The gallery that takes its name from King Umberto I of Naples is one of the most spectacular shopping centres in Europe. It was built in 1887-90 as part of the ‘risanamento’ (restoration to health), a movement between the 1880s and 1914 which aimed to replace insanitary areas of the city of Naples with elegant modern buildings and public spaces. The gallery takes the form of two arcades with an octagonal crossing capped by a glass dome supported by 16 iron ribs, 56 m high, with a fine mosaic of the signs of the zodiac on the floor. The buildings, designed by Emanuele Rocco, mix Renaissance with Baroque motifs.
Galleria Umberto I
Via San Carlo
90132 Napoli
Italy
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