Guglia
dell'Immacolata Column of the Blessed Virgin
Gesł Nuovo Square
The square's charming
ornamental column, dates from 1750.
Its construction was made possible thanks to a collection of funds from the
people, organised by the Jesuit father Francesco Pepe.
It was designed by Giuseppe Genuino and the work was directed by Giuseppe Di
Fiore.
The sculptural decoration on the column by Matteo Bottiglieri and Francesco
Pagani is an example of Neapolitan Baroque.
At the top stands a statue in gilded copper of the Immacolata (Blessed
Virgin), dating from 1753.
Every year on 8th December, the feast of the "Immacolata",
firemen place a wreath of flowers at the statue's feet, at the top of the
column.
Many reinforcing works have been also recently because of the several
earthquakes that destroyed the town during the centuries.
