San Leucio, architecture
In the architect’s drawings, the workers’ houses of San Leucio are arranged in two continuous and symmetrical blocks, open towards a central scenic element, the statue of the sovereign, and all the streets radiating from a large circular square are interconnected by other circular and concentric streets. From the general plan of San Leucio one can also see the Cathedral, the Theater, and a Hospital for needy artists. Besides, of course, the Royal House.
San Leucio, the workers’ village
The first stone of the workers’ village of San Leucio was laid on September 18, 1798, but the revolution of 1799 prevented the realization of this large and ambitious urban project, drastically reducing the original plan. However, the symmetry was maintained. The rows of housing for the workers, on either side of the monumental entrance portal surmounted by two lions and the Bourbon coat of arms, overlook a large rectangular courtyard and face the Royal Belvedere House, which can be reached by a large, double, and symmetrical staircase. The church, smaller than expected, was incorporated into the central building and its churchyard is raised relative to the square.
In the Royal House, besides the King’s apartment, there were accommodations for the parish priest and the school teacher, as well as offices for the management and administration of the manufactory. The cellars were used for winemaking and as storage for oil, fruit, and whatever was produced on-site.
Not far from the workers’ village, in the Vaccheria district, agricultural activities were organized, while in the silk mills, upstream of the Casina del Belvedere, silks and velvets destined for the furnishings of royal residences and rich Neapolitan palaces were produced.
The Royal Colony was governed by special laws and regulations. Here there was a legal-economic code, conceived by Ferdinand, which for its great originality was translated into Latin, Greek, French, and German.
