Santa Maria Antesaecula, Baroque church in Rione Sanità, Naples, Italy.
Santa Maria Antesaecula is a Baroque church in Naples with a Greek cross floor plan and an apsed choir section. The facade sits elevated above street level, creating a distinctive architectural presence in the Rione Sanità district.
The monastic community moved to Rione Sanità in 1622 when unplanned urban growth forced the relocation from its original location. This new site allowed the religious complex to continue serving the developing neighborhood.
The name Antesaecula comes from Latin meaning "before the ages" and references a passage from the Book of Sirach in Christian tradition. Visitors can still see how this theological meaning shaped the building's design and layout.
The site now operates as a healthcare facility with limited access for visitors, as it primarily serves medical purposes. Check in advance what areas can be visited or if tours are available.
Renovations revealed a putridarium, a specialized chamber historically used for draining bodies of the deceased. This archaeological discovery provides insight into medieval burial practices and the hygiene methods of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
