Where Vesuvius destroyed the old Parish.

Piazza San Ciro, zona Mercatale, Viilla Meola - In Piazza Ciro we explore the Church of Santa Maria della Natività, in Byzantine style with two towers, one with a sundial, the one on the left, the other with a clock. Upon entering, we admire the beautiful high reliefs depicting biblical scenes and in front there are three naves. The central nave subtends the high altar with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by Giordano.

The left aisle exhibits two canvases by Bonino, the Crucifixion and the Nativity, finally the right aisle the relics and the statue of San Ciro. The protector of the city was invested with holiness by Pope Pius VI for the healing virtues shown during the plague of 1763. The old town of 1200, also known as Palazzo Regina, overlooks the square for hosting Queen Giovanna II of Naples. Next to the church starts via Mercatale, arret'a parish, a paved road that leads 'in the middle of the Cross', a reminder of the old parish destroyed by Vesuvius with the eruption of 1631. Finally, in via Marconi we visit Villa Meola, in Rococo style which is declared a national monument, with the double staircase, the arches, the decorative stuccoes and the wonderful internal garden, inhabited by medlars, geraniums, strawberry trees and many other flowers.