Naples - December 31, 2011 - Galleria Principe

Galleria Principe  looking noth

 Across from the Archaeological Museum in Naples is a smaller version of the galleria Umberto I.  Though it has a large loggia on the facade, it is sort of easy to miss the entrance unless you are looking for it.

Built on a more human scale than the Galleria Umberto and pretty empty of shops the Galleria Principe is much more intimate.  Though still inhabited by pigeons, it has recently been restored to it's former glory.

This place has so much potential, there was nothing open when we visited, however it looks like there is a cafe that might be open at some time.

There is just so much decoration, I couldn't really absorb all of the details until I got home and could really examine the pictures.

Built between 1870 and 1883 it is also older than the Umberto. Unfortunately it never had the success of the latter, possibly because of the location, possibly because it was one of the first buildings of the new Italian Nation.

Galleria Principe, looking east 

When it was built the Church of Santa Maria de Constantinople was in the way of the logical fourth arm. Thus it does seem a little truncated and this may have been art of the reason for it's dismal record.

Personally I really liked this one and was very happy that I was privileged enough to see this place.