Santi Severino e Sossio, Naples

Santi Severino e Sossio is a Renaissance church in Naples' historic center featuring a Latin cross layout with seven chapels lining each side. Its walls and ceilings are filled with numerous frescoes that add color and detail to the interior.

Benedictine monks founded the church in the tenth century and brought the relics of Saints Severino and Sossio there after fleeing Saracen raids. Over the centuries, the structure and its decorative elements were expanded and renewed.

The wooden choir crafted by Benvenuto Tortelli in 1573 set new design standards for religious furniture throughout Southern Italy. Visitors can see this skilled craftsmanship still displayed in the church today.

The former monastery complex now houses the State Archives of Naples and is partially open to the public. The site includes three cloisters and extensive gardens where visitors can walk around freely.

The dome was built in 1561 by Sigismondo di Giovanni and stands among the earliest dome structures constructed in Naples. This architectural feature was groundbreaking for its time and influenced churches built later throughout the city.

Location: Naples

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.84776,14.25829

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00