Naples, Italy – A novel book delves into the hidden history of Freemasonry in Naples, revealing a network of streets, alleys, and squares named after figures connected to the fraternal order. “Le 99 vie Massoniche di Napoli” (The 99 Masonic Streets of Naples), by journalist and writer Antonio Emanuele Piedimonte, will be presented on Monday, May 13th, at 5:00 PM at Banca Fideuram Palazzo Nunziante, located at Via Morelli 7 in Naples.
The book launch will feature contributions from Oscar Cardarelli, a manager at Fideuram; Gianandrea Maria Perrella, an attorney; Massimo Marra, a historian specializing in Hermeticism and Western alchemy; and Angelo Cerulo, a journalist. The event will be moderated by Professor Luca de Luca Picione, a journalist, essayist, and professor at the University of Federico II.
Piedimonte’s work explores the deep and often overlooked connection between Naples and the world of Freemasonry. For centuries, Naples served as a significant center for Masonic activity in Europe, a fact reflected in the city’s highly geography. The author identifies over one hundred streets, vicoli (alleys), and piazzas (squares) that bear the names of individuals who were members of the order.
Among the most prominent figures highlighted in the book are Ettore Sansevero, the 18th-century Neapolitan nobleman and sculptor renowned for his Veiled Christ sculpture, and Totò, the iconic comedic actor whose real name was Antonio de Curtis. The inclusion of Totò, a figure not traditionally associated with Freemasonry, underscores the book’s aim to uncover lesser-known connections and challenge conventional narratives.
A History Etched in Stone
“Le 99 vie Massoniche di Napoli” isn’t simply a list of names and locations. It’s a prosopographical and toponymic journey through the history of Freemasonry in Southern Italy. Piedimonte meticulously reconstructs the biographies of these individuals, shedding light on their contributions to Neapolitan society and their involvement in the Masonic movement. The book aims to revive forgotten stories and re-examine historical events that have been largely erased from collective memory.
The author argues that Naples, during certain periods, rivaled Paris and London as a cultural and intellectual hub, attracting Masonic thinkers and practitioners from across Europe. The city’s unique blend of artistic patronage, philosophical inquiry, and political intrigue created a fertile ground for the development of Masonic lodges and the dissemination of esoteric knowledge.
The Enduring Legacy of Freemasonry in Naples
The book’s exploration of Naples’ Masonic past reveals a complex and multifaceted history. Freemasonry in Naples wasn’t a monolithic entity; it encompassed a diverse range of philosophical and political perspectives. Lodges served as spaces for intellectual debate, social networking, and charitable work, attracting members from various social classes and professions.
Piedimonte’s research suggests that Masonic ideals influenced various aspects of Neapolitan life, from art and architecture to politics and social reform. The book highlights the contributions of Masonic members to the city’s cultural heritage and their efforts to promote education, tolerance, and civic engagement.
The presentation at Banca Fideuram Palazzo Nunziante promises to be a stimulating discussion of Naples’ hidden history and the enduring legacy of Freemasonry in the city. The event will offer attendees a chance to learn more about Piedimonte’s research and engage with leading scholars and experts in the field.
As the book launch approaches, interest is growing in uncovering the secrets embedded within Naples’ streets and squares. “Le 99 vie Massoniche di Napoli” offers a unique and compelling perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring connection to the world of Freemasonry.
Further details about the event and the book can be found on the Corriere del Mezzogiorno website. Click here for more news from Naples.
Readers interested in subscribing to the Corriere del Mezzogiorno Campania newsletter can do so here.
