by Fabrizio Fiorenzano
Origins and historical notes about Pedamentina
Among the more than two hundred ancient streets and stairways that cross Naples up to the historic center, the stairs of Pedamentina is probably one of the most famous, , if not the most famous in absolute terms but also the oldest.
The stairs which has 414 steps and long about seven hundred metres was built in the 14th century by the architects Tino da Camaino and Francesco De Vito.
The initial purpose of this work was, above all, to build a passage to transport the materials for the construction of the Certosa of St. Martino and originally there were no steps that were built later.
This work also proved to be a perfect defensive barrier because it allowed the control and the security of the nearby Castel St. Elmo to protect it from enemy incursions, but also a urban masterpiece whose main function was to connect the hill with the historic center of the city.
Today the Pedamentina is listed among the world heritage sites protected by UNESCO thanks also to its history and breathtaking view.
The word “Pedamentina” derives from the term “at the feet of the mountain” due to its position.
Its most used starting point is the terrace of Largo San Martino in the Vomero district, exactly in front of the Certosa of the same name and a stone’s throw from the medieval castel Sant’Elmo. The route ends at Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
The small square of Largo San Martino offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city and here, many people, spend some time every day enjoying this unique and shocking landscape.
Three popular legends
As in other areas of Naples, suggestive folk legends related to the supernatural have been handed down for centuries in the Pedamentina..
- The first one tells of a little girl who lived with her family in one of the houses in via Pedamentina and who played with an imaginary friend. Her parents heard her talking and laughing without worrying but later, in the same house, an old text was found in which it was written that a little girl died in that same house over a hundred years before.
- Then there is the story of the pranking ghost: a spirit dressed entirely in white who makes fun of people by appearing and disappearing from walls and even scaring passers-by with sudden screams.
- Another legend refers to an old door that is located at the end of the first ramp going down from Largo San Martino. It is said that in ancient times the royal guards who protected Castel Sant’Elmo locked up and killed invaders by feeding their corpses to rats. Some people say that as they pass by that gate at night, the screams and moans of slain prisoners can still be heard.
Along the pedestrian path of the Pedamentina, in addition to enjoying incredible panoramic views overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius you can notice many houses and villas on the edge of the road inhabited by very kind people who are always generous with explanations and advice.
The windows are well-kept and adorned with colorful plants and flowers because the local women care deeply about the aesthetic beauty of these places.
The serpentines of ramps and pedestrian turns are regular and well-maintained and pass through many houses built of yellow Neapolitan tuff……
Photos by Fabrizio Fiorenzano
HIGH RESOLUTION PICTURES (Tiff or Jpeg) are available for sale upon regular request at the address: https://www.frcreations.it/contacts/ using the contact form with subject “Photo request“.
