Historical Churches (Self Guided), Naples

Naples Cathedral’s construction began in the late 13th century under Angevin rule, on a site already occupied by earlier Christian basilicas and Roman structures. This complex past is still visible today: beneath and beside the cathedral lie the remains of early Christian churches, including the Basilica of Santa Restituta.

The cathedral’s main structure reflects Gothic architectural principles introduced from northern Europe, particularly in its soaring interior and pointed arches. Earthquakes, fires, and restorations reshaped parts of the building, introducing new artistic influences over time. The façade seen today dates largely from a 19th-century Neo-Gothic restoration, while the interior preserves medieval elements alongside Baroque chapels and artworks.

One of the cathedral’s most important spaces is the Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro, built in the early 17th century and entirely separate from the cathedral’s original structure. Facing the apse, entering the right side of the cathedral brings you close to the chapel. The entrance is easily recognisable thanks to its imposing scale and black gate. This richly decorated Baroque chapel houses the relics of San Gennaro, Naples’ patron saint. Several times a year, crowds gather here to witness the so-called miracle of the liquefaction of the saint’s blood, a ritual deeply embedded in local tradition. According to legend, failure of the blood to liquefy is seen as an omen of disaster for the city.

Directly opposite the entrance to the Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro is the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Restituta, the original church dating to the 4th century AD. Inside, the basilica preserves several remarkable elements, including a Greek wall associated with the ancient Temple of Apollo, a stretch of Roman aqueduct, and an inclined section of ancient Greek roadway.

While you are here, you can step from the main nave into earlier basilicas, observe medieval mosaics and tombs, and contrast the cathedral’s restrained Gothic lines with the dramatic Baroque intensity of the Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro.

The Pio Monte della Misericordia is a small church located on the Via dei Tribunali in the historic center of Naples. It houses a small but significant art gallery that is open for public viewing.

The Pio Monte della Misericordia was founded by a group of seven Neapolitan nobles in 1602. It was called the charity brotherhood and was located in a small church near the stairs that led to the Cathedral of Naples. The brotherhood performed many charitable deeds like feeding the hungry, providing interest free loans for the poor, ransoming Christian slaves, visiting prisoners and burying the indigent dead. The church soon became too small for the charitable activities of the brotherhood and was demolished to make way for a new larger building designed by Antonio Picchiatti. It was constructed between 1658 and 1678. The brotherhood still exists and donates money to schools and hospitals, today.

The Pio Monte della Misericordia has many valuable works of art. The most famous work is Caravaggio's magnificent work called the Seven Acts of Mercy which is regarded as the single most important painting in Naples. It is found above the altar of the church. Besides this masterpiece, impressive works by Carlo Sellitto, Fabrizio Santafede, Luca Giordano and Battistello Caracciolo form part of the gallery.

The San Pietro Martire Church is attached to a Dominican abbey and is located near the port in the downtown area of Naples. It was founded by the Angevin Dynasty to serve the poor people who lived in the neighborhood.

The San Pietro Martire Church was constructed in 1294 under the orders of Charles of Anjou. Initially it was a small building that could house about 13 monks. Later it was expanded and a belfry designed by F.A. Picchiati was added in 1650. The structure was completed only in the 1750s. When Napoleon’s brother in law, Joachim Murat ruled Naples, the abbey was closed and reopened again once the reign of the Bourbon dynasty was restored. It was finally closed during the unification of Italy in 1864. The church remains an important place of worship in the city.

The San Pietro Martire Church was badly damaged during World War II. In 1953, the grounds were converted into a tobacco processing factory. The building was completely restored in 1979. It now houses the faculty of Literature and Philosophy of the University of Naples. The church has become a university chapel and the old abbey houses university lecture halls.

The Gesu Nuovo Church is managed by the Society of Jesus today and was initially built as a lavish residence. The unique exterior with diamond shaped stones has symbols believed to be a music score engraved upon them.

The Gesu Nuovo Church was built as the home of Roberto Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno in 1470. It was purchased by the Jesuits for 45,000 ducats in 1580 and turned into a church. Conversion of the building began in 1584 under the directions of renowned Jesuit architect, Giuseppe Valeriano and was completed in 1601. Although dedicated to Jesus and Mary of the Immaculate Conception, it has always been called the Gesu Nuovo Church.

The Gesu Nuovo Church is not only known for its unique exterior but also for its lavish interiors. It has the shape of a Greek cross with 11 chapels. The columns and altars are all covered with marble. Treasures inside the church are the fresco depicting the Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple by Francesco Solimena behind the façade and the frescoes depicting the life of the Virgin by Massimo Stanzione. The high altar was designed by F. Giuseppe Grossi was created by Neapolitan artists and covered with rare marbles, bronze and precious stones. Another treasure is the bas relief reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper by Gennaro Calì.

The basilica of the Holy Spirit is a small church from 1562. Previously on this spot stood the Duke of Monteleone palace, flanked on both sides by two music conservatories: one of the so-called White brotherhood (Real Compagnia and Arciconfraternita dei Bianchi dello Spirito Santo) and the other of the Green sisterhood. Their names were due to the colors of the clothing worn by the students: the former being the poor of the city, and the latter – the daughters of prostitutes.

The expansion works of 1572-1576 saw the White Convent complex, of which only the homonymous oratory remains today, incorporated into the body of the church, drastically increased.

Complete with its famous dome, the church stands over 70 meters high. The dome was built in 1775 during renovation of the central basin, in order to provide illumination for the nave. Both, the nave and the dome's inside are devoid of any pictorial or otherwise decorative element, whereas the rest of the interior is lavishly decorated with sculptures by Michelangelo Naccherino and Paolo Persico.

There are also numerous paintings: of the Pentecost by Francesco de Mura; of Madonna and saints by Fedele Fischetti, of the Assumption by Francesco Celebrano; and of Madonna, saints and the Pentecost by Fabrizio Santafede – all dating back to the same period.

San Francesco di Paola Church is one of the city’s most visually commanding religious buildings, closely tied to Naples’ 19th-century political history. Construction began in 1816 under King Ferdinand I of Bourbon, who commissioned the church as both a votive offering and a symbol of restored monarchy after the Napoleonic period. Completed in 1824, the church deliberately echoes the Pantheon in Rome, with a vast circular plan, a portico supported by Corinthian columns, and a large central dome that dominates the square. Its restrained Neoclassical style marked a clear departure from the exuberant Baroque churches that define much of Naples’ earlier sacred architecture.

Immediately after passing through the grand external portico, you enter a rectangular atrium before reaching the main circular body. The atrium contains entrances to two side chapels. The Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory is on the left, and houses a painting of Saint Onofrio—a stark, powerful example of late Baroque art. On the right side of the atrium, you find the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which features a striking 18th-century polychrome marble altar. Above it hangs a painting of Saint Francis of Paola, notable for its intense use of light and shadow.

Inside the main body of the church, the atmosphere is markedly calm and spacious, shaped by the building’s symmetry and uncluttered design. The high dome filters soft light into the interior, creating a strong sense of openness. The church’s most celebrated painting is located directly opposite the entrance, in the semi-circular space behind the altar. Titled Saint Francis of Paola Resuscitates a Dead Man, it was painted by Neoclassical Italian artist Vincenzo Camuccini and depicts the saint’s miraculous powers.

Today, the church remains an active place of worship and a popular venue for weddings.