Seven must-see modern and contemporary architectural landmarks in Naples
Naples has regained popularity among tourists thanks to its landscape, cultural offerings, and layered architectural heritage. The 20th century saw more construction than all previous centuries combined, with high-quality infrastructure and residential projects. In the 2000s, contemporary architecture focused on the Metropolitan Art Stations, part of the 'obligatory museum' concept supported by Achille Bonito Oliva. Seven key buildings from the 1930s to today are highlighted: Palazzo delle Poste (1933-1936) by Vaccaro and Franzi, featuring an expressionist curved facade and precious materials; the Grattacielo della Società Cattolica Assicurazioni (1954-1957) by Stefania Filo Speziale, controversial for speculation and featured in Francesco Rosi's film 'Le mani sulla città'; Stazione Fuorigrotta della Cumana (1939-1940) by Frediano Frediani, inspired by the Temple of Diana at Baia with a wave-shaped roof; the Facoltà di Ingegneria (1955-1980) by Luigi Cosenza, a rationalist complex with Mediterranean references; a residential building (1966-1968) at Rione Alto by Aldo Loris Rossi, using triangular plan and modular structure; the Centro Direzionale (1985-1995) coordinated by Giulio De Luca and later by Kenzo Tange, with pedestrianized spaces and towers up to 100 meters; and Stazione Municipio (2000–ongoing) by Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura, opened in 2015 for Line 1, with archaeological finds integrated into the design. The station will connect to Line 6 in 2024.
Key facts
- Palazzo delle Poste was built 1933-1936, designed by Vaccaro and Franzi after a national competition.
- Grattacielo della Società Cattolica Assicurazioni reached 104 meters due to a mayoral exemption.
- Stazione Fuorigrotta was inspired by the Temple of Diana at Baia, with a half-octagon plan.
- Facoltà di Ingegneria by Luigi Cosenza was built near Mostra d’Oltremare, with a cloister-like layout.
- Aldo Loris Rossi's residential building at Rione Alto uses a triangular plan and modular structure.
- Centro Direzionale was approved in 1984, with Kenzo Tange as urban planner.
- Stazione Municipio opened in June 2015 for Line 1; the tunnel to the port opened recently.
- Stazione Municipio will connect to Line 6 in 2024.
Entities
Artists
- Achille Bonito Oliva
- Vaccaro
- Franzi
- Stefania Filo Speziale
- Francesco Rosi
- Frediano Frediani
- Luigi Tocchetti
- Luigi Cosenza
- Aldo Loris Rossi
- Giulio De Luca
- Kenzo Tange
- Álvaro Siza
- Eduardo Souto de Moura
- Carlo De Cristofaro
Institutions
- Società Cattolica di Assicurazioni di Verona
- Ministero della Comunicazione
- Soprintendenza
- Comune di Napoli
- Mededil
- Università di Napoli Federico II
- Università di Roma La Sapienza
- Dipartimento di Architettura di Napoli (DIARC)
- Artribune
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Palazzo delle Poste
- Rione Carità
- via Toledo
- Grattacielo della Società Cattolica Assicurazioni
- via Medina
- Stazione Fuorigrotta
- piazza Colonna
- Baia
- Mostra d’Oltremare
- Facoltà di Ingegneria
- viale Augusto
- via Claudia
- Istituto Motori
- Rione Alto
- Arenella
- via San Giacomo dei Capri
- Centro Direzionale
- Bologna
- Rome
- Stazione Municipio
- linea 1
- linea 6
- Fuorigrotta
- Cracovia
- Verona