Naples – A vital injection of approximately 11 million euros has been approved by the Naples City Council for the restoration and safety of two iconic monuments, symbols of the city's historical and artistic heritage: the Galleria Principe di Napoli and the Spire of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo.
The decision, made amid growing concern about the state of conservation of these assets, responds to the urgent need to "ensure public safety and the preservation" of these architectural structures that tell the story of Naples, as specified by Palazzo San Giacomo.
Galleria Principe: A race against time after the collapses
The most significant project, worth €10 million, is for the Galleria Principe and is part of the 'Naples - Historic Center' Institutional Development Contract, financed through the Development and Cohesion Fund.
This approval comes after alarm was raised by the collapse of the central lantern last July and the repeated peeling of plaster. Although urgent intervention eliminated the imminent danger, the approval of the first phase of the executive project marks the beginning of the actual restoration, initially focusing on the interior facades, flooring, and porticoes. This is a crucial step in restoring the entire structure to its former splendor and functionality.
The Spire of the Immaculate Conception: Healing the Wounds of Time
No less urgent is the restoration of the Spire of the Immaculate Conception, the imposing obelisk in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. Its deterioration, exacerbated by constant exposure to weather and pollution, has reached a critical point.
Following the detachment of a marble frieze last February, the surrounding area was closed off to protect the safety of passersby. The Municipality approved the technical and economic feasibility study, allocating €950 from the municipal budget. The project will not only secure the structure but also restore its decorative features, fully complying with the requirements of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape.
A look at the historic center: the Scorziata
In closing, the Council also showed concern for other jewels in the historic center, approving a change to the budget forecast regarding the restoration and redevelopment of the Sacro Tempio della Scorziata, the historic church in Vico Cinquesanti.
The approved funds represent a tangible confirmation of the Municipality's commitment to the protection of its invaluable heritage, ensuring that the monuments are not just objects to be admired, but safe and fully valued places for citizens and the millions of tourists who visit the city every year.
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