Giglia dell'Immacolata

The Guglia of the Immaculate, in the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo in Naples, is a Baroque work erected in the 18th century. Standing at 22 meters tall, it was commissioned by the Jesuit Francesco Pepe. The structure, adorned with sculptures by Matteo Bottiglieri and Francesco Pagano, celebrates the Immaculate Conception. Every December 8th, a crown of flowers is placed on the statue in honor of the Immaculate. Inspired by festive machines of the time, the work is a remarkable example of Neapolitan Baroque sculpture. Legend has it that from behind, a veil forms a skeletal face symbolizing death, with a scepter in hand.