Santa Caterina a Chiaia, Baroque church in Chiaia district, Naples, Italy
Santa Caterina a Chiaia is a Baroque church with a Latin cross layout, symmetrical side chapels, and a central dome supported by four round arches. The interior is naturally lit by eight windows encircling the dome's base, creating a bright and welcoming space.
The building began as a small private chapel called S. Caterenella before the Franciscans expanded it around 1600 with support from the Gonzaga family. This expansion resulted in the Baroque church that defines the neighborhood today.
The interior displays artistic representations from Saint Catherine's life, which together with the dome fresco by Gustavo Girosi shape the spiritual character of the space. These works tell stories that visitors discover while exploring the side chapels.
The church is located near Piazza dei Martiri and easily accessible from Via Santa Caterina 76. As an active place of worship, visitors should plan visits in line with opening times and religious services.
The dome was completed in 1601 and later received the 1916 fresco by Gustavo Girosi, bridging centuries of the church's artistic history. This unexpected connection between the original architecture and later artistic renewal makes the space remarkable.
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