Museo Cappella Sansevero

The Cappella Sansevero is a major Baroque chapel in the heart of Naples' old town, originally built in 1590 as a burial site for the di Sangro family. As the private chapel of the influential Prince Raimondo di Sangro, who was also known as an inventor and alchemist, it was restored in the 18th century. The single-nave hall with its eight arches and large transverse arch is an outstanding example of Neapolitan Baroque style. Numerous symbolic elements in the decor point to the prince's Freemason membership.

Here you'll find a unique collection of artworks. The monumental ceiling fresco "Gloria del Paradiso" by Francesco Maria Russo dominates the interior. At the center stands Giuseppe Sanmartino's sculpture "Cristo velato" (Veiled Christ), in which a veil carved from marble creates the illusion of transparency and delicate fabric. Other masterpieces include "Disinganno," "Pudicizia," and "Amor Divino." The main altar features the relief "Deposizione" by Francesco Celebrano, who also designed the labyrinth-like marble floor.

In the underground area, known as the Cavea, you'll find two anatomical models by Giuseppe Salerno. These highly detailed reconstructions of the human circulatory system, one on a male skeleton and one on a pregnant woman, are displayed in glass cases and testify to the union of art and science at this historic site.