San Nicola a Nilo, Naples, Baroque church in Via San Biagio dei Librai, Naples, Italy
San Nicola a Nilo is a baroque church on Via San Biagio dei Librai in central Naples, built with a Greek cross plan and a central domed hall. The circular interior is framed by Corinthian columns that support the vault and create an elegant, curved decoration throughout.
The church grew out of an orphanage founded by pharmacist Sabato Anella in 1647 to care for children following the political unrest in Naples. The baroque reconstruction came later under the direction of architect Giuseppe Lucchese Prezzolini.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and is now maintained by the Community of Sant'Egidio, which welcomes visitors to experience its baroque interior. This place reflects the spiritual importance such buildings held in the life of Naples residents.
The building stands on Via San Biagio dei Librai across from Palazzo Diomede Carafa, easy to find in the heart of the old city. The location is walkable and situated on a busy street with other museums and historical sites nearby.
After the major earthquake of 1980, the abandoned church was entrusted to the Community of Sant'Egidio for preservation and use. Since then, the place has been run by this community and is now open to visitors.
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