Palazzo Mannajuolo (scala ellittica)
via Filangieri
Hidden gemViews & panoramas
The story
The elliptical staircase climbs in a perfect spiral of steps and Liberty-style railings: lean over from the top and the eye falls into a vortex of stone.
Access
courtyard FREE (be discreet)
The story
Palazzo Mannajuolo is one of the manifestos of Neapolitan Liberty (Art Nouveau), built between 1909 and 1911 in the heart of Chiaia, on via Filangieri. It takes its name from the engineer and owner Giuseppe Mannajuolo; the design is by the architect Giulio Ulisse Arata. It is famous above all for its internal staircase.
What to see
The extraordinary elliptical marble staircase, which climbs winding upwards with the wrought-iron railing: one of the most photographed staircases in Italy, a play of solids and voids that is pure Liberty elegance. The palace has also been the set of the film Napoli velata by Ferzan Özpetek.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
It is a residential building: the famous elliptical staircase is in the entrance hall and should be viewed with discretion, respecting the quiet of those who live there and those who work in the ground-floor businesses. You are in via Filangieri, the shopping street of Chiaia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Palazzo Mannajuolo?
A Liberty palace of Chiaia (1909-1911), designed by Giulio Ulisse Arata, famous for its elliptical marble staircase.
Can you visit the staircase of Palazzo Mannajuolo?
The staircase is in the entrance hall of an inhabited building: it can be admired with discretion, respecting the residents and the businesses of the palace.
Where is Palazzo Mannajuolo?
In via Filangieri, in the Chiaia district of Naples.
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