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A large fire that broke out in central Naples early Tuesday has destroyed the historic Sannazaro Theatre, forced dozens of families to move out of their homes, and damaged nearby buildings in the city’s upscale Chiaia district, according to Italian media reports.
Authorities said no serious injuries were reported, though several residents were taken to the hospital after breathing in smoke as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control through the morning.
The fire is believed to have started in an apartment block in Chiaia, a fashionable neighborhood known for its residential streets and cultural venues. From there, flames quickly spread and tore through the nearby Sannazaro Theatre, a historic performance venue dating back to the 19th century.
As emergency crews moved in, thick smoke filled the surrounding area, prompting evacuations and safety warnings for residents living close by. Around 30 families were asked to leave their homes as a precaution while firefighters tried to put out the flames.
Italian outlets reported that emergency teams were still tackling the fire later in the morning, indicating how rapidly it had built up and how difficult it was to bring it under control.
The extent of the damage became clear as the theater’s dome, one of its defining architectural features, completely caved in during the incident. Nearby buildings were also affected, underlining how the fire had spread beyond its initial starting point.
Residents described waking up to heavy smoke covering the district. One local said, “We’ve been awake since five o’clock, there’s a massive cloud,” adding that people stayed indoors with handkerchiefs pressed over their noses to cope with the air conditions.
The Chiaia district sits near Naples’ waterfront and is widely regarded as one of the city’s most elegant areas, making the loss of a historic cultural site particularly significant for the neighborhood.
Emergency services focused not only on containing the fire but also on clearing out surrounding buildings to reduce health risks. At least four residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, though officials confirmed that no one suffered serious injuries.
Naples resident and political commentator Tommaso Ederoclite said he noticed flames around 6:45 a.m. and described the situation as dangerous, warning that the air had become difficult to breathe and stressing the importance of leaving nearby apartments.
Firefighters continued working at the scene as authorities monitored structural safety and air conditions in the affected area.
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