What is a «palazzo?» In Italian, we normally use the word «palazzo» to mean large, popular, apartment blocks. This kind of architecture does not exists in the Anglo-Saxon world and the literal translation «palace» would most often sound out of place. Yet, «palazzi» are large, often majestic, magnificent, often ancient, buildings, reserved for residential use, where several familias live in multiple apartments.
Neapolitan palazzi are marvellous in their mix of important presence and decayed look, and in how they manage to crowd even the largest streets in a way that narrowly escape the risk of claustrophobia.
In photographing Neapolitan residential architecture, I wanted to portray their graphical complexity, especially standing out when using a tele lens. As I noted in the photoessay on Neapolitan od town, I used 35mm-e and 75mm-e lenses for these pictures.
The Patron Saint Gennaro (San Gennaro) looks at Naples from this large billboard. Fuji X-T1 and Nikkor 50/1.2
Rampe Brancaccio are a steep series of steps that connect two almost separate parts of Napoli: Chiaia and the Spanish District. The elevated point of view offers interesting perspectives. iPhone 5
Interesting and original architecture can be enjoyed from the height of Rampe Brancaccio. iPhone 5
Convento di Monteoliveto, an old monastery in via Monteoliveto. iPhone 5
Rosso vivo nei Quartieri Spagnoli
Around the Court of Justice
Naples and its rooftops, as seen from the boundary of the Chiaia district, from Rampe Brancaccio’s height
Nissan Juke parked in a narrow alley just above Chiaia district and before the Spanish Quarters in Naples. The city is built on several hills and steep streets are not uncommon.
Vicoletto S Arpino is one of the elegant streets belonging to Chiaia district in Naples, where most of the shopping high streets are. During Christmas time, shops in Chiaia dress themselves posh
It is difficult to thnk of any kind of privacy in some of these flats
Narrow streets and tall buildings make for an intense sense of busy and crowdy.
On top of Rampe Brancaccio
All images are Copyright (C) 2016 Marco Venturini Autieri, all rights reserved. For licensing, try this lightbox on iStock.
