NAPLES – A precious piece of Neapolitan history shines again. The Church of Sant'Antoniello a Port'Alba, a jewel nestled in the heart of Naples' historic center, officially reopens on Tuesday, July 15, after months of a long-awaited and complex restoration. The sacred building, closed since 2010 due to structural problems, has been returned to the city thanks to the commitment of the University of Naples Federico II, which oversaw every phase of the restoration.
The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for 17:30 pm, will be attended by the Rector Matteo Lorito, the Mayor of Naples Gaetano ManfrediBarbara Balbi of the Superintendency and Valentina Russo, director of the School of Specialization in Architectural Heritage, are celebrating not only the reopening of a religious building, but also the return to a broad and modern cultural experience, one of the symbolic sites of Neapolitan history.
Founded in 1550 as a Franciscan monastery, the structure has endured centuries of transformations, declines, and rebirths. The 1980 earthquake brought it to its knees, and abandonment silenced it. Today, however, it is reborn thanks to a restoration begun in November 2023, which consolidated the stucco, strengthened the structures, and introduced new sound and lighting systems. A meticulous effort, the fruit of academic expertise and the desire to protect the city's heritage.
Article published by Vincenzo Scarpa on July 14, 2025, at 18:45 PM
Comments (1)
The church of Sant'Antoniello is an important part of Naples' history, and I'm happy it's reopening. But I wonder if the restoration was really done properly, given the past structural problems. I hope it lasts this time.