Museo dell'Opera di San Lorenzo Maggiore, Archaeological museum inside San Lorenzo Maggiore monastery, Naples, Italy
The Museo dell'Opera di San Lorenzo Maggiore is an archaeological museum housed within a monastery in Naples that displays artifacts recovered from excavations spanning many centuries. The collections feature medieval relics and figures from 18th-century nativity scenes arranged throughout the exhibition spaces.
The complex preserves archaeological layers dating from the 5th century BC through the 18th century AD, revealing how Naples transformed across different historical periods. Each layer of finds tells the story of the city's evolution from ancient to early modern times.
The Sala Sisto V served as the monastery's dining hall and displays ceiling frescoes painted by Luigi Rodriguez in the early 17th century. These artworks reflect how religious communities decorated their sacred spaces.
Access is gained through the monastery building itself, with rooms that can be explored on foot at your own pace. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will move through multiple levels and chambers to see the full collection.
Visitors can walk through an ancient street of Neapolis with original shops located beneath the current street level. The Crypt and Macellum remain hidden underground, offering a rare view of daily life from more than 2000 years ago.
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