Santa Maria del Faro, Naples

Santa Maria del Faro is a Baroque church in the Posillipo neighborhood of Naples that features a stone facade adorned with decorative marble elements. The structure incorporates fragments of Roman sarcophagi and other ancient materials from earlier constructions at this site.

The church was founded in the 13th century and underwent extensive restoration in the 18th century under architect Ferdinando Sanfelice. This renovation, supported by the Mazza family, gave the building its current Baroque form.

The church functions as a gathering place where the Posillipo neighborhood community comes together for religious services and celebrations. It remains woven into the everyday life and traditions of the local residents.

The site remains open during daylight hours for visitors and maintains regular mass schedules. It is helpful to check local visiting times in advance, as these can vary depending on religious holidays and ceremonies.

The building stands on the site of a former Roman lighthouse, and sections of the ancient Villa of Pausylipon are integrated into its construction. This connection to antiquity is preserved in the visible stone materials and layered history visible in the structure.