Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta — Attraction in Naples

The Duomo di Napoli, also known as the Cathedral of Naples or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Naples, Italy. It serves as the main church of the city and the seat of the Archbishop of Naples. The cathedral is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and the annual Miracle of the Blood of San Gennaro.

History • Foundation: The cathedral was commissioned in the late 13th century by King Charles I of Anjou and completed in the early 14th century. It was built on the site of earlier churches, some of which date back to Roman and early Christian times. • Dedicated to San Gennaro: The Duomo is dedicated to Naples’ patron saint, San Gennaro (Saint Januarius), whose relics and blood are preserved here. • Renovations: Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous renovations, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic styles.

Key Features Façade: • The current Neo-Gothic façade was completed in the late 19th century, with three large portals and ornate sculptures. • The central portal, richly decorated, highlights the majesty of the structure. Interior: • The interior is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles, with a Latin cross plan and three naves supported by large columns. • It houses several chapels, each richly adorned with paintings, sculptures, and relics. Chapel of San Gennaro (Cappella del Tesoro): • One of the most significant parts of the Duomo, this Baroque masterpiece (built in the 17th century) is home to the relics of San Gennaro. • The chapel contains an extraordinary collection of art, including works by Domenichino and Lanfranco. • It also holds the ampoules of San Gennaro’s blood, central to the famous miracle. The Miracle of San Gennaro: • This ritual occurs three times a year: on the first Saturday of May, September 19th (San Gennaro’s feast day), and December 16th. • The faithful gather to witness the liquefaction of the saint’s dried blood, believed to signal good fortune for Naples. If the blood does not liquefy, it is seen as an ominous sign. Basilica of Santa Restituta: • An ancient paleochristian basilica incorporated into the cathedral, it dates back to the 4th century. • The basilica is home to beautiful mosaics and is considered one of the oldest Christian sites in Naples. Archaeological Site: • Beneath the cathedral lies an archaeological site with remains of Greek, Roman, and early Christian structures, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of Naples. Crypt of San Gennaro: • Located under the main altar, the crypt is another significant site that houses the tomb of San Gennaro.

Significance • The Duomo is not only a religious center but also a cultural and historical symbol of Naples. • The Miracle of San Gennaro reflects the deep connection between the city’s residents and their patron saint, highlighting Naples’ unique blend of faith and tradition. • Architecturally, the cathedral represents the evolution of styles over centuries, showcasing Naples’ rich artistic heritage.

Visiting Information • Location: The cathedral is located in the heart of Naples on Via Duomo, near Spaccanapoli and other historical sites. • Hours: Open daily, with specific hours for the cathedral, crypt, and archaeological area. • Tickets: Entry to the main cathedral is free, but there may be a small fee for access to the crypt, chapel, and archaeological areas.

The Duomo di Napoli is a must-visit for anyone exploring Naples, offering a profound experience of faith, art,...

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...

La Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta or Metropolitan Cathedral of Assumption of Saint Mary was founded in 1294 by Carlo II (1254-1309) the King of Naples. Construction was accomplished in 1313 during the reign Robert I of Anjou (1276-1343) next King of Naples. In 1314 Cathedral was solemnly consecrated and started its life as the monument of Angevin Royal Dynasty of Naples. It survived at least three heavy earthquakes in XIV and XV centuries, plagues and even air bombardments of RAF and USAF during WW II. Cathedral or Duomo is must see place for all fans and people interested in medieval military history and medieval culture. For all Christians this is the place where we can venerate Holy Relics of San Gennaro (Saint Januarius) one of the Christian Martyrs in beginning of IV century A.D. and be a witnesses of the miracle of his blood twice a year. Today Nasilica of Santa Restituta is a part of Cathedral. This is excellent monument of medieval culture and architecture. Here you can find funeral slabs with figures of deceased in full suits of armor. Admission is free but any donation is welcomed and highly appreciated. Visitors are allowed to take non commercial photo without flash light. Naples, Campania,...