Could a church be a refuge from the plague? This is the Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli. It stands before you, seemingly simple from the outside. Yet, step inside and you’ll discover a treasure trove of Neapolitan Baroque. The Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli has graced this spot since the 5th century. However, it has undergone many transformations. It was once overseen by the Caracciolo family and later entrusted to the Theatine Order. Today, this church boasts a captivating tale woven into its very fabric. Inside, look up and marvel at the masterpiece above: Giovanni Lanfranco’s frescoes. They depict scenes of the Apostles, their martyrdom, and the glory they achieved. The dome, a vision of Paradise, is the work of Giovanni Battista Beinaschi. It’s said that Cardinal Ascanio Filomarino, a prominent figure in 17th-century Naples, commissioned the opulent altar in the left transept for his family’s tomb. This altar, a collaborative masterpiece, features intricate mosaics by Giovan Battista Calandra. Notice the lifelike marble lions sculpted by Giuliano Finelli, who also created the monument to Gennaro Filomarino, Ascanio’s brother, now in the sacristy. The Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli is more than just a church. It’s a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Neapolitan Baroque. It’s a silent witness to centuries of history, power, and faith.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938