Guglie di San Gennaro
Decumani
KnownSacred art
The story
The oldest of the Neapolitan spires, raised in thanksgiving to the patron saint who is said to have halted the lava of Vesuvius, his bronze statue keeping watch beside the Duomo.
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The story
The Spire of San Gennaro (Guglia) is the oldest of the three great votive obelisks of Naples. It was commissioned in 1636 by the Deputation of the Treasure of San Gennaro in thanksgiving for the danger escaped from the Vesuvius eruption of 1631. Designed by Cosimo Fanzago, it was completed in 1660; at the top, the bronze statue of the patron saint is the work of Tommaso Montani.
What to see
A Baroque obelisk twenty-four metres high, in white and grey marble, with the bronze statue of San Gennaro blessing the city. It rises in Piazza Riario Sforza, between the Chapel of the Treasure and the Pio Monte della Misericordia, in the heart of the old centre.
Tips
The spire is in the open, in Piazza Riario Sforza, next to the Duomo: you admire it while strolling, at any time. To be combined with a visit to the Duomo, the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro and the nearby Pio Monte della Misericordia.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Spire of San Gennaro erected?
As a vow of thanksgiving for the danger escaped from the Vesuvius eruption of 1631; it was commissioned in 1636 and completed in 1660.
Who made the Spire of San Gennaro?
The design is by Cosimo Fanzago; the bronze statue of the saint at the top is by Tommaso Montani.
Where is the Spire of San Gennaro?
In Piazza Riario Sforza, next to the Duomo of Naples, between the Chapel of the Treasure and the Pio Monte della Misericordia.
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