San Paolo Maggiore

San Paolo Maggiore is a baroque basilica in Naples that incorporates two ancient Corinthian columns with their entablature into its facade, salvaged from an old temple dedicated to the Dioscuri. The building combines these antique elements with a transept and polygonal apse added during later reconstruction.

The church was reconstructed in 1538 under Francesco Grimaldi's direction, receiving a new transept and polygonal apse. This transformation blended the salvaged remains of an ancient temple with a new sacred structure.

The basilica takes its name from Saint Paul, a figure deeply honored in Neapolitan tradition. Inside, visitors encounter ornate decorations created by local artists that shaped the church's spiritual and artistic identity.

The basilica is located at Piazza San Gaetano 76 and welcomes visitors free of charge. The site sits within easy walking distance from Cavour metro station.

The sacristy was completed in the early 1690s by Francesco Solimena and survived the 1943 bombings with its original frescoes intact. This room holds rare wall paintings that endured from that era.

Location: Naples

Inception: 1538

Architects: Francesco Grimaldi

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.85144,14.25683

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42