Sant'Eligio Maggiore, Gothic church in Piazza Mercato, Naples, Italy.
Sant'Eligio Maggiore is a Gothic church located at Piazza Mercato in Naples. The building features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a carefully crafted stone facade that faces this central square.
Construction began in 1270 under commission by Charles I of Anjou as the first church of the Angevin dynasty in Naples. Over the centuries, it underwent several renovations that reflected changing artistic tastes.
Craftspeople and trade guilds supported the construction through their generosity, leaving their marks in side chapels dedicated to patron saints of various professions.
The church is located at the intersection of Via Sant'Eligio and Via Vicaria Vecchia, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors should keep in mind that access can change depending on maintenance work, so checking ahead is helpful.
World War II bomb damage revealed hidden Provencal and Roman architectural elements buried within the Gothic structure. These unexpected layers tell of the long and layered building history at this location.
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