The Flavio Gioia square and Porta Nuova were originally two squares that were joined. The renowned St Matthew’s fete, one of the most prestigious in Italy was held here, the square was also used for executions. The right hand wall of the Porta Nova Square has a wall painting of the Lady of Grace that dates to the late 1600s, where the condemned stopped to say a last prayer. Between the two squares is the ‘Porta Nuova’ designed in 1754 by Ragozzino. On the top of the gateway sits a statue of St. Matthew, patron saint and protector of Salerno.
