Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, located in the ancient heart of Naples, is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city, with a history that dates back to the 4th century AD. Founded by San Severo, bishop of Naples, as a paleochristian basilica, the church has undergone numerous architectural and artistic transformations, reflecting the historical and cultural changes of the city. Originally known as “la Severiana” in honor of its founder, the church was dedicated to San Giorgio in the 9th century, following the expulsion of the Lombards, which had deeply marked the city. During the Middle Ages, San Giorgio Maggiore became one of the four main parishes of Naples, along with the Santi Apostoli, San Giovanni Maggiore, and Santa Maria Maggiore. This central role made it a spiritual and social reference point for the Neapolitan community. The original structure of the church was largely destroyed by a fire in 1640. The restoration was entrusted to the famous Baroque architect Cosimo Fanzago, who introduced a reversal of the church’s orientation, with the main entrance located in the former apse. The work was slowed down by the riots of Masaniello and the plague of 1656, but continued under the guidance of Arcangelo Guglielmelli after the earthquake of 1688, which further damaged the building. The church’s facade, simple and devoid of excessive decorations, dates back to the 19th century and is the result of renovation works during the Urban Renewal of Naples, a vast urban planning project promoted by Ferdinando II of Bourbon. The main entrance, a rare example of an open arched apse, is characterized by three arches on ancient columns, with Corinthian capitals and a pulvinus with a Christian monogram. Above the portal, a niche houses a statue of the Madonna and Child, an 19th-century work by Nicola Massuti based on a design by Raffaele Belliazzi. Inside, the church has two naves, with the central nave divided into three bays and ending in a large rectangular apse. The main nave is covered by three domes, with the central one being the widest and highest. The side naves are barrel-vaulted, with three side chapels on the left, each decorated with works of considerable importance. The main altar, designed by Camillo Lionti in 1786, is decorated with sculptures by Angelo Viva and houses a reliquary with the relics of San Severo. Above the altar, in the apse area, there is a fresco by Aniello Falcone depicting San Giorgio killing the dragon, discovered during the restoration works of 1992. The apse also contains two large canvases by Alessio D’Elia from the 18th century: one depicting San Severo resurrecting a dead man and the other, once again, San Giorgio killing the dragon. The church houses several valuable works of art, including the marble pulpit attributed to Diego de Siloé and the medieval chair of San Severo. In the sacristy, there are additional paintings, including a San Nicola by Nicola Vaccaro and a Madonna del Velo by Marco Cardisco. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore has undergone numerous restorations and modifications over the centuries, especially after the damage caused by the bombings of World War II and the Irpinia earthquake of 1980. Each restoration has sought to maintain the historical and artistic integrity of the building, returning to the city a place of worship and art of extraordinary beauty.