Santa Luciella a San Biagio dei Librai

Santa Luciella a San Biagio dei Librai is a baroque church located in Naples' historic center, structured with a rectangular nave that directs focus toward the main altar. It displays a distinctive piperno stone portal and an oval window set within its broken arch pediment.

This church was founded in the 11th century as a parish place of worship in the neighborhood. A complete renovation undertaken in 1724 transformed its appearance, bringing it into the baroque architectural style we see today.

This church served as the spiritual heart for the pipernieri, craftsmen who worked with volcanic stone throughout the neighborhood. Their presence shaped the social fabric of this historic district.

You can reach the church by walking along Via San Biagio dei Librai in the old town, where it stands clearly visible from the street. Visit during weekday mornings for a less crowded experience and better light inside.

Beneath the floor lies a crypt containing an unusual anatomical piece called the skull with ears, which once drew followers of Neapolitan death cults. This strange relic reflects the particular folk traditions surrounding veneration of the dead that developed in this city.

Location: Naples

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.84936,14.25721

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57