by Fabrizio Fiorenzano
One of the many unique features of Naples, which is a place steeped in history, mystery and hidden treasures, are the ancient and suggestive traces of the streets most used by the population and dating back to extremely remote times.
Being a seaside city but also a hilly one, extending from the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the hill, the ancient city stairways that once, as now, connected the two ends are still present.
Breathing in the history of the city by walking along these extraordinary alleys on the edges of which many people live in characteristic houses, is an experience not to be missed.
The Petraio staircase, which captures and encloses within itself the entire essence of the Neapolitan soul, was built in Vesuvian paving and is made up of 503 steps and was built between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Once upon a time these were agricultural villages and most of the inhabitants were shepherds and washerwomen to the point that in the great artistic heritage of Neapolitan song, the first work was called “Song of the washerwomen of Vomero” precisely because the descent of the steps begins in the Vomero district and ends in the busy and central street called Corso Vittorio Emanuele whose ancient name was Corso Maria Teresa di Borbone.
The name “Petraio” originates from the slippery nature of the area due to the pebbles and debris that were deposited because they were dragged by the waterways and that from Vomero descended to what was considered the city centre..
In the years to come, to allow for an easier connection with the Chiaia district, the steps were enlarged and improved.
On the sides of the stairs you can immediately notice the yellow color of the Neapolitan tuff with which most of the houses were built, which seem to be built one on top of the other, and its architecture of houses and alleys that intertwine with each other is unique in its kind.
It was only around the beginning of the 1900s that the area began to be populated by wealthier people, giving rise to the construction of a residential area with villas in Neapolitan Liberty style that are visible in via Palizzi and via Luigia San Felice….
Photos by Fabrizio Fiorenzano
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