Don Paolo Marigliano di Montefalcone detested envy and considered friendship a religion. At almost 100 years of age, he became friends with the children and grandchildren of his friends. Governor of the Pio Monte della Misericordia and esteemed professional with multiple positions, such as president of the Unione Club, he organized a gala dinner for President Mitterand with only one hour prior notice. He was also known for his passion for the card game bridge, of which he was Italian champion in 1953. After decades, many remember his name believing it refers to a professional master of this card game.
The history of the building
The courtyard remains to this day the center of the building: it once housed cellars, warehouses, a 15th century oven which remains intact and stables which hosted horses until the 1930s.
During the bombings of 1943, the building was hit by three bombs. The Palazzo was restored in the post-war period by Don Francesco Marigliano del Monte. It is thanks to him, with the help of publishers and bankers, that “Il Giornale” printed by Arte Tipografica and signed by Benedetto Croce (the liberal philosopher) was established in the Palazzo. Currently, some of the most prestigious and traditional Neapolitan artisans including the Antica Legatoria, the Doll Hospital, Tiziana D’Auria Presepi and Materia Mediterranea can be found within the Palazzo’s courtyard.