Sedile di Nilo
Decumani
Hidden gemHistory & archaeology
The story
On the corner of a small Spaccanapoli square survives the seat of the old Nilo quarter, where the nobles once gathered before the sedili of Naples vanished.
Access
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The story
The Sedile di Nilo — or di Nido — was one of the six ancient Seats (Sedili) of Naples, the institutions in which, from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century, the representatives of the city gathered to deliberate on public affairs. It took its name from the nearby statue of the Nile and recalled the Alexandrian merchants of the area; its coat of arms was a black unbridled horse on a gold field. The Seats were abolished in 1800.
What to see
The Nilo area keeps the memory of that ancient division of the city: five seats for the nobility — including Nilo — and one for the people, who for centuries took part in the government of Naples. You are in the old centre, a few steps from the statue of the Nile.
Tips
The Nilo area is discovered by strolling along the lower decumanus, between the statue of the Nile, San Domenico Maggiore and the churches of the Tribunali: a piece of the aristocratic Naples of the past.
Frequently asked questions
What were the Seats of Naples?
Administrative institutions in which, from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century, the representatives of the city (the Eletti) gathered: five seats for the nobility — including Nilo — and one for the people. They were abolished in 1800.
Where does the name 'Sedile di Nilo' come from?
From the nearby statue of the god Nile and the Alexandrian merchants who inhabited the area; the coat of arms of the seat was a black horse on a gold field.
Where is the Sedile di Nilo?
In the Nilo area, in the old centre of Naples, a few steps from the statue of the Nile.
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