Piazza Dante is a square in the heart of Naples, in a neighborhood full of beautiful churches and other interesting palaces. It is one of those Italian squares where entire families gather late in the afternoon to chat and stroll. The Foro Carolino and the central statue of Dante himself are the biggest attractions.
A brief history of the Piazza Dante in Naples
The original name of the square was Piazza del Mercatello, since a market was held here as early as 1588.
The Piazza del Mercatello was completely restored by Luigi Vanvitelli between 1757 and 1765. The restoration was commissioned by Carlo III di Borbone (Charles of Bourbon). The name was subsequently changed to Foro Carolino.
In 1861, after the unification of Italy, this name was changed to Piazza Dante.
What to see in the Piazza Dante
Convitto Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II
The semi-circular Convitto Nazionale (“National Boarding School”) Vittorio Emanuele II takes up the entire east side of the square. Originally called Foro Carolino, it was constructed by Vanvitelli, in honor of Charles of Bourbon. An equestrian statue of the man himself was supposed to occupy the central niche, but this plan was never carried out. There are, however, 26 statues personifying King Charles’ virtues. Four of the statues were made by Giuseppe Sammartino. Originally a Jesuit Institute, it was later transformed into the Collegio dei Nobili. When Giuseppe Garibaldi ordered the Jesuit Order to be dissolved, the building transformed into the “Vittorio Emanuele II National Boarding School.”
Monument for Dante Alighieri
In the center of Piazza Dante is a large marble statue dedicated to the poet Dante Alighieri, overlooking the Via Toledo. It was created by Tito Angelini in 1871.
Port’Alba
On the north side is one of the ancient city gates, the Port’Alba. The gate was originally made by the inhabitants of the district in the old city wall. In 1625, Duca d’Alba had the monument renovated and several years later the bronze statue of San Gaetano da Thiene was placed at the top. This statue was taken from the Porta dello Spirito Santo. The street on the other side is the Via di Port’Alba, known for its bookstalls and stores.
Dante metro station
The Dante metro station is a tourist attraction in itself, being filled with installations by famous modern artists, including Joseph Kosuth, Jannis Kounellis and Michelangelo Pistoletto.
Churches in Piazza Dante
Church of San Michele Arcangelo
The San Michele Arcangelo Church is located on the south side of the square. It is also known as San Michele a Port’Alba. The first version of this church dates back to 1620, but its current appearance is the result of a major renovation in the mid-18th century. The architects responsible were Domenico Antonio Vaccaro and Giuseppe Astarita. When the church was built it was still called Santa Maria della Provvidenza.
Church of Santa Maria di Caravaggio
Also on the north side is the Santa Maria di Caravaggio Church. By the way, this church is not dedicated to the famous painter, but to Saint Mary of Caravaggio, a small town in northern Italy, where the Virgin is said to have made a miraculous appearance. It was built in 1627 thanks to a donation from Felice Pignella. Its original name was Natività di Maria Church. It consists of a single nave and has an elliptical floor plan. Highlights include a “Nativity of Mary” by Gaetano Gigante and “The Appearance of the Virgin to the Peasant Woman by Caravaggio.”
Church of San Domenico Soriano
The San Domenico Soriano Church with its adjoining convent were built in the 17th century, on the site of an earlier church. The cloister near the church can be entered both from the square and from the Vico Pontecorvo. It was built in the early 17th century by the Domenican priest Frà Tommaso Vesti. In 1850 the cloister was converted into military barracks.
Chiesa dell’Immacolata degli Operai Sanitari
The small 19th-century Chiesa dell’Immacolata degli Operatori Sanitari is almost always closed.
Address and public transportation
Public transportation: Metro: Dante.
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