Cappella Sansevero, Naples, Italy

The Cappella Sansevero contains works of art by some of the leading Italian artists of the 18th century.

Its origin dates to 1590 when John Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, after recovering from a serious illness, had a private chapel built in what were then the gardens of the nearby Sansevero family residence, the Palazzo Sansevero. The building was converted into a family burial chapel by Alessandro di Sangro in 1613 (as inscribed on the marble plinth over the entrance to the chapel). Definitive form was given to the chapel by Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, who also included Masonic symbols in its reconstruction. Until 1888 a passageway connected the Sansevero palace with the chapel.

The chapel houses almost thirty works of art, among which are three idiosyncratic sculptures. These statues are emblematic of the love of decoration in late-Baroque, and are made of a marble-like substance that, in whole or in part, was invented by Raimondo. Raimondo also participated in the design of the works of art in the chapel. The Veiled Truth (Pudizia, also called Modesty or Chastity) was completed by Antonio Corradini in 1750 as a tomb monument dedicated to Cecilia Gaetani dell'Aquila d'Aragona, mother of Raimondo. A Christ Veiled under a Shroud (also called Veiled Christ), shows the influence of the veiled Modesty, and was completed in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino. The Release from Deception (Disinganno) by Francesco Queirolo of Genoa serves as a monument to Raimondo's father.

References:

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User Reviews

Salvador Menjivar (2 months ago)
Without any hesitation the most noble of churches mixing norman architecture with other styles over the centuries but due to sympathetic restorations it has been brought back to its most essential beauty. The catacombs adjacent are also worth a visit to give you a real sense of the intricate layers of history upon which it was built.

Deborah McRitchie (3 months ago)
The veiled Christ is the most moving piece of sculpture I've ever seen. Breathtaking! The other sculptures are great too. Don't miss it.

luke matarazzo (3 months ago)
This is a must see in Napoli, just for the Veiled Christ. There were several times I got lost looking at certain parts of this sculpture and really thought it was real from the intense detail. It's insane! I recommend buying your ticket online so you can be in the fast line which moved much more quickly than the other one (for 1 extra Euro). And make sure you get the audio guide. It gives some good info about the place which really helps you appreciate it more.

Hagop Araklian (4 months ago)
This is one of the astonishing places I have ever been. Unfortunately photos and recording prohibited. But nevertheless I did enjoy just observing the masterpiece. It cots 7Euros and in general inside you will find nothing as interesting as this spectacular sculpture of the veiled Christ. But it worth the money.

Calvin Zito (4 months ago)
I'm not a huge student of art but the sculpture of the Veiled Christ at this church is amazing. It literally looks like Jesus coming through a veil - but it is marble. While the Veiled Christ is alone worth the admission, it's definitely worth spending at least an hour here looking at everything. I would recommend getting the audio guide as there are a lot of interesting facts about the history of Sanservero that you won't pick up on from the signboards that have very limited descriptions.

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The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the main sights of St. Petersburg. The church was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated and was dedicated in his memory. Construction began in 1883 under Alexander III, as a memorial to his father, Alexander II. Work progressed slowly and was finally completed during the reign of Nicholas II in 1907. Funding was provided by the Imperial family with the support of many private donors.

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