Church of San Giuseppe dei Ruffi

The Church of San Giuseppe dei Ruffi, located in Naples, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Founded by Neapolitan noblewomen, the church is dedicated to Saint Joseph. Construction began in 1604 and was completed with significant contributions from architects such as Dionisio Nencioni di Bartolomeo, Dionisio Lazzari, and Arcangelo Guglielmelli. The facade of the church, characterized by a portico with an advanced upper body and a Borrominian-derived pediment, welcomes visitors with an imposing double-ramp staircase, designed by Arcangelo Guglielmelli. The interior of the church, in a Latin cross shape with side chapels, is decorated with inlaid marbles and golden stuccoes, expressing the richness and sophistication of Neapolitan Baroque style. One of the most remarkable elements of the interior is the main altar, designed by Dionisio Lazzari and decorated with sculptures by Matteo Bottiglieri. The right transept altar, designed by Guglielmelli, houses the Holy Family by Girolamo Imparato, while the left transept altar, the work of the Ghetti brothers, includes statues by Giuseppe Sammartino and a canvas by Luca Giordano depicting Saints Augustine, Teresa of Jesus, Nicholas of Tolentino, and William. The dome, frescoed by Francesco De Mura, depicts the Glory of Saint Joseph, and in the pendentives are the four Evangelists painted by Paolo De Majo. The side chapels house paintings by Giacomo Farelli, Giacinto Diano, Antonio Sarnelli, and a wooden sculpture by Francesco Citarelli. The church is flanked by two cloisters, one large and one small, built in the 17th century according to the design of Dionisio Lazzari. The large cloister, with a garden delimited by pillars and pointed arches, offers a serene and modest environment, devoid of particular decorations, while the small cloister, with a square plan and five arches per side, is more intimate and secluded. During the 18th century, the church underwent numerous restoration and expansion interventions, especially after the damages caused by the earthquakes of 1734 and 1805. Architect Nicola Tagliacozzi Canale was tasked with securing the structures and redecorating the interior with new marbles and decorations. The 19th century saw further changes, with the elimination of one side of the large cloister to create Via Duomo, which inserted a residential curtain within the conventual area.