Amplifying the sniggers was the fact that the sculpture is called “Tu si ’na cosa grande”, which in Neapolitan dialect means “You are a big thing”.
The ambiguous-looking artwork was placed in Piazza Municipio in the city’s historic centre and was due to be officially unveiled on Wednesday evening by Gaetano Manfredi, the centre-Left mayor.
Many locals said it was ridiculous and should be removed.
‘It has the city talking’
One woman directed a message on X, formerly Twitter, to the mayor, saying: “What do you reckon, should we take down the giant penis in Piazza Municipio? It is really an abomination.”
Another Neapolitan said the sculpture was “embarrassing” and looked like a tribute to Rocco Siffredi, Italy’s most famous male porn star.
Marco Nonno, a member of the conservative Brothers of Italy party, which is led by Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, said the mayor should “apologise” to the city for allowing the sculpture to be installed.
