Did a Franciscan friar actually sculpt the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci? Here in Naples on Via Veterinaria stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci. This church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. It got its name “alle Croci” from the crosses that once marked the stations of the Cross along the road leading up to it. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci was founded in 1581 alongside a Franciscan convent. Later, the convent was transformed into a college. The renowned architect Cosimo Fanzago was entrusted with modernizing both the complex and the church in the 17th century.
While Fanzago is often credited with the statues of St. Francis and putti on the facade, some documents suggest a different artist. A Franciscan friar-sculptor, whose name is sadly lost to history, might be the true hand behind these masterpieces. Inside, you’ll find more of Fanzago’s touch. He designed the main altar with its striking simplicity, a hallmark of Franciscan architecture. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci is not just a feast for the eyes. It also houses significant artworks. Look out for the 17th-century wooden statues by Fra’ Diego da Careri. You’ll also find sculptures by both Cosimo and his son Carlo. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli alle Croci stands as a testament to the artistry of the Fanzago family and the enduring legacy of the Franciscan order in Naples.