In 1587, a group of Naples’ hardworking coachmen pooled their earnings. They had a dream: to build a church dedicated to their patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi. Right here, in the heart of the city, the Chiesa dei Santi Francesco e Matteo first opened its doors. The coachmen’s pride was short-lived. For reasons lost to time, they were soon forbidden from gathering in the Chiesa dei Santi Francesco e Matteo. The Franciscan monks took over, but even their pious devotion couldn’t overcome the financial burden of maintaining the church. Finally, in 1588, a group of local worshippers, known as the “Complateari,” purchased the Chiesa dei Santi Francesco e Matteo. With the help of the Brotherhood of Saint Matthew, they embarked on a lavish renovation, transforming the simple church into the Baroque masterpiece we see today, a testament to their faith and the enduring spirit of Naples.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938