Sansevero Chapel Museum
Campania
The Sansevero Chapel Museum, located in the historic center of Naples, Italy, is a remarkable 18th-century chapel famous for its exquisite Rococo artworks and rich symbolic content. Originally built in 1590 as a private chapel by John Francesco di Sangro, it was transformed into a family burial chapel in the early 17th century and later extensively redesigned by Raimondo di Sangro, the Prince of Sansevero. The chapel houses nearly thirty masterpieces, including the celebrated marble sculptures "Veiled Truth" by Antonio Corradini, "Veiled Christ" by Giuseppe Sanmartino, and "Release from Deception" by Francesco Queirolo, all renowned for their astonishingly realistic veiled effects. The interior also features a ceiling fresco called the "Glory of Paradise" by Francesco Maria Russo and a labyrinthine black and white floor symbolizing good and evil, reflecting Masonic influences. The basement contains anatomical models and a wax-based painting of the Madonna with Child by Giuseppe Pesce. This unique fusion of art, mysticism, and science makes the chapel a compelling cultural and historical site.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance due to the chapel's popularity and limited entry capacity. The best time to visit is during the morning hours to avoid crowds. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Audio guides are recommended to fully appreciate the symbolic and artistic details. Photography is usually restricted, so check current rules before visiting.
Faits intéressants
- •The "Veiled Christ" sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino is famous worldwide for its marble veil that appears almost transparent.
- •The chapel's floor was originally designed as a black and white labyrinth symbolizing the Masonic concept of initiation.
- •Raimondo di Sangro, the chapel's main patron, was a noted inventor and alchemist, inspiring many legends about mysterious experiments in the chapel's basement.
- •The chapel contains two anatomical machines-preserved human circulatory systems-created with remarkable scientific precision.
- •The chapel was once connected to the Sansevero family palace by a suspended passageway, allowing private access.
Histoire
The chapel was founded in 1590 by John Francesco di Sangro after recovering from illness, initially serving as a private family chapel.
It was converted into a burial site by Alessandro di Sangro in 1613.
In the 18th century, Raimondo di Sangro extensively reconstructed the chapel, embedding Masonic symbols and commissioning many of its famous artworks.
Until 1888, a passage connected the chapel to the Sansevero family palace.
Over time, the chapel became a site of popular devotion, linked to a miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary, which gave it the name "Pietatella."
Guide du lieu
Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato)1753
This masterpiece by Giuseppe Sanmartino (1753) depicts Christ covered by a marble veil so delicately sculpted it appears translucent, symbolizing purity and death.
Veiled Truth (Pudicizia)1752
Created by Antonio Corradini in 1752, this sculpture shows a woman draped in a transparent veil, representing modesty and chastity.
Release from Deception (Il Disinganno)1753–54
A dramatic sculpture by Francesco Queirolo (1753–54) symbolizing liberation from illusion and falsehood, notable for its intricate fisherman’s net carved in marble.
Glory of Paradise Ceiling Fresco1749
Painted by Francesco Maria Russo in 1749, this fresco adorns the chapel’s ceiling with vivid Rococo imagery representing heavenly glory.
Anatomical Machines in the Basement18th century
Two preserved human anatomical models revealing detailed circulatory systems, created under Raimondo di Sangro’s direction, blending art and science.
Contact
Téléphone: 081 552 4936