Naples Cathedral

Naples, Italy

The present Naples cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou. Construction continued during the reign of his successor, Charles II (1285-1309) and was completed in the early 14th century under Robert of Anjou. It was built on the foundations of two palaeo-Christian basilicas, whose traces can still be clearly seen. Underneath the building excavations have revealed Greek and Roman artifacts. The Archbishop's Palace adjoins the cathedral.

The main attraction of the interior is the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, with frescoes by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco, altarpieces by Domenichino, Massimo Stanzione and Jusepe Ribera, the rich high altar by Francesco Solimena, the bronze railing by Cosimo Fanzago and other artworks, including a reliquary by 14th-century French masters.

Other artworks include an Assumption by Pietro Perugino, canvasses by Luca Giordano and the palaeo-Christian baptistery, with mosaics from the 4th century. The main chapel is a restoration of the 18th century, with a Baroque relief by Pietro Bracci. The Minutolo Chapel, mentioned in Boccaccio's Decameron, has 14th-century frescoes.

The crypt is by the Lombard Tommaso Malvito. The façade was reworked by Enrico Alvino in the late 19th century, but retains the 15th century portal, including some sculptures by Tino da Camaino.

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Address

Via Duomo 147, Naples, Italy
See all sites in Naples

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Leonardo Pirro (4 months ago)
Naples Cathedral The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Duomo di San Gennaro is a medieval cathedral established in the 4th century but the baptistery is the only surviving part of the original structure. The present building is in the Gothic-style and was completed in 1323. Antonio Baboccio redesigned the west facade in 1407 following damage from an earthquake Again in 1877-1905 the fagade was renovated by Enrico Alvino. The portal has survived from the medieval structure. The church has a large nave with over 100 granite columns brought from the Africa and the Far East. Most of the interior décor is in the baroque-style. There are portraits of saints by Luca Giordano and the beautiful ceiling mural is by Fabrizio Santafede (1621). The Basilica di Santa Restituta or Capella di Santa Restituta is the site of the original church and is off to the left side of the nave; it is the oldest church in Naples. You can see part of an Early Christian mosaic floor; columns from an earlier Greek temple and a Roman floor mosaic in the excavations in the crvnt. In the Reale Cappella del Tesoro Naples Cathedral trorii ari carlicr brcen tciripolc arid a Roman floor mosaic in the excavations ir the crypt. In the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro you can see lavish decoration, frescoes by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco, altar pieces by Domenichino, Massimo Stanzione, Jusepe Ribera and Francesco Solimena and Cosimo Fanzago bronze work. The cathedral holds a vial of Saint Januarius (Saint Gennaro) blood. Gennaro was a former Bishop of Naples and is now the city's patron saint. On the saint's day (September 19), December 16 and the first Sunday in May each year the miracle of the blood is said to occur here when the olood liquefies. Gennaro lived during a period of Christian persecution at the hands of Emperor Diocletian. Gennaro Nas instrumental in saving many Christians from the authorities. In 304AD he was arrested and thrown to the lions which bowed down to him. The authorities then had him beheaded. The cathedral holds the relics of Gennaro including his head. In addition the cathedral holds ancient Roman excavation in the crypt.
Verne Smith (4 months ago)
Awe inspiring. One of the most beautiful places I've seen. The sculptures up there look pretty small from the Piazza, but when you get up there and see it in detail, the beautiful precise carvings, it's stunning.
Lee Bernstein (5 months ago)
A beautiful church with amazing sculptures and wonderful artwork. One important thing to note: if you are a woman dressed “immodestly”, you might be asked to leave. It won’t be rude, but you wouldn’t get to see the sights.
Anne Marie Ryan (5 months ago)
A beautiful cathedral. The artwork on the ceiling is amazing. We were able to walk straight in, no queue. You can take the steps down under the altar to view another small section.
Samantha Platt (7 months ago)
Another beautiful Italian Cathedral that is ornately decorated. We have come to expect this now in Italy, but each time we walk into a new one, the level of craftsmanship and detail truly take your breath away. There is a small Bapistry that you can visit off to the side of the main Cathedral for just €2.50. Whe the small mosaic ceiling is not intact, it is truly sublime with its level of detail.
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