Stunning! Make Sure to Spend Half a Day Here! š
When in Naples, be sure to dedicate half a day to explore the "Naples Cathedral (Duomo)" thoroughly; it's nothing short of an artistic paradise. š Construction began in 1272 on the foundations of ancient Greco-Roman temple ruins and early Christian buildings. The church was damaged by an earthquake in 1456 and has since been rebuilt multiple times, taking on its current Gothic appearance. š The nave is in the shape of a Latin cross, with the ceiling divided into five large painted panels by gilded latticework, featuring works by renowned 17th-century painters. The marble sculpture of the Assumption of the Virgin on the high altar was created by Italian sculptor Pietro Bracci in 1739. This master is most famous for the sea god in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. š On either side of the altar, there are spiral staircases leading down to the crypt, where the relics of Saint Januarius are housed in an urn. š The right aisle of the cathedral originally housed Saint Peter, and in the early 14th century, it became the Capodimonte family chapel, with remnants of 13th-century frescoes still visible. š The left aisle is the Chapel of the Capuana Galeota, with 15th-century frescoes on the walls that are a bit faded, depicting the life story of Saint Athanasius. There are several small chapels on either side of the nave, each with a unique style. š The left transept leads to the Basilica of Santa Restituta, an ancient Christian church from the 4th century. The fresco "The Glory of the Savior" in the apse has Jesus' head painted on wood, a 13th-century fragment, surrounded by angels in the style of 16th-century Renaissance paintings. š The largest chapel here is the Chapel of the Madonna del Principio, featuring a 14th-century mosaic fresco "The Virgin and Child with Saints Gerolo and Restituta." The dome is adorned with 16th-century frescoes depicting the Coronation of the Virgin and the Holy Trinity. There is a small door on the right side of the Basilica of Santa Restituta that leads to the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, built in the 4th century. š The most magnificent part of the entire cathedral is the Chapel of Saint Januarius, located in the right transept. Architects Francesco and Giovan were successively commissioned to design this chapel, which is a collection of Baroque masterpieces, with countless paintings, sculptures, and ornaments contributed by artists and craftsmen. #Naples #NaplesQuintet #NaplesPizza #Church #Fresco #AncientBuilding #Pompeii
