceous cavities you will find aqueducts, sewer tunnels, rainwater cisterns, caves, catacombs and pre-Christian hypogea.

Here you will rediscover the Greek - Roman origins of the Campania capital and you will learn that the underground tunnels, during the Second World War, served as an air raid shelter. That's why a War Museum dedicated to the Second World War.

Underground Naplesmoreover, it also hides the Bourbon Gallery, an ancient connection excavated by King Ferdinand II as a convenient and quick escape route.

For me to visit underground Naples is one of the things to do absolutely in Naples.

Buy tickets for Underground Naples here

2 - Ma.D.Re Museum

A nice museum to visit in the historic center of Naples is the Ma.D.Re, a contemporary art museum that also collects works by great artists such as Piero Mazoni, Lucio Fontana, Mimmo Paladino, Joseph Beuys, Andreas Gursky, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and many others.

If you are a fan of contemporary art you cannot miss it.

3 - Fontanelle Cemetery

Among the tips on what to see in Naples in one day I also include the Cemetery of the Fontanelle, a particularly suggestive place and a stop not to be missed to discover the city in a particular and different way than usual.

This ancient cemetery is located in the Rione SanitĂ  and houses about 40.000 remains of the victims made first by the plague in 1656 and then by cholera in 1836.

But why has this place become "famous"?

The Fontanelle Cemetery is known for the rite of the "pezzentelle souls". This ritual requires the faithful to adopt a skull to care for, pray and embellish. In return they ask this soul for a grace or simple protection.

4 - Maschio Angioino (Castel Nuovo)

What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

Another goal to reach is the Castel Nuovo, known by most as the Maschio Angioino.

The fortress was built by Charles I of Anjou in 1266 when he transferred the capital of his kingdom from Palermo to Naples.

Today it houses the civic Museum.

5 - Castel dell'Ovo

Another particularly interesting building is the Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest in the city.

I recommend you to reach it to enjoy a magnificent view over the entire Gulf of Naples: at sunset it is beautiful.

6 - Archaeological Museum

Outside the walls of the historic center of Naples I want to suggest another visit: the one to archaeological Museum.

The MANN is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in the world and hosts interesting finds coming especially from Pompeii and Herculaneum. However, there is no lack of evidence from Rome and belonging to the Farnese collection.

The Egyptian section is also interesting: the third most important after those in Cairo and Turin.

What to see in Naples in 2 or 3 days (and its surroundings)

1 - Excursion to Vesuvius

When planning a trip to Naples, try to keep time for a 'excursion on Vesuvius.

What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

The volcano, which exploded in AD 79 dominates the skyline of the Gulf of Naples and offers travelers the chance to stretch their legs, burn some of the calories from pizza and enjoy breathtaking views from 4.203 feet!

it is possible to make an excursion on Vesuvius independently, arriving by car is relatively easy, the only problem could be parking, but maybe a solution is found.

Alternatively, of course there are tours. The best is the one that takes you to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius in just one day, but you will also find other options below.

☞ Excursion to Vesuvius: walk up to the top of the VESUVIO and enjoy the impressive panoramic views over the gulf of Naples offered by the summit of this volcano

☞ Offer: Excursion to Pompeii + Vesuvius: discover the history of Pompeii by visiting the archaeological site in this excursion departing from Naples. You will also get on the top of Vesuvius.

☞ Excursion to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius: 3 highlights in one tour! You discover the secrets of Pompeii and scour the archaeological site of Herculaneum, in this excursion departing from Naples. Plus, you can climb to the top of Vesuvius

2 – Pompei

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site near Naples. Located at the foot of Vesuvius, Pompei it was buried, along with many of the residents, in 79 AD when the volcano erupted, spewing ash and pyroclastic flows over a large area.

Pompeii was discovered in the XNUMXth century and again in the XNUMXth and is one of the main tourist attractions in southern Italy. Pompeii can be a day trip from Naples or a combined half-day trip with another destination such as Sorrento.

Pompeii was founded in the seventh or sixth century BC, conquered by the Etruscans and later by the Greeks, before becoming a Roman colony in the first century BC

As the entire city was buried in ash, it is remarkably well preserved and offers a unique glimpse into XNUMXst century life. Pompeii is the only ancient city whose ruins remain exactly as they were at the time of foundation or expansion, with no other subsequent settlement.

There will be queues in Pompeii so booking in advance allows you to enter quickly and not waste time otherwise arrive immediately at the opening of the archaeological site.

☞ Buy here i online tickets for Pompeii

☞  See here excursion with guided tour of Pompeii

Find out more about us In my article on how to visit Pompeii from Naples find lots of info on how to get there, what to see, and lots of useful tips.

3 - Herculaneum

Herculaneum, like Pompeii, it was a Roman city on the coast of southern Italy, between present-day Naples and Sorrento. You will find the ruins in the modern city of Herculaneum. The ancient city actually extends below the modern one: what has been excavated is probably only a small part of what was covered when Vesuvius erupted.

Herculaneum is located on the opposite side of Vesuvius to Pompeii, and although they shared the same fate when the volcano erupted, they were destroyed in different ways; Pompeii from a 25-meter-thick rain of falling rocks, Herculaneum from a lethal 250 ° C pyroclastic wave of incandescent gas and ash.

The buildings of Herculaneum are much better preserved than those of Pompeii; many of them have the upper floors still intact, and a couple even have the original wooden balcony.

Incredibly, some stores still have accessories. Herculaneum was also a richer city than Pompeii, so many of the buildings you will see are more opulent and richly decorated.

The mosaics and frescoes here are brighter, larger and more intricate, a real treat for the eyes.

4 - Amalfi Coast

What to See in Naples in One Day: Walking Itinerary [with Map]

La Amalfi Coast it is one of the most iconic destinations in all of Italy. And for good reason, this stretch of coast is simply gorgeous.

Surrounded on three sides by the sea and on one side by the lush forests of southern Italy, the coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast deserve to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

Perched south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful part of Italy to explore and a place everyone should include on their trip.

If you decide to visit them, keep in mind one thing, the Amalfi Coast is not just a place.

It is a collection of many different towns and villages, each of which have their own unique character and charm and therefore you need to decide a few things before your trip, such as how many and which ones to visit.

If you don't have your own car or don't want to drive the best advice I can give you is to take part in a day trip from Naples.

There are some great tour offers you can choose from, I'll list a few:

☞ Excursion to the Amalfi Coast: spend an unforgettable day by participating in the tour of the Amalfi Coast. You will see crystal clear waters and houses overlooking the sea a Positano, Amalfi e Ravello.

☞ Excursion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast: discover Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast and let yourself be seduced by one of the most beautiful areas of the Mediterranean.

5 – Capri

Take the ferry from Naples to Capri it feels like more than just a boat ride. It is almost as if you are abducted by aliens and taken to another world, torn from the chaos of the streets of Naples and thrown on a relaxing island escape.

Capri has a reputation for being an island of luxury. A place where high heels are as common as flip flops, where you are likely to see a linen dress as a bathing suit.

When Hollywood had a sense of glamor, Capri was the favorite vacation island of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren.

You can arrange the visit to Capri from Naples on your own, but it takes a long time and can be a bit of a hassle. There are some great tours that are actually good value for money and will make the day that much more relaxing.

Arriving by ferry, you will arrive at Marina Grande. The small collection of shops and restaurants here on the waterfront is exactly what you'd expect - they're tourist traps.

You could easily sit here and have a drink, but my advice is to go up the hill towards the main part of Capri.

It is possible to walk but it is a long and steep climb. It is much better to buy a ticket for the funicular and go up to the top (with wonderful views).

Once you are in the town of Capri, you will realize that it is quite small. Take a walk, see the churches, enjoy the views, and then find a place to sit.

Eating and drinking are two of the best things you can do here and not all restaurants are as expensive as you might expect. You will be able to find some convenient places with a nice view (just check the menu)

If you want to spend the day in a quieter place, another option is to go to the other capital of the island, Anacapri. It is possible to walk there from Capri but it might be better to take the bus (there are also taxis, which are expensive, but might make sense for a group).

There are some excursions around Capri, including a trail up to Monte Solaro, where you will have one of the best views of the island. If you prefer to spend your days in a lively way, rather than drinking spritz, then you may also consider the excursion of the Path of the Forts from Blue Grotto al Punta Carena lighthouse.

Speaking of the Blue Grotto, many people choose to spend some of their time taking boat trips from the marina to some of the coastal attractions, including the famous Blue Grotto.

If you wish to participate in a tour from Naples to Capri (which takes a lot of hassle out of you and saves you a lot of time), there are some good options.

☞ Excursion to Capri by boat: with this boat tour, you will get to know Capri from every angle. You will see it from the sea and then you can walk around the island freely.

☞ Excursion to Capri and Anacapri: With this excursion you can get to know the beautiful Capri and reach Anacapri, a place with an extraordinary natural charm. Do you want something more? Visit the Blue Grotto with us!

Getting around in Naples

As with most European cities, the best way to see Naples is to discover its many hidden gems is on foot. Even if Naples is not the most pedestrian city in the world, you will really appreciate its charm by walking.

The city center and many of the main attractions are easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Almost all the attractions that I have included in my one day itinerary in Naples are within easy walking distance of each other.

Il traffic in Naples is chaotic and scooters appear out of nowhere.

Using public transport in Naples is also a good alternative to get around and I would recommend using them to reach some distant attractions in order to save some time. The public transport system of Naples consists of bus, tram, metro and funicular.

Travel by bus and tram they take time to move due to heavy traffic. The metro is the best option and metro line 1 is the most useful for tourists with departures every 8 minutes.

The main central squares are equipped with display panels indicating the main bus, tram and metro stops. The funiculars offer a convenient connection to the hilly districts, in particular the Vomero.

I would not recommend using a taxi. However, they can be useful if you are feeling tired and are looking for a more comfortable way to travel.

Where to sleep in Naples

To make the most of your day in Naples, it is always a good idea to invest some time to find the right accommodation.

On short trips like this, every minute counts, so it would be really helpful to have a hotel that saves you time. That said, you may need to book a hotel near Naples International Airport if you have a very early flight the next morning.

However, if not, book one in town, preferably close to one of the main attractions. Here you will find some really fantastic hotels and booking a room with one of them will make your holiday in Naples better.

The Hotel NapoliMia it is a great choice as it is located in one of the busiest and most interesting streets in Naples: Via Toledo. The hotel is quite close to Toledo station and many other attractions in the city, plus they serve a great breakfast in the morning.

Caruso Place Boutique & Wellness Suites is a new and elegant boutique hotel that combines modern design with antique details and furniture. It is centrally located, also on Via Toledo, right in front of the Galeria Umberto I. The spacious rooms offer a unique and comfortable stay.

Palazzo AlabardieriElegant, beautiful, and located within walking distance of many of the stops on this one-day Naples itinerary, this hugely popular hotel is the perfect way to treat yourself to some luxury while in Naples.

At Palazzo Alabardieri, the beautiful rooms, impressive breakfast buffet, and perfect location all get rave reviews.

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