Launched in 1994 - after the huge success of another event named Monuments in the Open (organised in 1992 by Mirella Barracco, Chairwoman of the Foundation "Naples 99", and aiming to restore some of the most important churches and monuments in Naples), Monuments in May, subsequently extended to every weekend in May and, sometimes, even in the beginning of June, has become an international kermesse which, every year, records a great crowd of tourists, citizens and operators in this field as well as the mass media.
The reopening, throughout the years, of numerous monuments and landscapes sites was the determining factor of a historical, artistic and cultural regeneration of the city heritage, made available to the local citizens as well as to tourists.
Also thanks to Monuments in May, Naples confirmed its status of great capital city of Southern Italy and important tourists attraction, thus rediscovering its historical and cultural roots and welcoming an ever growing number of Italian and foreign tourists. All this resulted in a substantial increase in the tourist demand and a "full house" sign in every hotel.
"Monuments in May" led not only to the reopening and restoration of artistic and cultural sites, but also to the transformation of the City Historical Centre into an "Open Museum" (Unesco listed it as Humankind World Heritage). Among the population, young people in particular have "rediscovered" or "discovered" the city and, thanks to their schools, joined the project "Schools adopt a monument". Districts, now named Municipalities, have been put in charge of the events anticipating "Monuments in May" and having the same goals: "Waiting for May" and "Festivals in the city".
In some way, events have been extended to the bordering Municipalities of the coast, the Phlegraean area, the inland and the islands of Naples.
Considering the increase of tourists flows, the Administration decided to include this event in several tourist programs for Italian and foreign tour operators. "Monuments in May" is now a cultural attraction, able to foster the image of the city and facilitate tourist arrivals also in other periods of the year.
Throughout these years, the kermesse has been supported by important institutions like the Campania Region and other prestigious Bodies and Associations.
It is now a tradition that every edition of the event is dedicated to a topic that is developed in detail throughout the weekends. In the XIV edition 2008, the City Administration - Tourism, Events and Equal Opportunities Councillorship set "Art and Culture Itineraries in Churches and Castles" as a theme.
This event will take place from May 2nd to 25th 2008, in 4 weekends:
The theme will be developed through artistic and entertainment events as well as hundreds of guided tours to the four castles (Castel Nuovo, Castel dell' Ovo, Castel Sant' Elmo and Castel Capuano), examples of the civil and military architecture of Naples, and to the numerous churches, sacred elements of the city.
The event will take place in the aforementioned castles and itineraries will be strictly connected with the history of these impressive buildings (built in different historical periods and serving different purposes, as fortresses to protect the city and adorn it) and of churches, also precious heritage of the Parthenopean history.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May 2008, these Castles will host theatrical, music and dance performances. Simultaneously, guided tours will be organized on the whole city territory, also in foreign languages, thanks to the collaboration of several Associations adhering to the event.
Moreover, during the event, street artists will entertain the public and, like every year, there will be the launching of the project "Schools Adopt a Monument", promoted by the Foundation "Naples 99".