Cultural institutions across Naples are unlocking their archives and libraries to mark the city’s 2,500th founding anniversary. Until December 31st, residents and tourists can explore Naples’ documentary heritage through the initiative “Mischiamo le Carte” (Shuffling the Cards), a journey into the city’s archival heart. The project is a collaboration between Naples City Council, Napoli 2500, and the Miglio della Memoria Hub, curated by the Campania Archival and Bibliographic Superintendency led by Gabriele Capone and Napoli 2500’s Artistic Director Laura Valente.
Thirteen archives, libraries, and foundations will open their doors, displaying—often for the first time—a uniquely significant document or volume from Naples’ history, selected from their own collections. Spanning the 14th to 20th centuries, “Mischiamo le Carte” guides visitors through centuries of the city’s extraordinary cultural riches.
“This project helps Neapolitans and visitors rediscover the immense value of our archives,” stated Mayor Gaetano Manfredi. “Both historical and municipal, they reveal the city’s story through original documents. This compelling itinerary narrates Naples’ many tales, both famous and obscure, traversing the history of our uniquely layered metropolis.”
Participating institutions belong to the Miglio della Memoria—a protocol signed by the Superintendency with 18 cultural bodies in the historic center, supported by the City Council to promote archival and library heritage within the ancient *decumani* district. The route follows ancient Neapolis’ footprint, connecting typically inaccessible sites with fresh historical perspectives. Staff from each institution will manage openings and visits.
Highlights include:
The oldest Neapolitan manuscript of Dante’s *Commedia* (mid-14th century), illuminated with Neapolitan vernacular glosses, held at the Girolamini Library.
A 1566 city map preserved at the Benedetto Croce Foundation Library.
Giuseppe Verdi’s autograph manuscript of his only chamber quartet, the “Quartet in E minor,” bearing the notation “saldato!” (paid!), documenting its donation to the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory.
“Preserved memory becomes performative storytelling—an active function of archives and a starting point for crafting narratives that valorize both content and locations,” emphasized Artistic Director Valente. The initiative also marks the recovery of the Naples City Historical Archive, previously stored in critical conditions at San Lorenzo and Torre di Guardia. “The City Archive is vital for studying Naples’ history,” noted Superintendent Capone, adding, “Further interventions on the Pontenuovo and Annunziata archives are planned in coming months.”