Naples – A plea to save the historical, cultural, and artisanal identity of Naples' old town. This is the thrust of the popular petition presented today in Via Duomo by Salvatore Ronghi, president of "Sud Protagonista," and regional councilor Maria Muscarà.
The initiative is addressed to the mayor of n , the Minister of Culture, the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, and the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, with the aim of stopping the progressive “wild commercialization” of the heart of the city.
The promoters' target is the indiscriminate opening of low-cost souvenir shops, minimarkets, and businesses selling products with no connection to local tradition.
"We want to prevent the historic center, a World Heritage Site, from being stripped of its history and transformed into an open-air shopping mall," Ronghi declared during the press conference, flanked by Pietro Funaro, city leader of "Sud Protagonista," and Maurizio Palma, representative of the Decumani area.
Among the petition's main requests: the urgent introduction by the Municipality of a commercial zoning plan that would limit the opening of new businesses inconsistent with the historical identity of the site, and a designated use restriction for properties in areas of greatest cultural value.
"This is already happening in other Italian art cities," Ronghi explained, "and Naples cannot be left behind. We need legislation that protects activities tied to tradition and local artistic craftsmanship."
Alongside regulation, the promoters are also calling for the establishment of a Register of Neapolitan Historic Workshops, an official recognition to protect crafts such as nativity scene makers, ceramists, violin makers, goldsmiths, tailors, and booksellers, which still thrive in the alleys of the Decumani. "A communication campaign aimed at tourists is also needed," Ronghi added, "to promote the purchase of authentic products and discourage the consumption of items with no cultural value."
Maria Muscarà also strongly criticized the city administration for "superficiality and disinterest in land management" and for lacking a clear vision for promoting the vocations of historic neighborhoods.
“While we argue about the San Carlo or announce major projects,” he said, “the soul of Naples is being left to die under the weight of commercial decay.”
Pietro Funaro relaunched the proposal to block new licenses for general tourism businesses in the historic center's iconic streets, from Spaccanapoli to San Gregorio Armeno, from Via Duomo to Tribunali. "The model," he noted, "is the one adopted for Port'Alba, where we managed to curb unauthorized openings. Now we need to extend those measures."
Finally, Palma denounced the transformation of Via Duomo: "It was once the street of elegance and high-quality artisan tailoring. Today, it's overrun with makeshift bars, Chinese and Pakistani shops. Historic shops are closing, and the City Council stands by and watches. It's a cultural and environmental emergency."
The petition is already available for signature. "We invite all citizens," the promoters conclude, "to sign to demand a concrete commitment to protecting our heritage."
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The article explains well the importance of protecting Naples' historic center, but I don't understand why there are so many problems with the shops. Solutions should be found that don't harm the local economy and tourists.