Palazzo of Monte di Pietà, Mannerist church building in Spaccanapoli district, Naples, Italy
The Palazzo del Monte di Pietà is a Mannerist church building on Spaccanapoli street in Naples, featuring a portal with Doric columns and an entablature decorated with triglyphs and inscriptions. The structure displays the refined facade design of this period with carefully executed ornamental elements.
This building was established in 1539 following Emperor Charles V's edict to expel Jewish moneylenders, creating a Christian lending institution for Naples residents. The structure became an important financial tool for the local population.
The chapel holds sculptures by Pietro Bernini depicting Charity and Security, while Greek artist Belisario Corenzio painted the vault frescoes. These artworks demonstrate the artistic quality preserved within this financial building.
The building sits along the lower decumanus maximus, the famous Spaccanapoli street, serving as a reference point in the historic center. Visitors can view the facade from the street and appreciate the architectural significance of this structure.
During the Masaniello uprising, the building faced destruction at the hands of revolutionaries, but Giulio Genoino intervened to prevent its burning. This dramatic episode reveals how this institution was protected despite social turmoil in the city.
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