San Giovanni Maggiore, Early Christian basilica in Naples, Italy.
San Giovanni Maggiore is an early Christian basilica in Naples that retains its original structure from the 4th century and preserves remnants from that era. The interior features a semicircular apse with paleo-Christian remains, while the main altar dates to the 1700s.
The basilica was built in 324 on the site of a Roman temple and stood as one of four principal churches Naples after Constantine's edict. It underwent substantial reworking later, including Byzantine influences in the 6th century and Baroque alterations in the 1600s.
The church held the role of Naples' main religious center and hosted important civic ceremonies over many centuries. You can still sense how meaningful this place was to the community when you walk through it.
The church opens through the Italian Touring Club's 'Aperti per voi' program, with access guided by local volunteers who share knowledge about the site. It helps to inquire ahead or arrange a visit, since regular opening hours may be limited.
The interior still holds original columns and structural elements from the earliest phase of Christianity in the city. These architectural features let visitors sense directly how the space transformed from Roman to Christian times.
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