Cappella Sansevero, Naples, Italy

The Cappella Sansevero contains works of art by some of the leading Italian artists of the 18th century.

Its origin dates to 1590 when John Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, after recovering from a serious illness, had a private chapel built in what were then the gardens of the nearby Sansevero family residence, the Palazzo Sansevero. The building was converted into a family burial chapel by Alessandro di Sangro in 1613 (as inscribed on the marble plinth over the entrance to the chapel). Definitive form was given to the chapel by Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, who also included Masonic symbols in its reconstruction. Until 1888 a passageway connected the Sansevero palace with the chapel.

The chapel houses almost thirty works of art, among which are three idiosyncratic sculptures. These statues are emblematic of the love of decoration in late-Baroque, and are made of a marble-like substance that, in whole or in part, was invented by Raimondo. Raimondo also participated in the design of the works of art in the chapel. The Veiled Truth (Pudizia, also called Modesty or Chastity) was completed by Antonio Corradini in 1750 as a tomb monument dedicated to Cecilia Gaetani dell'Aquila d'Aragona, mother of Raimondo. A Christ Veiled under a Shroud (also called Veiled Christ), shows the influence of the veiled Modesty, and was completed in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino. The Release from Deception (Disinganno) by Francesco Queirolo of Genoa serves as a monument to Raimondo's father.

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User Reviews

Radka Janíková (2 years ago)
One of the most beautiful museums when you are interested in statues. The delicate work is just fascinating, I've been left speechless. Reservations well in advance are absolute necessity, without it it's nearly impossible visiting. I recommend purchasing an audio guide, it takes the visit to next level. The museo is rather small, but that's enough. It's forbidden to take photos of statues, but if you are nifty, you may sneak one. Either way, at the museum shop you can purchase beautiful postcards of statues, so all good. Lovely love experience.

Blaž Alič (2 years ago)
Audio guide makes everything you see more meaningful. Highly recommended. Veiled Christ and all other works of art are masterpieces. Worthy of a visit.

Naser Dawahry (2 years ago)
A must while you’re in Naples. Get your tickets in advance and go there on time. The statues are so beautiful and carved perfectly, you’re not allowed to take photos in there, and there are people who are making sure you’re not taking any photo :(, at the exit there is a barcode that you can scan and download the pictures from there.

Jason Patton (2 years ago)
This was one of the most captivating sculptures that we saw. The attention to detail was amazing. They strictly forbid photos being taken inside but I was able to snap one before they said something to me.

Arosha Weerakkody (2 years ago)
The marble statue is absolutely beautiful, however photographs are not allowed. Looking at the old reviews, I am not sure how they've taken the photos. So like many others, I ended up purchasing a post card at 1.20 euros. You'll need to book a time slot well in advance. You can take a photo of a post card , like what I've done here.

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