Purgatorio ad Arco, Naples

Purgatorio ad Arco is a baroque church on Via dei Tribunali with a grand marble altar, decorated pillars, and artistic works from the 17th century. The building has both an upper worship space and an underground area beneath it.

Giovanni Cola di Franco designed this church in 1638 during the Counter-Reformation in Naples. It was built when the Catholic Church was strengthening its presence through grand new buildings.

The paintings inside show religious stories and feelings through the work of local artists of the 17th century. You can see how these images reflect what mattered most to the people who prayed here.

You can visit the upper church and the underground area, which offer two different experiences on the same site. Plan to spend time in both sections if you want to see everything the place has to offer.

In the underground chapel, you will find a tomb circled by black chains where visitors continuously place candles and small personal altars. This spot shows how believers have connected with the space across centuries.

Location: Naples

Inception: 1638

Architects: Giovanni Cola di Franco

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Website: http://purgatorioadarco.it

GPS coordinates: 40.85060,14.25570

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49