San Gregorio Armeno, the Municipality: "No shop is unrelated to nativity scene art."

San Gregorio Armeno remains a street dedicated to nativity scene art. The City of Naples is addressing the issue of new businesses on the famous street in the historic center and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the shops, tradition, and identity of the place.

The municipal administration has assured that no openings will be permitted other than those related to the production and sale of artisanal nativity scene products. This position is reinforced by regulations passed in recent years to prevent standardization and commercial speculation.

"It represents a unique heritage in the world, a symbol of our city's identity and culture," emphasizes Teresa Armato, Councilor for Tourism and Productive Activities. "Precisely to protect its essence from homogenization and commercial speculation, the City of Naples approved a resolution in July 2023 prohibiting the opening of food and beverage businesses in the historic center of Naples and in San Gregorio Armeno any new openings not related to traditional crafts and shepherds' work."

The regulatory framework was further updated with the City Council resolution of June 29, 2026, regarding the planning of new activities in the historic center, an area recognized by UNESCO, and in the so-called buffer zone.

The measure introduces specific protection for the Nativity Scene Street. Article 13, paragraph 3, states: "On the street of San Gregorio Armeno, only the production and sale of nativity scene art and shepherds' figurines is permitted."

The Municipality therefore emphasizes that no exemptions are foreseen: "In San Gregorio Armeno, no exceptions are permitted: any new activity that does not involve the production and sale of nativity scene art and traditional shepherds is formally prohibited."

Particular attention is also paid to the administrative process for certified notifications of commencement of business. Scia are subject to an investigation by the relevant authorities, with checks to ensure the proposed business complies with the company's purpose as indicated in the Chamber of Commerce registration.

According to Palazzo San Giacomo, authorization can only be granted when the activity complies with municipal regulations.

The Administration also clarifies a specific aspect regarding the checks: "The object of the institutional verification is solely the legitimacy of the corporate purpose declared to the Chamber of Commerce and compliance with current regulations, while the nationality of the applicant has and cannot have any relevance."

Finally, the Municipality confirms that it is following the developments of the matter and intends to support the historic shops in protecting an area considered one of the city's most recognizable symbols.