Galleria Umberto I is a shopping gallery built in Naples between 1887 and 1890.A few steps from the busy Piazza Trieste e Trento, Galleria Umberto I in Naples is one of the finest examples of 19th century architecture and is located at the meeting point between the royal (Royal Palace) and cultural (San Carlo Theatre) heart of Naples, connecting these important historic buildings with Via Toledo and Via Chiaia, today two of the most famous shopping streets in Naples.
Its construction, decided after the serious cholera epidemic of 1884, was part of the general program of urban renewal of Naples. Designed by the engineer Emanuele Rocco on three floors in Art Nouveau style in iron and glass with four entrances, was built in just three years between 1887 and 1890, soon became one of the symbols of the city of Naples.
In many respects, it is reminiscent of the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which was opened with great success in 1875. But if the Milanese gallery is longer, the structure of the roof of the Neapolitan one, built twenty years later, has a greater height.
Its inauguration took place on November 10, 1892, by the hand of Mayor Nicola Amore. In a short time in the Gallery were concentrated stores, professional studies, editorial offices of newspapers, offices and fashion ateliers to become one of the places where the small and big events of the city of Naples.
When you enter, your gaze is immediately captured by the incredible iron and glass dome that stands 56 meters high. A masterpiece by Paolo Boubée, who took his inspiration not only from the Galleria in Milan but also from the covered passages of Paris.
The interior is a triumph of stucco and Art Nouveau decorations, distinguished by the elegance of the Neo-Renaissance style; a recurring theme is the cycle of the Four Seasons with its symbols: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn.
The structure of the Gallery is cruciform, with four orthogonal arms that intersect below the large dome and a beautiful polychrome floor. Along the arms there are several buildings with facades decorated in Art Nouveau style. Beautiful lunettes placed above the arches of the entrance to the gallery (from the inside) with stuccoes of various themes.
On the drum of the dome there is the Star of David, to emphasize that the Gallery is the historical seat of the Masonic Lodge of the Grand Orient of Italy. If the upward view is spectacular, the marble floors are no less so. In the center of the Gallery you will find a compass with the cardinal points surrounded by depictions of the signs of the zodiac.
