Fire at the Sannazaro Theater in Naples, first images of the interior released

Following the vast fire that broke out at dawn in Naples’ Chiaia district, which enveloped the Sannazaro Theater causing the dome to collapse and a dense column of smoke, the first images of the building’s interior are now emerging. The blaze, which developed in the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, required immediate action in the hub of the city center. Since the early dawn hours, five firefighting teams have intervened to contain and extinguish the flames that affected the theater structure. Photographs released from inside document the damage caused by the fire and restore the scale of the event that affected one of the city’s historic theaters.

“It has been since 1969 that our family, with sacrifice, love and dedication, has kept alive, with vivid splendor, the ”Chiaia’s bomboniera,“ which went up in smoke in a few hours,” declares the theater’s page on its Facebook profile. “While waiting to find out the causes, we first thank our audience, who allowed us to keep this dream alive. We also thank our colleagues who, from all over Italy, have shown us their closeness and the entire citizenry, who have shown us affection as only the Neapolitan people know how to do. At the moment our pain is so strong that it is difficult for us to even answer a phone call or message. THANK YOU. #vailsannazaro.”

“The serious fire that hit the Sannazaro Theater is a wound for all of Naples,” writes Naples Mayor GaetanoManfredi. “I express on behalf of the municipal administration and the city my most sincere sympathy to the Sansone family, artistic director Lara Sansone, the workers, artists and all the people who live and work in this place so important for Neapolitan culture. I went to check on the spot, to hug and hearten Lara and the family. Unfortunately, the theater is destroyed, but as the City Council we are and will be at their side, together with other institutions such as the Region and the Ministry of Culture, to support in every possible way the path of the theater’s rebirth and to be close also to the families involved in these difficult hours. Naples does not forget its places of culture and does not leave alone those who keep them alive every day. Only last year we were able to remember, together in an exhibition at the Maschio Angioino, the history and roots of Sannazaro and the unforgettable Luisa Conte, in a moment that celebrated its value and identity: that is why today the pain is even stronger, but we must work together for the rebirth of the theater.”

The affected area is located in a densely populated area, a circumstance that necessitated the extension of security measures to the surrounding buildings as well, according to a Feb. 17union ordinance issued by the City of Naples. The event generated a situation of localized environmental and health emergency, which necessitated immediate measures to protect the health of the population, productive activities and environmental heritage, given the risks arising from the inhalation of toxic fumes and gases. People present in the area affected by the fire in the Chiaia district, from the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, and until further notice, have been advised to take maximum precautionary measures: avoid being outdoors for long periods, close doors, windows and openings to the outside, turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cover nose and mouth with a damp cloth in the vicinity of smoke. It is not recommended to use balconies and terraces to observe the cloud, and to expose clothing to the open air. Anyone experiencing respiratory problems or airway irritation should contact a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

Fire at the Sannazaro Theater in Naples, first images of the interior released

The author of this article: Noemi Capoccia

Originaria di Lecce, classe 1995, ha conseguito la laurea presso l'Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara nel 2021. Le sue passioni sono l'arte antica e l'archeologia. Dal 2024 lavora in Finestre sull'Arte.

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