Ospedale L'Albergo Reale dei Poveri, Naples

The Bourbon Hospice for the Poor (Italian Albergo Reale dei Poveri), also called il Reclusorio, is a former public hospital/almshouse in Naples, southern Italy. It was designed by the architect Ferdinando Fuga, and construction was started in 1751. It is five storeys tall and about 354 m (1,161 ft) long.[1] It was popularly known as "Palazzo Fuga". King Charles III of the House of Bourbon meant the facility to house the destitute and ill, as well as to provide a self-sufficient community where the poor would live, learn trades, and work. The massive structure at one time housed over 5000 persons, men and women, in separate wings [2] The building was originally designed with five courtyards and a church in the centre, entered through the central arch, but only the three innermost courtyards were built, and plans to complete the building according to the original design were finally abandoned in 1819. The building is the centre of Naples, which is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bourbon Hospice for the Poor
Albergo Reale dei Poveri
The recently (2006) restored façade of the Albergo dei Poveri in Naples.
Alternative namesil Reclusorio
General information
TypePalace
Architectural styleNeoclassicism
LocationNaples, Italy
AddressPiazza Carlo III, 80132 Naples NA, Italy
Current tenantsComune di Napoli
Construction started1751
ClientCharles III of the House of Bourbon
OwnerKingdom of Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
LandlordComune di Napoli
Technical details
Floor count5
Design and construction
ArchitectFerdinando Fuga
Invalid designation
Official nameReal Albergo dei Poveri
TypeNon-movable
CriteriaMonument
State PartyItaly

It is no longer a hospital, and despite the impressive facade, it has suffered much from neglect and earthquakes. The centre behind the entrance is used for exhibitions, conferences, and concerts. Recently (2006) the façade has undergone restoration as part of an as yet ill-defined plan to incorporate the facility into the working infrastructure of public buildings in Naples.

Sources

  1. Acton, Harold (1957). The Bourbons of Naples (1731-1825). London: Faber and Faber. ISBN 9780571249015.
  2. A new guide of Naples, its environs, Procida, Ischia and Capri: Compiled ...By Giovanni Battista de Ferrari and Mariano Vasi. 1826. Tipografia de Porcelli, Naples. Page 257.

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