Demolition of the last remaining ‘sail’ (Vele) apartment block in Naples’ troubled Scampia district began on Wednesday. It marks a major step in a long-planned urban renewal project.
Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Campania governor Roberto Fico attended the start of works as excavators began dismantling the Vela Rossa, or Red Sail.
The Vele, or “Sails”, became notorious symbols of decay and drug trafficking in Scampia. They also featured prominently in the TV series Gomorra, based on Roberto Saviano’s book on the Camorra mafia.
“Today is a historic day for Scampia,” Manfredi said. “We are standing where the Yellow Sail once stood, and today we are starting to demolish the Red Sail.”
He said redevelopment of the area was progressing rapidly, with new buildings already under construction nearby. “For years this place was a negative symbol of the city,” the mayor said. “Today it is becoming a place of hope and opportunity for the residents of Scampia and for all the citizens of Naples.”
The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Manfredi said the first phase of reconstruction should finish by the end of 2026. It will include four new buildings with around 150 apartments. Construction of further housing, a school and local services will begin in parallel. The full project aims to create a new neighbourhood with about 500 apartments by 2028.
