Basilica of Saint Paul Major

The Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore is one of the architectural treasures of Naples, located in Piazza San Gaetano, in the heart of the city’s historic center. Its history dates back to the 1st century AD, when the area was occupied by the temple of the Dioscuri, of which today two imposing Corinthian columns remain that decorate the facade of the basilica. These columns, about 11 meters high, are a visible testimony of the antiquity of the site and give the basilica a unique connection to Naples’ Roman past. The first church dedicated to San Paolo was built between the 8th and 9th centuries, following the victory of the Neapolitans over the Saracens. This primitive structure was then entrusted to the Regular Clerics of the Theatine Order in 1538, under the patronage of Viceroy Pedro de Toledo. The Theatines, led by San Gaetano Thiene, began a vast reconstruction campaign at the end of the 16th century, with the architect Francesco Grimaldi designing the transept and the polygonal apse. Construction continued under the guidance of Giovan Battista Cavagna and Giovan Giacomo di Conforto, completing in 1630. The facade of the basilica, designed by Arcangelo Guglielmelli in the 17th century, incorporates the two Corinthian columns of the Roman temple, creating a visually striking effect. The statues of Saints Peter and Paul, created by Andrea Falcone, further enrich the main entrance. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1688 caused the collapse of the original facade, which was then rebuilt, still maintaining the integration of the ancient columns. The interior of the basilica is a triumph of Baroque art. The central nave and transept, covered by dome vaults, are decorated with frescoes and stuccoes of great beauty. The ceiling of the central nave, frescoed by Massimo Stanzione in the 17th century, depicts the stories of Saints Peter and Paul and the victory of the Neapolitans over the Saracens. Although damaged during World War II, the ceiling still retains some of its original grandeur. The side aisles house several richly decorated chapels. For example, the chapel of San Carlo Borromeo features an altarpiece by Giuseppe Bonito, while the chapel of San Giuseppe Maria Tomasi contains paintings by Desiderio de Angelis. The chapel of Saints Peter and Paul houses a 16th-century panel by Francesco Cicino and the funerary monument of the mathematician Nicola Fergola. Another notable chapel is that of the Guardian Angel, originally decorated by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. In the left transept, the chapel of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as the Immaculate, is decorated with frescoes by Nicola Maria Rossi. The Firrao chapel, located along the presbyterial wall, is particularly valuable for the polychrome marble coverings made by Dionisio Lazzari and the frescoes by Aniello Falcone. The bombing of 1943 severely damaged the basilica, but post-war restoration works have allowed for the recovery of much of its beauty. During the renovation works, the remains of the original Roman temple and an ancient cemetery were discovered, now open to visitors. One of the most significant elements of the basilica is the sacristy, designed by Francesco Solimena. Decorated with frescoes depicting angels, allegories, and virtues, this room represents an extraordinary example of Neapolitan Baroque art.