Naples has no shortage of historic basilicas and church buildings and this is one of the most…read moreimpressive in the city. Highly recommend to drop by for a look as admission is free (donations accepted), and they are open later until 7pm so it's convenient to swing by before heading to dinner. On a cloudy day in April apparently many like-minded visitors had the same idea as it was fairly busy, though not extremely crowded. Located on the western edge of the Centro Historico district, the "New" in its name distinguishes it from another existing church of the name Gesu Vecchio. Initially the palace residence built in 1470 for Roberto Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno, political divisions led to his son and heir Ferrante Sanseverino being exiled and property confiscated, and this property sold to the Jesuit order. In 1584 construction began, led by appointed architect Giuseppe Valeriano, to convert this aristocratic palazzo to Jesuit church. The palace's unique facade was the only remnant left, with its bugnato (rusticated) grey volcanic-stone punta di diamante (diamond point) protrusions. What's even more intriguing is that this facade, designed by original palazzo architect Novello da San Lucano, who was also a composer, incorporated musical notes in Aramaic letters incised into the stone, which has been interpreted by musical historians as sheet music. The music has been named "Enigma" and you can find it played on YouTube. Other scholars interpret these symbols to be related to alchemy and esoteric practices popular in the day. This building passed between different hands thru the centuries though in 1900 definitively returned to the Jesuits. Nowadays it's known for the vast number of artworks that line its ceilings and chapels. They were certainly awe-inspiring to see! I spent about 30-45 minutes walking around, this is a functioning parish so administrative offices, prayer sections, a shop for purchasing ex-votos and souvenirs, and other functional facilities are also present. Hours: 8am-12:45pm, 4-7pm daily.

What a big surprise! There's a hidden gem behind that palace facade. You enter through the Baroque…read morelooking entryway at the Piazza of the same name. We were totally amazed at what we saw inside this church. I would have never known based on its exterior. It's immensely grand and ornate as you walk inside. The ceiling and chapels are covered in Italian Baroque art from famous artists such as Francesco Solimena and Luca Giordano. There are alters made of precious stones and marble statues. All of which are saintly and historical. I didn't realize it at the time, but people do go there to be healed. There is a chapel dedicated to a Naples doctor & saint named Giuseppe Moscati. His tomb lies under the chapel altar. He is known for taking care of the sick and the poor. There was a line of people waiting to enter a part of the church that houses his personal quarters and belongings. We didn't get to see it, so I can't comment on it. It's just something to consider seeing while you're there. This whole area is full of historical churches. I mean, you could visit churches all day long if that's your thing. This is a great option if you only have time to visit one, and it's free to the public. They accept donations as most churches do.

Known for its tiled cloister garden, it's actually two monasteries, one for Franciscans monks and…read moreone for Clarisses (nuns). This monastery originated in 1310 and was constructed between 1313-1340, commissioned by Queen Sancia of Majorca and her husband Robert of Anjou (who inherited the throne, and later became King of Naples), and was where both were eventually interred. Since Sancia's brother Phillip of Majorca had joined the Franciscan order, he petitioned to have Santa Chiara built, though he wasn't alive for much longer after it was completed. The Gothic complex underwent major renovation in 1742-62 transforming the interior with Baroque style frescos in the church nave and along the portico arcade walkways surrounding the cloister garden. Additions of the colorful majolica tiled pillars and benches were added then; floral designs adorn the octagonal pillars, and the paintings on the benches depict landscape and scenes from the 18th century. The main church facade sits opposite the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo (see my separate review), though the visitor entrance is around the side. This is where you can purchase tickets €7 general admission or €5 for students and seniors. They do not participate in city/museum passes. For the size of the complex, there's a fair amount to check out, aside from the cloister garden (of which part was under restoration April 2026), there's a museum detailing the history of the building, with sacred artworks and requilaries, ruins of a Roman bathhouse that's excavated next to/under the church, a one-room gallery of local contemporary religious artworks, an 18th century nativity scene (this tradition is very strong in southern Italy!), a small library and quite a large gift shop. For some reason I didn't go into the church nave itself, I'm not sure if it was open at the time? What was terrific was the accessibility of the descriptions for items on display, many had English translations. There was also a free audio guide available via QR code though you have to use your cell phone. This can be a bit challenging on battery life so I didn't scan it, found the printed placards to be plenty. I spent about 45 minutes inside. For more info: https://www.monasterodisantachiara.it/en/

I had an unfortunate experience there. My daughter was posing for me to take her picture in the…read moregardens and without thinking sat on a bench. A worker only needed to say "Please, don't sit on the benches. Thank you." Instead this lady began a tirade, telling us to have some respect, insulting us and going on and on. So rude and just awful, she was.

San Gaetano (Saint Cajetan) was a priest who lived and worked in Naples from the late 15th to mid…read more16th century and co-founder of the Theatine Order. Then over a hundred years later in 1671 he became canonized as one of the catholic saints associated with Naples. As the patron saint of the unemployed, job seekers, gamblers, and good fortune, he was known for creating an interest free bank to help the poor and disadvantaged, that later became the Bank of Naples. Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore is where he is interred, and the piazza outside also bears a statue in his honor. While located on the busy street of Via dei Tribunali, right next to Sotterranea Napoli (see separate review) and across from Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore La Neapolis Sotterrata (another historic site worth exploring) I didn't see many tourists flocking to this church, probably since it's not on the list of popular sites around the city, and according to Gmaps only open Fri-Sun. Probably also a good thing since it's a functional local parish too. Inside the ceiling nave is covered with colorful frescos, many of the damaged though appears to be extensive work restoring what portions remain. Sections depict the life and miracles of Christ while others depict life and miracles of Saint Cajetan. The walls are also covered in frescos, beautiful marble of many red, green, cream, black tones and striations, and gold painted trimmings. The domes are on the smaller side but are very ornate. Downstairs the crypt holds the remains of the Saint.

Remarkable church featuring paintings by Vasari, a room with majolica tile floors (you can't…read moreactually walk on the majolica) , statues, tombs of the local nobility and extensive frescos and statues. The outside is not impressive except for the Saturday leading to the entrance. Located in a workaday area between the central station and the archeological museum.

Neapolis is the city beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore - well, part of it. Amazing to know you've walked…read morewhere centuries of lifestyles had lived the way they did. People didn't mention this underground tour to me before. It's different from the other one. I still suggest you visit this one also. Look for LA NEAPOLIS SOTTERRATA. There are tours in English available. There's a museum in one branch of the structure. Then you're allowed inside the complesso where a courtyard invites you to several spaces. There's a chapel-like room, a meeting hall type of area with ceiling art. Worth the neck ache! I happened upon this tour only because I went inside the church. Then I saw the sign for tours which was about perfect timing. You get to see inside the church which is free. The tour is paid, but make sure to check their free offers on the first Sunday of the month!

Completed in 1324, Basilica San Domenico Maggiore resides near "Spaccanapoli" in the historic…read morecenter of Naples, and containing both an older church plus a monastery nicely represents the Gothic style with well preserved works of art and tremendous detailing throughout its fairly small interior.