Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Have you ever heard of a church named after a star and some nuns? Right here in Naples stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle. This charming church has a rather peculiar name. It combines the celestial with the earthly. “Santa Maria della Stella” translates to “Saint Mary of the Star,” referring to a title given to the Virgin Mary, “Stella Maris” or “Star of the Sea.” This title speaks to her role as a guiding light for sailors. The “Paparelle” part is a bit more down-to-earth. It’s a nickname given to the nuns who resided in a convent next door. Apparently, it playfully stems from the last name of the convent’s founder, Lucia Paparo. Now let’s delve a bit deeper into the history of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle. The church dates back to the 16th century, designed in the Renaissance style by Giovanni Francesco Mormando. He intended it as his family chapel. You can still sense that personal touch in the elegant simplicity of its facade, adorned with piperno, a local volcanic stone. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle is no longer a functioning church, but it continues to captivate with its history and charm.

The story of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle in Naples is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Naples and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Naples in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Naples with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Naples – only with Explory.

More Places in Naples

Gulf of Gaeta

The Gulf of Gaeta. A name whispered on the wind, a name etched in the chronicles of emperors and popes.

Explore

Gulf of Pozzuoli

What secrets lie beneath the shimmering surface of the Gulf of Pozzuoli? Right here, at the edge of this vibrant

Explore

Necropoli Cappella

“Couldn’t they have chosen a more cheerful name?”, you might think and indeed, the Necropoli Cappella, located on the slopes

Explore

Piazza Garibaldi

“Are those trees made of metal?” you might wonder, looking up at the canopy covering Piazza Garibaldi. It’s a valid

Explore