Palazzo dello Spagnolo in Naples: how did it get its name? History and interesting facts about the symbol of the Rione Sanità

The Palazzo dello Spagnolo is one of the most fascinating and iconic buildings in Naples, as well as an important piece of Neapolitan history and culture. But why is it called that and what is its history? Let’s discover the origins of the Palazzo dello Spagnolo, and how its legacy and influence have intertwined with the history of the neighbourhood and the city.

Palazzo dello Spagnolo: where it is and its history

We are at number 19 Via Vergini, in the heart of the Rione Sanità, right in the historic centre of Naples. It was here that, in 1738, the Marquis of Poppano, Nicola Moscati, had this palace built, joining two pre-existing buildings that he had received as a dowry from his wife.

The design is traditionally attributed to the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, and is known for its ‘falcon’s wing’ staircase opening onto the courtyard, one of the most representative of 18th century Naples, and for the well-preserved rococo stuccoes that adorn the walls. At the end of the 18th century, the palace was enlarged with the addition of another floor. Around the 19th century, the family was forced to sell the apartments on the first and second floors.

Why is it called the Palazzo dello Spagnolo?

It was in the 19th century that the Palazzo took on the name by which it is known today, thanks to the new owner, the Spanish nobleman Tommaso Atienza, nicknamed ‘lo Spagnolo’ (the Spaniard).

Atienza, who became the owner of the building, made significant changes, including the addition of an extra floor. He also had frescoes painted on the piano nobile (main floor) and the second floor. Unfortunately, most of these frescoes were lost due to inadequate restoration work carried out in later years.

Which films have been shot in the Palazzo dello Spagnolo?

The Palazzo dello Spagnolo, like many historical buildings in Naples, has seen its ownership fragmented into several units, which today belong to private individuals. Currently, only two apartments on the top floor, which are being restored, have been purchased by the Campania Region.

In the past, the building housed the Istituto delle Guarattelle, a museum dedicated to local and international puppets. Currently, the second and third floors are set to become a museum dedicated to Totò, but its opening has been postponed several times.

The building has also been chosen as the set for numerous important films, including ‘Il Giudizio Universale’ (De Sica, 1961), ‘Piedone lo Sbirro’ (Steno, 1973), ‘La Pelle’ (Cavani, 1981), ‘Mi manda Picone’ (Loy, 1983) and, more recently, for the TV series ‘I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone’. Some scenes of the third episode, based on the novel of the same name by Maurizio de Giovanni and directed by Carlo Carlei, were shot on the famous stairs of the building.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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