La Tangenziale Di Napoli
Ernst Schubert

The Tangenziale di Napoli, one of Italy’s most significant urban highways, is much more than a simple transportation link. It represents the progress and challenges of a metropolis constantly navigating the intersection of its rich history and the demands of modernity. Stretching 21 kilometers, it connects the eastern and western suburbs of Naples, cutting through the heart of a city as complex as the Tangenziale itself. However, like any major infrastructure project, it is not without controversies, social impacts, and cultural reflections.
Historically, the desire to better connect Naples’ neighborhoods is not new. As early as the 19th century, the Corso Vittorio Emanuele was constructed, which can be considered the predecessor of today’s Tangenziale. In comparison, the modern Tangenziale is a true superhighway, managing traffic far more efficiently. The Tangenziale was born during a period of significant economic growth. The 1960s, marked by rapid urban development and increasing car traffic, ushered in a phase of urban expansion. With chaotic traffic and a growing urban area, Naples urgently needed a solution to its mobility problems. The Tangenziale was conceived as an urban expressway to relieve congestion in the city center and facilitate inter-neighborhood connections. Construction began in 1968, and the first section was inaugurated in 1972. This ambitious project combined modern engineering with a vision for a more efficient city.
Its architectural feats are particularly impressive: the Tangenziale traverses numerous viaducts and tunnels, designed to adapt to Naples’ hilly topography. The Viadotto Capodichino, standing 60 meters tall, is one of the most iconic structures, while the Vomero and Capodimonte tunnels elegantly slice through the city’s terrain.
Despite its function as a traffic reliever, the Tangenziale has its dark sides. Massive interventions in the urban fabric were necessary during its construction. Entire neighborhoods were altered due to expropriations and demolitions, sparking resistance among residents. Even today, criticism persists regarding the social and urban impacts of this intervention.
In daily life, the Tangenziale is indispensable for many but also a source of frustration. Despite its original purpose as a bypass, it is often overcrowded. Traffic jams, especially during peak hours, are a daily issue. The speed limit of 80 km/h and constant surveillance through cameras and radar are intended to ensure safety, but high traffic density remains a challenge.
It is fascinating how deeply the Tangenziale is woven into the city’s daily life and culture. It is not merely a technical structure but also part of Naples’ collective memory. Every resident has stories of traffic jams, nighttime drives, or struggles with entrances and exits. In a sense, the Tangenziale is a stage for urban life, where the city’s dynamics play out in all their facets.
One of the most told tales about the Tangenziale is the legend of the “Curse of the Tangenziale.” According to this narrative, the highway is said to be afflicted by a curse stemming from the issues encountered during its construction. In the 1960s and 1970s, numerous delays occurred due to technical and organizational difficulties. Some believe that the land on which the Tangenziale was built is haunted by spirits of the past, as the road crosses historical and archaeological sites. The “Curse” is thought to be responsible not only for construction problems but also for the endless traffic jams and chaos that plague the road. Thus, many see the Tangenziale as a place influenced by an invisible force impacting Neapolitans’ daily lives.
Another widespread legend involves ghostly apparitions on the Tangenziale. Commuters and night travelers often recount seeing strange apparitions that appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. These sightings are frequently linked to the numerous fatal accidents along the stretch. The tunnels and more isolated sections seem particularly prone to inexplicable phenomena. In Naples, stories abound of drivers hearing strange noises or seeing shadows, prompting cautious driving along the highway. For many, it’s an unwritten rule: those who drive at night should be prepared to confront the unknown.
An often-overlooked aspect is the economic importance of the Tangenziale. It is the only urban highway in Italy that is entirely toll-based. Originally, the toll was meant to cover construction costs, but even after these were paid off, the toll remained. Today, it is officially used for maintenance and other urban projects. The revenue—about six million euros per month—is a significant economic factor, though not without criticism. Many residents consider the toll unfair and demand reductions, especially since the Tangenziale represents the only viable route for many.
The Tangenziale has profoundly reshaped the urban landscape. Districts like the Zona Ospedaliera have been redefined due to its connections, while other areas have been divided by the highway’s physical barrier. This dual effect—unification and separation—is characteristic of many large infrastructure projects, but in Naples, a city with a dense and historically evolved structure, it is particularly evident.
The Tangenziale is not just a road; it is a metaphor for life in Naples—with all its highs and lows, challenges, and boundless energy.