The demolition of the Vela Gialla (Yellow Sail) in Naples’ Scampia district began on Monday at 10:16 am, marking a significant step in the area’s regeneration. Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and members of the Sails Committee of residents attended the event.
The operation is part of a broader effort to transform Scampia, long associated with the Camorra mafia and drug trafficking, into a revitalised urban space. The Sails (Vele) became infamous as the backdrop of Gomorra, the TV series based on Roberto Saviano’s work.
“This is an important and symbolic moment for Naples and Scampia,” said Mayor Manfredi, calling it “a truly beautiful day.” He also paid tribute to the victims of a tragic collapse at another Sail, Vela Celeste, last July. The balcony collapse left three dead and 11 injured, including seven children. The Naples Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident.
The ‘Restart’ project aims to replace the Yellow Sail and other Vele with 12 new buildings, each housing around 35 families. Inspired by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, the original Sails were designed by Francesco Di Salvo in the 1960s and 70s. Vela Celeste will be the only remaining structure of the seven.
Authorities expect the first replacement buildings to be completed by mid-2026, with the full redevelopment scheduled for 2027.
