San Gregorio Armeno

San Gregorio Armeno is a Catholic church in the historic center of Naples, Italy, forming part of a larger monastic complex on the street of the same name. The interior has a single nave with five side chapels, a wooden paneled ceiling, and baroque decorations finished with gold leaf covering much of the space.

Construction began in 1572 under Giovanni Francesco Mormando after Armenian monks arrived carrying relics of Saint Gregory from Constantinople. The monastic community expanded the entire complex over the following centuries, adding rooms for contemplative life and veneration of saints.

The Armenian monks who settled here brought eastern liturgical traditions along with their relics from Constantinople. Today the church blends Byzantine influences with southern Italian baroque design, creating an atmosphere that recalls centuries of exchange between east and west.

The building opens weekday mornings until midday and on weekends into the early afternoon, with entry from San Gregorio Armeno street. The narrow lanes around the church tend to be busy during the day because many craft stalls line the path.

A chapel holds the remains of Saint Patricia, whose blood is said to liquefy regularly according to local belief, similar to the phenomenon of Saint Januarius. This event draws believers who gather to witness the supposed miracle.

Location: Naples

Inception: 1572

Architects: Giovanni Francesco Mormando

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.85018,14.25764

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29