Galleria Umberto I, Napoli

Speranza




The great Art Nouveau cruciform structure of cast iron and glass was designed in 1890 by E. Rocco with decorations by E. di Mauro.

This work of engineering, vast in scale and adorened with Corinthian columns, mosaic paving showing the signs of the Zodiac and lavish stucco ornament including the charming invention of gilded angels (descendants of the Winged Victories of classical art) fluttering against the clear panes of glass in the spandres of the arches above the crossing, echoes the spirit of ancient Rome.

And in the social life of Napoli it plays a part similar to that of the Thermae in Rome.

Cafés and shops here take the place of the baths, lecture halls and gymnasiums of teh Romans, but the Galleria , like the Thermae, is used as a kind of club for rendezvous and discussion of the news of the day.