Napoli Velata: A Blend of Baroque Artistry and Contemporary Chic
In Naples, Italy, where art and history come alive on every corner, the Napoli Velata apartment stands out. Positioned within the monumental “Palazzo Vitozzi,” near the Museo Nazionale and l’Accademia delle Belle Arti, this chic residence boasts rooms that transport you through time. Designed by Antonio di Maro in 2023, it masterfully juxtaposes the 19th-century charm of Naples with contemporary elegance.
Grand windows, baroque frescoes, and intricate floor designs reveal the craftsmanship of bygone artisans, while modern elements like the Bulthaup kitchen seamlessly blend the past and the present.
About Napoli Velata
Unveiling the Allure of Palazzo Vitozzi
Nestled in Naples on Via Broggia 3, a grand wooden door proudly stands as the gateway to the monumental “Palazzo Vitozzi”. Strategically located near the Museo Nazionale and l’Accademia delle Belle Arti, this iconic 19th-century Neapolitan palace was crafted in tandem with the illustrious Galleria Principe.
Venturing to its third floor, you’ll discover an apartment radiating timeless elegance. Inside, both living rooms and bedrooms boast intricately painted ceilings, transporting visitors to Naples’ opulent bourgeois era. However, over time, neglect and structural damages threatened its allure. Still, every nook and corner resonates with undiminished charm.
A Canvas of History and Renewal
Peering out from the grand party room, windows frame breathtaking views of the adjacent San Potito complex. Moreover, years of diligent restoration have breathed life back into the captivating baroque frescoes. These artworks, gracing the 7-meter high (approximately 23 feet) ceilings, now shimmer in their original splendor. Soft pastel hues, intertwined with garlands and Masonic symbols, gracefully bedeck the apartment’s ceilings. Interestingly, this serves as a vibrant testimony to a bygone era when Naples fervently competed with Paris in cultural vibrancy.
Beneath a once-concealing laminate layer lay a hidden treasure: a priceless Venetian mosaic floor, complete with interwoven patterns. Following extensive restoration, the floor reveals the unmatched skills of yesteryear’s artisans. In places where the original flooring was beyond rescue, a clear, glossy resin was judiciously applied. This contemporary touch not only preserves the charm but also distinctively highlights the contrast of eras.
Blending the Antique with the Avant-Garde
Interestingly, amidst the backdrop of the 19th-century decor, a modern twist emerges. A sleek Bulthaup kitchen, adorned in brushed steel, elegantly rests atop a flawless sheet of white resin. Above, the bedroom ceilings come alive with vibrant frescoes: depictions of the Parthenope siren, an ethereal starry sky, and an intricate compass rose. Elsewhere, contemporary metal furnishings and partitions stand out, creating a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
In addition, sprinkled across the living room and bedroom are masterpieces titled “La Grande Madre” and “Il Grande Fiore”. Crafted by the renowned Neapolitan artist Antonella Romano, they add layers of depth to the home’s narrative. Furthermore, Edoardo Ferrigno’s dark canvases subtly contrast with the room’s ambiance, enriching multiple spaces. Lastly, amidst this harmonious blend of eras, the vibrant tones and vivid color contrasts of the furnishings weave their own tale, adding a touch of modernity to a setting steeped in history.
Photography by Carlo Oriente
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- by Matt Watts
