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Sant'Angelo a Nilo: A Gothic-Renaissance Jewel

Discover the Church of Sant'Angelo a Nilo in Naples: a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance art, featuring Donatello's masterpiece.

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The Church of Sant'Angelo a Nilo, also known as the Brancaccio Chapel, is a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture located in the heart of Naples. Founded in 1385 and renovated in the 17th century, it's renowned for its artistic treasures, including the tomb of Cardinal Rainaldo Brancaccio, featuring work by Donatello.

A brief summary to Sant'Angelo a Nilo

  • Piazzetta Nilo, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80134, IT
  • Monday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the church's serene atmosphere.
  • Take time to examine the intricate details of the Funerary Monument of Cardinal Rinaldo Brancaccio, a masterpiece by Donatello and Michelozzo.
  • Explore the nearby Piazzetta Nilo and admire the ancient statue of the Nile god, which gives the church its name.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Napoli Centrale Station, take Metro Line 1 towards Piscinola and get off at the Università stop. From there, walk approximately 10 minutes northeast along Corso Umberto I, then turn left onto Via Mezzocannone. Piazzetta Nilo will be on your right. A single metro ticket costs €1.50.

  • Walking

    From Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, walk along Via Benedetto Croce until you reach Piazzetta Nilo on the right. The church is located within the Piazzetta. Walking is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Naples. A taxi from Napoli Centrale Station to Piazzetta Nilo typically takes around 4 minutes and costs between €12 and €16, though prices may vary. Be sure the meter is running, with a starting fare of €3.50 on weekdays or €6.50 on Sundays and holidays.

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Discover more about Sant'Angelo a Nilo

Nestled in the bustling Spaccanapoli district of Naples, the Church of Sant'Angelo a Nilo, or Brancaccio Chapel, offers a serene escape into art and history. The church's origins date back to 1385 when Cardinal Rainaldo Brancaccio commissioned it as a family chapel dedicated to Saints Angel and Mark. The church is named after the Greek-Roman statue of the Egyptian god Nile in the nearby Piazzetta Nilo, a testament to the area's historical connection to Alexandrian merchants. The church's exterior presents a striking red and gray facade, a result of its 18th-century renovation by architect Arcangelo Guglielmelli. However, remnants of the original Catalan-Gothic structure remain, including the main portal adorned with carved angels and medieval frescoes. Inside, the single-nave interior houses a wealth of artistic treasures. The most notable is the Funerary Monument of Cardinal Rinaldo Brancaccio, created in Pisa between 1426 and 1428 by Donatello and Michelozzo. This masterpiece represents Donatello's only work in Naples and a significant example of Renaissance sculpture. Other highlights include the 16th-century altarpiece of San Michele Arcangelo by Marco Pino and the marble tabernacle in the sacristy. The church also holds relics of Saint Candida, the patron saint of Naples, adding to its historical and religious significance. Sant'Angelo a Nilo stands as a testament to Naples' rich cultural heritage, where visitors can admire the fusion of architectural styles and artistic masterpieces within its sacred walls.

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