Sansevero Chapel
Cappella Sansevero
A Baroque chapel housing the Veiled Christ, where marble is carved into a veil so sheer it seems transparent. A must-see in Naples.
The Sansevero Chapel stands in the old town near Spaccanapoli. In the 18th century its decoration was overseen by Prince Raimondo di Sangro, an alchemist and inventor. Its treasure is the Veiled Christ, completed by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753: a single block of marble carved into a transparent veil draped over Christ's body, with the texture of the skin faintly visible beneath. Other equally exquisite sculptures include Modesty and Awakening. The basement displays two mysterious “anatomical machines,” which are human vascular specimens. Admission is about €12, and the chapel is closed on Tuesdays. Photography is prohibited inside. In peak season, book in advance on the official website. A visit takes about 45 minutes.
Opening hours
9:00 am–7:00 pm; closed Tuesdays
Nearby sights
- Napoli Sotterranea
- Via San Gregorio Armeno
- Santa Chiara Monastery
- Naples Cathedral
- Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
- Galleria Umberto I
- Quartieri Spagnoli