Santi Filippo e Giacomo, Naples, Baroque church in Spaccanapoli, Naples, Italy
Santi Filippo e Giacomo is a Baroque church located in Naples historic center, funded by the silk workers guild to honor their patron saints. The building displays a two-story facade decorated with sculptures of Saints Philip and James below and representations of Religion and Faith above, while the interior contains wooden carvings, an 18th-century wooden altar, and an episcopal throne enriched with guild emblems.
The Silk Guild of Naples commissioned this church in 1593 as a display of their wealth and influence in the city. Construction spanned more than 150 years before architect Gennaro Papa completed it in 1758, reflecting the changing tastes of multiple generations.
This church served as the spiritual center for Naples silk workers, and their guild's influence appears throughout the interior decoration and design. Visitors can still see how this community expressed its identity through the art and craftsmanship they funded.
The church sits along the narrow Spaccanapoli street in the old quarter and is easy to reach on foot alongside other historic buildings in the area. Visitors should check opening times beforehand, as access can be limited depending on religious services and maintenance.
The church floor features an elaborate majolica pavement created in 1738 by artist Donato Massa, with the silk guild emblem at its center. This decorative floor is a striking reminder of how thoroughly the guild shaped the space meant for worship.
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