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Sansevero Chapel Museum: A Baroque Masterpiece

Discover Baroque masterpieces & the Veiled Christ in Naples' Sansevero Chapel Museum. Art, history, and mystery await!

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The Sansevero Chapel Museum in Naples is a stunning display of Neapolitan Baroque art, most famously housing Giuseppe Sanmartino's Veiled Christ, a sculpture renowned for its incredibly realistic marble veil. The chapel also features other remarkable sculptures and the intriguing Anatomical Machines in its basement.

A brief summary to Sansevero Chapel Museum

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to secure your entry, as the museum limits the number of daily admissions.
  • The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Photography is prohibited inside the chapel to protect the artworks.
  • Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred site.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or during midday to avoid the largest crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Sansevero Chapel Museum is located in the historic center of Naples, just off Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. From the Piazza, walk along Via Francesco de Sanctis; the chapel will be on your left. The area is a traffic-free zone, so walking is often the most convenient option.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro stop is Dante (Line 1), about a 5-minute walk from the chapel. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 2 and get off at Cavour station. Several bus lines (151, 154, R2, etc.) also stop near the chapel, with a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance. A single metro or bus ticket costs around €1-€4.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Naples. Ask the driver to take you to Cappella Sansevero on Via Francesco de Sanctis. Be aware that the chapel is located in a pedestrian zone, so the taxi may drop you off a short walk away. A short taxi ride within the city center will likely cost between €11-€13.

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Discover more about Sansevero Chapel Museum

The Sansevero Chapel Museum, located in the heart of Naples, is a captivating testament to Neapolitan Baroque artistry and the enigmatic vision of Raimondo di Sangro, the Prince of Sansevero. Originally commissioned as a private chapel by the Sansevero family in the late 16th century, it underwent a significant transformation in the 18th century under Raimondo's patronage, becoming a unique fusion of Christian iconography, esoteric symbolism, and Enlightenment ideals. The chapel's centerpiece is undoubtedly the Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato), a marble sculpture created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753. This masterpiece portrays the lifeless body of Christ covered by a delicate, transparent veil, showcasing extraordinary realism and evoking deep emotion in viewers. The intricate details of the veil, seemingly carved from the same block of marble, have fueled legends and myths surrounding its creation. Beyond the Veiled Christ, the Sansevero Chapel Museum houses a collection of other remarkable sculptures, each imbued with allegorical meaning. These include Modesty (Pudicizia) by Antonio Corradini, symbolizing purity and virtue, and Disillusion (Disinganno) by Francesco Queirolo, representing liberation from sin and ignorance. The chapel's vaulted ceiling, adorned with vibrant frescoes by Francesco Maria Russo, depicts scenes of eternal glory and divine enlightenment, while the intricate geometric designs of the floor reflect Raimondo di Sangro's intellectual pursuits. In the chapel's basement, visitors can find the Anatomical Machines, two human circulatory systems. Legend says that Prince di Sangro kidnapped two servants and injected them with an alchemical compound to solidify their blood vessels. However, these are actually the meticulous work of Dr. Giuseppe Salerno, who recreated the circulatory system with wire, silk and wax. A visit to the Sansevero Chapel Museum is an immersive experience, blending art, history, and mystery in the heart of Naples.

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