Situated between the San
Carlo Theatre and Via Toledo, the arcade was built to eliminate a
series of ill-famed alley-ways.
It now bears the neo-Renaissance features given to it by Antonio Curri and
Ernesto Di Mauro who, between 1887 and 1890, completed the design
drawn up by the engineer Emanuele Rocco.
The interior is distinguished by its central octagonal plan and asymmetrical
cross-shape, embellished by its polychrome marble floor.
In the centre, a large circular decoration shows the Signs of the Zodiac
and a Compass with the Cardinal Points.
The barrel-vaulted ceiling is made of long panes of glass, while a large dome
opens in the centre.
The arcade contains bars and elegant shops.
It is a well-known meeting place for artists from the world of theatre and
music.
The famous "Salone Margherita", Naples' last café chantant,
also used to be here, below street level, but has now been closed for many
years.
Situated between the San
Carlo Theatre and Via Toledo, the arcade was built to eliminate a
series of ill-famed alley-ways.