“A masterpiece of Baroque, wouldn’t you say?” whispered a woman admiring the Chiesa di San Pasquale a Chiaia. This stunning church graces the square of the same name in the elegant Chiaia district. King Charles of Bourbon and Queen Amalia of Saxony commissioned the Chiesa di San Pasquale a Chiaia in 1749. It was a symbol of gratitude to St. Pasquale for the birth of their son. The Queen held a particular devotion to the saint. Interestingly, the architect chosen for this grand project was an Indian man named Antonio Borbone. He earned his last name by being King Charles’ godson! Originally, the Chiesa di San Pasquale a Chiaia featured a Greek cross layout. Later, in 1762, it underwent an expansion. The nave was extended, and the main façade was added, giving the Chiesa di San Pasquale a Chiaia the grandeur you see today. Inside, you’ll find a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. While the structure is relatively simple, the stuccoes adorning the nave’s vault and the dome’s pendentives (the triangular spaces between the arches) add a touch of elegance. As you explore further, notice the impressive artwork. One highlight is the wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child on the left-hand altar. This sculpture serves a dual purpose. It shelters an urn containing relics of Blessed Egidio Maria of San Giuseppe. He was an Alcantarine friar who lived in Chiaia between the 18th and 19th centuries. His presence adds another layer of local history to the Chiesa di San Pasquale a Chiaia.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938