Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore

The Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore is one of the most important and fascinating religious complexes in Naples, located in the heart of the historic center, in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. Founded by the friars of the Order of the Dominicans, the church was built between 1283 and 1324 commissioned by Charles II of Anjou, becoming the royal church of the Angevins and later of the Aragonese. The basilica stands on a previous 10th-century church and combines Gothic elements with later Baroque additions. The facade, austere and imposing, hides a rich and opulent interior, with gold decorations, tall columns, and a dramatic altar, enriched with paintings and sculptures. One of the most fascinating elements is the Brancaccio Chapel, which houses a cycle of 14th-century frescoes by the Roman painter Pietro Cavallini, the only remaining example of 14th-century painting in the church. The interior of the basilica is divided into three naves, with 27 noble chapels along the side aisles. Each chapel is a microcosm of art and history, with works of art by renowned artists and sepulchral monuments of important Neapolitan families. The Carafa Chapel, or Chapel of the Crucifix, houses precious paintings and various sepulchral monuments, as well as a reproduction of the original 13th-century Crucifix, which according to tradition spoke to St. Thomas Aquinas while he was praying. St. Thomas Aquinas is a central figure in the history of the basilica. The famous theologian and Doctor of the Church lived in the adjacent convent for many years, and his cell can still be visited today. It is said that he had a vision of the Crucifix here, which said to him: “Thomas, you have written well of me. What reward do you desire?” and he replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.” This cell is part of the DOMA Museum tour, which also includes the sacristy, the Hall of Sacred Furnishings, and a collection of clothing and sacred objects of great historical and artistic value. The convent of San Domenico Maggiore is equally rich in history. It was the seat of the University of Naples for many centuries and hosted numerous important historical events. During the restoration process of the 19th century, the convent and the church were brought back to their original Gothic splendor, while still maintaining the Baroque additions that enrich the overall architecture. One of the most fascinating aspects of the basilica is the presence of royal tombs. The sacristy houses the sarcophagi of 45 members of the Aragonese nobility, including King Ferdinand I. The sacristy itself is a masterpiece of Baroque decoration, with a ceiling frescoed by Francesco Solimena and a collection of sacred furnishings that testify to the rich history of the church.