Naples, debris from the cloister of S. Gregorio Armeno: work begins

The famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, an unmissable destination for Neapolitans and tourists from all over the world in search of the magic of Christmas, is at risk.

The reason? The real risk of an imminent collapse of the cloister façade, from which dangerous debris has already detached.

Starting Monday, barriers will be raised and traffic will be completely halted for five days, an eternity for local traders who will inevitably see sales drop during the most important period of the year.

But the safety of citizens and visitors comes first, and the authorities have decided to intervene with the utmost urgency.

But what is at risk of happening to one of the city's most beloved symbols? The cloister of San Gregorio Armeno, with its thousand-year history and its artisan workshops that create nativity scenes unique in the world, represents an invaluable heritage. Any damage to it would be a loss not only for Naples, but for the entire Italian cultural heritage.

The causes of this serious problem are still to be clarified. Experts will have to carry out an in-depth assessment to understand the state of health of the building and identify the causes of the deterioration of the facade.

Meanwhile, Neapolitans do not hide their concern and wonder if the magic of Christmas will be able to survive this new emergency.

The hope is that the safety works will be concluded quickly and that the cloister of San Gregorio Armeno will be able to shine again as soon as possible.

And this morning in the meantime there was a meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prefect, Gaetano Cupello, attended by the architect Rosalia D'Apice, Delegate of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of the Municipality of Naples, the Commander of the Local Police of Naples, Gen. Ciro Esposito.

During the meeting it was decided that on Monday morning, by mayoral order, via San Gregorio Armeno will be closed to traffic for five days, so that the company appointed by the Local Superintendency can install the mechanical means to carry out the safety work on the facade of the aforementioned complex, while the other facades not affected by the detachment of material will be checked.

Furthermore, continuous surveillance by the Local Police has been arranged in the area facing the facade affected by the detachment, which is currently already cordoned off.