The Basses of the Historic Centre of Naples: a journey into the heart of Neapolitan tradition

In the beating heart of Naples, a fascinating architectural element steeped in history continues to tell the story of the city’s deep roots: the ‘bassi’, also known as ‘vasci’. These small flats located on the ground floors of historic buildings, with direct access to the street, are a symbol of Neapolitan culture and represent a way of life that dates back centuries.

What are ‘bassi’?
The term ‘basso’ refers to those flats that occupy the ground floor of historic buildings in the centre of Naples. They are distinguished by their location, directly connected to the street, often with doors and windows that open onto the bustling city life. In the past, basses were mainly dwellings of working-class families, but over time they have taken on a unique cultural and historical connotation.
Many of these flats are characterised by high, sometimes vaulted ceilings and small but cosy spaces that lend themselves to family life and the tradition of ‘living together’. Their layout reflects a functional architecture, designed to make the most of space in a dense and vibrant urban context.

History and tradition
Basses have a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. During the Spanish period, Naples was a densely populated city and, in an extremely compact urban context, building flats on the ground floors was a practical solution to accommodate a large part of the population. In fact, the bassi were places of daily life and commerce: many Neapolitan families had their workshops on the ground floor, while the upper floors housed their homes.
Over the centuries, the bassi have maintained their vocation as popular dwellings, despite the evolution of the city. From the 19th century onwards, with the expansion of the city and the introduction of new architectural styles, the ‘bassi’ became an important reference point for Neapolitan life, increasingly becoming places where craft activities, neighbourhood markets and small shops were concentrated.

Low life: a Neapolitan way of life
Living in a basso is a true Neapolitan experience. The proximity of the street and the constant flow of city life make these flats particularly lively. Basses are often meeting places, where neighbours greet each other every day, exchange small talk and help each other out. Life in the bassi is permeated by a strong sense of community: here, families – especially those who have lived in these spaces for generations – are linked by a network of traditions, rituals and customs that enrich the social fabric.
Not only homes, but also places of commerce and craft activities, the bassi continue to represent a bastion of popular culture. The Neapolitan culinary art, for example, finds one of its truest expressions in the bassi, where typical dishes such as pizza margherita, pizza fritta, or frittata di pasta are prepared, which originate in the small spaces of family kitchens.

The allure of decadence and the challenge of preservation
The fascination of low-rise buildings, however, lies not only in their traditional aspects, but also in their decadence. Many of them have been neglected over the years, and the slow deterioration of some buildings has raised important questions about the preservation of these historic places. Basses are often subject to renovation, but the challenge is to keep the authenticity of these spaces intact without sacrificing security and modern comfort.
Local authorities, and Neapolitan cultural organisations, are increasingly active in preserving the architectural heritage of the historic centre, seeking to protect the identity of these basses, which are a fundamental part of the city’s collective memory.

The bassi today: a symbol of resilience
Today, the bassi are still inhabited by a part of the Neapolitan population, but they are also the object of interest for tourists and visitors seeking to discover the true soul of Naples. In some cases, the bassi have been renovated, but still retain their unique structure and atmosphere, which make them different from any other form of habitation.
The Neapolitan basso, therefore, is a place that stands the test of time, a symbol of resilience and continuity despite the urban and economic difficulties the city has faced over the years. Basses are a testimony to the indissoluble bond between the city’s history and its people, a place that tells the story of Naples of yesterday and today.
Ultimately, living in a ‘basso’ is like being part of a long tradition rooted in the heart of Naples, an experience that refers to a way of being that mixes passion, culture and community. And, despite the changes, the bassi remain one of the most fascinating and authentic aspects of the Neapolitan historical centre.