The chapel of San Severo known as Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, is an essential artistic stronghold in Italy and is considered a national museum. Located in the historic center of Naples, behind Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. Founded in the 16th century in the Baroque style created by Italian artists from the 18th century.
The chapel was built in 1590 as a private family place of worship. The building changed its purpose later and became the family’s burial site. And when prince Raimondo di Sangro known as “The Alchemist”, decided to it as his private art collection. In addition, Santa Maria della Pieta originates from a famous painting of the Holy Mary.
The elegant chapel is designed in detail. The ceiling of the place is one large painting called the Glory of Paradise, the work of the artist Francesco Maria Russo from 1749. The area’s floor is in black and white colors that symbolize good and evil, in a winding maze.
Inside the magnificent chapel are about 30 beautiful works of art, such as three giant marble statues of human figures standing out. The Veiled Truth, also called Modesty or Chastity. Built in 1752 by Antonio Corradini, in memory of the mother of the San Severo family. Another is the Christ Veiled under a Shroud, or Veiled Chris. And the third one was built a year later, in 1754, in memory of the father of the family.
A unique exhibition is also presented inside, a combination between art, science, and philosophy called Anatomical machines as it shows the bones of two young people, a man, and a pregnant woman, designed in the form of electrical machines. Legend has it that the mad prince of San Severo, Raimundo di Sangro, killed two of his servants to conduct various scientific experiments on their bodies.
A little tip – if you are a museum lover, you can join the Naples museum tour, a daily group tour that includes the chapel. You can find out about the matter online, at the hotel desk, or the local travel agencies.
Be prepared for long waiting lines at the entrance, as this is a top-rated attraction. You can purchase a ticket in advance on the venue’s website. Please note that the visit to the place is limited in time. Therefore it is better to come focused, hire the services of an attached guide, or read about the exhibits before you arrive.
Opening times: Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 9:00-19:00. On Saturdays at 9:00-8:30 (the place is closed on Tuesdays). The latest entry will be allowed at least half an hour before closing.
Prices – an entrance ticket to the place costs 7 euros. Children under the age of 9 enter for free. Audio guides can be rented at the entrance (headphones) for 3.5 euros.
How to get there – by metro line L1 under Dante.
