How to spend a day in Elena Ferrante's Naples

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy When My Brilliant Friend hits TV screens, it’s not just main characters Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo that will be on display. open image in gallery Church of the Sacred Family is specifically mentioned in the books The neighbourhood that most closely matches the district where young Lenu and Lila meet is Rione Luzzatti, behind the main train station in Naples. open image in gallery Take a tour of subterranean Naples What lurks beneath the surface is a major theme throughout the Neapolitan Novels, starting when Lila and Lenu toss their dolls down a grate and then set off together to search the dirty ground below. open image in gallery Sample gnocchi scarpariello in honour of Lila Where to stay Those on a budget should choose B&B Maria Mari, where hosts Enzo and Maria care for their guests like family.