Casa del Portuale
Napoli (NA)
KnownViews & panoramas
The story
On the port of Napoli, Aldo Loris Rossi's Casa del Portuale rises like a concrete spaceship, brutalist architecture whose cylindrical pillars are inspired by the quayside silos.
The story
The Casa del Portuale (House of the Dockworkers) is an icon of Neapolitan Brutalist architecture, in the eastern harbour of the city. Aldo Loris Rossi designed it for the dockworkers' union; it was built between 1968 and 1980, with organic and powerful forms: an elongated base, a ten-storey tower and twelve vertical pillars inspired by the harbour silos.
What to see
A sculpture of concrete facing the harbour, all bold volumes, suspended surfaces and details that evoke the sea: a manifesto of contemporary architecture, much loved by enthusiasts, which has also been the set of TV series and music videos.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
The building is partly abandoned and partly still used for harbour offices, in a harbour area: it is admired above all from the outside and is not a museum destination. It is of interest above all to those who love twentieth-century architecture; always check the accessibility of the harbour area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Casa del Portuale?
A Brutalist building in the harbour of Naples, designed by Aldo Loris Rossi and built between 1968 and 1980 for the dockworkers: an icon of the city's contemporary architecture.
Can you visit the Casa del Portuale?
It is partly abandoned and partly used as harbour offices, in a harbour area: it is admired above all from the outside, it is not a museum destination.
Who designed the Casa del Portuale?
The architect Aldo Loris Rossi, who conceived it with Brutalist and organic forms inspired by the harbour silos.
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