Monte di Pietà, Naples

The Palazzo of Monte di Pietà is a historic building located along the lower decumanus (East-West road) of Naples, Italy.

In response to the 1539 edict, some aristocratic Neapolitans (Aurelio Paparo, Gian Domenico di Lega, and Leonardo Palma) created a non-profit organization to lend money.

In the entablature you enter three triglyphs that create two empty spaces in the frieze, in these empty spaces are placed two inscriptions, one of which is the date of commencement of work: For prefects who work with selfless devotion exchequer, and hospice for the poor Under the government of Philip III and the vice-royalty of Enrique de Guzmán Olivares in the year of the Lord 1599 The facade of the chapel was inspired by the façade of the Sant'Andrea in Via Flaminia, designed Vignola.

Flanking the entrance, between two pairs of pilasters of Ionic order there are two niches with statues of Pietro Bernini, the father of the famous Roman sculptor Gian Lorenzo, representing Charity and Security.

On the right a door leads to the Hall of Cantoniere, another example of 17th-century art, with tiled floor and frescoes; are noteworthy portraits of Charles III of Bourbon and his wife Maria Amalia.