Vicolo della Cultura is an innovative urban regeneration project promoted by the homonymous cultural association. The goal is to transform the most inner and abandoned streets of the outskirts of Naples into real spaces of art and culture, as a form of reappropriation of public space.
The Alley of Culture project, inaugurated in the Rione Sanità neighborhood in Naples, aims to develop a model that enhances abandoned streets and neighborhoods, converting them into open-air libraries and museums of street art. Through this process, colors, lighting, books, and free services are provided to citizens, involving universities, organizations, local administrations, and artists.
The main symbol of this urban revival is the Cultural Kiosks, which revive an ancient Neapolitan tradition. In the 18th century, Father Gregorio Rocco installed hundreds of votive kiosks to illuminate the dark alleys of Naples and fight crime. Today, Vicolo della Cultura continues this tradition thanks to the project by architects Jessica Abbate and Elena Busiello, from Studio Rondine.
The wall installations, designed by the studio specialized in urban architecture, serve as open-air public libraries. In these kiosks, Neapolitans can donate or take books for free. Instead of saints, the kiosks feature faces and famous phrases from Neapolitan culture, with the aim of bringing hope and cultural enlightenment to the neighborhoods.
Another distinctive element of the Vicolo della Cultura project is the presence of artistic installations depicting famous faces from Neapolitan and Italian history. The walls of via Montesilvano, once degraded, now display images of icons such as Sofia Loren, Totò, and Eduardo de Filippo. These works attract tourists from all over the world, who photograph the artistic creations, helping to generate a new economic boost for the neighborhood.
The Cultural Shrines light up at night, just like the historic votive shrines. This lighting not only makes the streets safer, but also attracts tourists and citizens, making the alley livable even during the nighttime hours. Symbolically, the light emanating from the shrines, containing books, sends a message of change that starts right from culture.
The project also includes the theatrical format "A voce d'o vico", a true celebration of the local area, with active participation from the neighborhood's children. The theater company Putéca Celidònia offers a free theater course, culminating in performances created by the children themselves, showcased from the balconies alongside artists, actors, singers, and musicians. The alley is thus transformed into a spectacular open-air theater, with a large audience of eyes gazing towards the sky.
An integral part of the project is the recovery of stories and anecdotes that have marked the history of the alley. Thanks to the use of QR Code technology, the stories are transformed into accessible podcasts directly from the mural installations. Anyone can simply scan the code and immerse themselves in the historical and cultural narratives of the neighborhood. This work involves internationally renowned artists such as Giobbe Covatta, Sonia Bergamasco, Marco D’Amore, and Lino Guanciale, who have lent their voices.
Design, installations, paths, and performances contribute to creating a unique immersive experience for visitors and to giving new dignity to popular beauty
Studio Rondine
Via Montesilvano 5, Napoli
