San Giuseppe delle Scalze a Pontecorvo, Naples

San Giuseppe delle Scalze a Pontecorvo is a baroque church with three distinct facade levels featuring windows and openings that direct light into the interior. The building follows a Greek cross plan with four corner chapels that frame the central worship space.

The church was founded in 1619 on the site of the former Palazzo Spinelli and was extensively redesigned between 1643 and 1660 by architect Cosimo Fanzago. The 1980 earthquake caused the ceiling to collapse and destroyed many of its original frescoes and interior decorations.

The Greek cross layout with four corner chapels reflects the central plan designs characteristic of Neapolitan religious architecture.

The wooden roof was rebuilt in the 1990s and provides structural stability for current uses. Local organizations regularly use the space for events, indicating that visiting is generally accessible to the public.

The building lay damaged and neglected for decades following the earthquake before recent restoration efforts began to revive it. This recovery process reflects how religious structures in the city persist through severe challenges.

Location: Naples

Inception: 1619

Architects: Cosimo Fanzago

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.84953,14.24720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23