Pio Monte della Misericordia Complex

Where it is

The great Pio Monte della Misericordia complex dominates the seafront of Casamicciola Terme, along Corso Luigi Manzi, a short walk from Piazza Marina and the harbour. It occupies a trapezoidal site of about 100 by 140 metres, with a total area of some two and a half hectares: the main block, lower down, faces the marina and the hydrofoil landing. It is one of the most recognisable buildings in the town and belongs to the Piazza Marina and seafront area.

The origins: thermal cures for the poor

The Pio Monte della Misericordia (literally “Holy Mount of Mercy”) was founded in Naples in April 1602 as a charitable institution; its statute was approved by the viceroy in 1604. That same year the governor Carlo Caracciolo di Vico proposed opening a house in Casamicciola where the sick poor could be treated with the waters of the local springs, a project also made possible by a bequest from Fabio Pignatelli di Cerchiara. The first thermal hospice thus rose near the Gurgitello springs, in today's Piazza Bagni area.

By the 19th century the hospice had become an imposing building, occupying much of what is now Piazza Bagni. Its history is also told on the page The Pio Monte and Thermal Care for the Poor.

Rebirth by the sea

After 1883 the Pio Monte decided to rebuild its hospice further downhill, on the seafront, to a design by the engineer Giuseppe Florio, with the works directed by the architect Nicola Breglia, who paid close attention to the most modern building techniques. The new complex, built at the end of the 19th century, continued to use the hot water of the Gurgitello; this is why it is also known as the former Terme Gurgitello.

The layout is orderly: corridors and wings set at right angles, three separate buildings linked by two north–south passages and four pavilions on each side with inner courtyards. The main façade is marked by a central double staircase and by tall windows alternating with pilasters. The story is part of the wider rebirth of the town, told on the page Casamicciola after 1883.

Abandonment and protection

The thermal hospital remained in operation until the 1970s. Since then the complex has stood unused for around fifty years and its condition has steadily worsened. By ministerial decree of 11 April 1990 it was declared of cultural interest.

Current state and restoration

On 17 September 2025, with the signing of the notarial deed, the complex became part of the property of the Municipality of Casamicciola Terme. The purchase, funded with €4.5 million, came after the public notice of 30 March 2023 and the memorandum of understanding of 24 July 2023. The Agenzia del Demanio (the State Property Agency) is the implementing body responsible for designing the works.

The plan is to use the Pio Monte for schools, public functions, culture and services, to restore the Gurgitello spring and make the most of its thermal waters, and to begin initial enhancement works. The interior is not currently open to visitors.

What to see nearby

• Piazza Marina and the seafront.
• Piazza Bagni and the Gurgitello basin, where the first hospice was founded.