In the heart of Naples' historic center, amidst baroque churches, vibrant piazzas, and ancient streets, stand some of the city's most evocative monuments: the Neapolitan obelisks. These votive columns, often called spires, are testimonies of faith, gratitude, and popular devotion, but also works of art that recount crucial moments in Neapolitan history, from the plague to protection from volcanic eruptions. Visiting Naples' obelisks is a journey through history, art, and the legends that permeate urban culture.
Origins and history: the great obelisks in the heart of Naples
The spires, or obelisks of Naples, that we admire today in the city squares have a different origin than the ancient Egyptian structures whose form they retain: they are Baroque votive columns erected between the 17th and 18th centuries as an expression of Christian devotion and thanksgiving for the end of public calamities.
Obelisk (spire) of San Gennaro
The oldest of Neapolitan obelisks is that of San Gennaro, located in Piazza Riario Sforza. Its construction began in 1636, at the behest of the Deputation of the Treasure of San Gennaro, in thanksgiving for the saint's protection during the eruption of Vesuvius in 1631. Designed by Cosimo Fanzago, the monument was not completed until 1660 and is decorated with cherubs, volutes, and a bronze statue of San Gennaro blessing the city.
Obelisk of San Domenico
The second large spire is located in Piazza San Domenico MaggioreThis obelisk in Naples was erected in 1656 as a votive offering against the terrible plague that decimated the population. Initially commissioned by Cosimo Fanzago, the work was completed many years later, thanks in part to Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, and features rich Baroque ornamentation.
Obelisk of the Immaculate Conception (Piazza del Gesù Nuovo)
Among the most famous and spectacular of Neapolitan obelisks is the one dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, located in the central Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. Commissioned in 1747 by the Jesuit Father Francesco Pepe and designed by Giuseppe Genoino, it was completed in 1750 and stands out for its rich Baroque sculptures, including statues of saints and cherubs, culminating in the bronze figure of the Virgin Mary atop the column.
Other minor obelisks
In addition to the three large ones, the obelisks of Naples also include the Portosalvo spire, erected in 1799 following the end of the Neapolitan Republic and the Bourbon restoration, and the obelisk of the Meridiana in the Villa Comunale, a monument linked to astronomical rather than votive functions.
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Religious, artistic and cultural significance
Neapolitan obelisks are not merely decorative monuments, but profound symbols of devotion, collective memory, and urban identity. Originally conceived as votive columns, these obelisks were erected to ask for protection or to give thanks for a grace received, often linked to dramatic events such as epidemics, eruptions, or famines.
Popular faith and ceremonies
In particular, the spire of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo remains the focus of religious devotion, such as the December 8th celebration, when firefighters lay a wreath at the foot of the statue of the Virgin. This celebration attracts numerous faithful and tourists every year, highlighting the obelisk's role in the city's religious tradition.
Baroque art and architecture
From an artistic perspective, the obelisks of Naples represent extraordinary examples of Neapolitan Baroque sculpture and architecture, characterised by elaborate decorations, sacred iconography and symbolic details that reflect the richness and expressiveness of the visual culture of the period.
Mysteries and legends surrounding the obelisks
Over the centuries, a dense network of folk tales and legends has developed around the Neapolitan obelisks. Regarding the obelisk of the Immaculate Conception, for example, there are tales of "hidden" symbols within the sculptures, which, according to tradition, appear only at certain times of the day thanks to the play of light and shadow. While likely the result of subjective interpretations, these stories testify to the interest and imagination these monuments inspire in Neapolitans and visitors alike.
Furthermore, the presence of obelisks in many squares tells stories of resilience and collective gratitude: celebrations of the return to normality after plagues, thanksgiving for divine protection, or commemorations of crucial historical events.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The history of the obelisks in Naples is fascinating and rich in meaning. However, I don't quite understand why they were only built in the 17th and 18th centuries, given that the city has such a long history. I'd like to know more.