Church of Santa Maria della Pace

The Church of Santa Maria della Pace, located in Naples, is an example of Baroque architecture, with a fascinating history dating back to the 16th century. The complex, which also includes a hospital and the Lazzaretto Hall, is built on an ancient noble palace constructed by Giovanni Caracciolo at the beginning of the 15th century. The church was designed by Pietro De Marino, with construction starting in 1629 and completed in 1659, coinciding with the peace between Louis XIV of France and Philip IV of Spain, from which the church derives its name. On the outside, the main entrance is characterized by a Gothic portal with a large polylobed arch, a testament to the architecture of the ancient building. The facade is simple, in line with Renaissance aesthetics, and contrasts with the decorative richness of the interior. The interior of the church is in the shape of a Latin cross, with a single nave and three chapels on each side. After the earthquake of 1732, Domenico Antonio Vaccaro oversaw the restoration of the interior, introducing Baroque decorations that enrich its atmosphere. Vaccaro also designed the majolica floor, made by Donato Massa, which adds a touch of color and elegance to the structure. The apse, a work by Nicola Tagliacozzi Canale, is another prominent feature of the church. One of the most fascinating features of the complex is the Lazzaretto Hall, accessible through a large staircase from the church vestibule. This hall was one of the few places in the city used to accommodate lepers, plague victims, and other infected patients. Almost 77 meters long and about 12 meters high, the hall features a half-height balcony used to serve food and drinks to the patients without direct contact with them. The frescoes by Andrea Viola and Giacinto Diano decorate the hall, adding an artistic touch to this place of care and isolation. The hospital of the Hospitaller Friars of St. John of God, attached to the church, was founded in 1587 and served the local community for a long time. The entire complex reflects the historical and social importance of these structures in the Naples of the past, where the care of the sick and assistance to the needy were integrated into religious life.