2-995-906 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Revolution in Naples - Garibaldi at the Shrine of the Virgin of Piedigrotta on the 8th September - from a sketch by T. Nast, 1860. 'On the day after Garibaldi's entry into Naples occurred the great fete of the Piedigrotta...This festa was originally established one hundred and twenty-seven years since by Carlo III., to commemorate the expulsion of the Austrians from his dominions. On the present occasion it was held by a most extraordinary combination of circumstances on the day following the entrance of the Dictator and flight of the last of the Austro-Bourbon dynasty. The Neapolitans are a superstitious people, and this combination had an extraordinary effect on their minds. Garibaldi went on a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgin of Piedigrotta, after the manner of the Bourbons. The whole of the National Guard were under arms, and lined the streets from the Palazzo d'Angri to the end of the Riviera di Chiaia. The General with his Staff drove down in carnages, and was received with shouts of delight...The Church of Santa Maria di Piedigrotta is situated near the entrance to the Grotta di Posilipo. According to local tradition it was erected, in 1353, on the site of a much older chapel...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.