San Strato a Posillipo, Naples, Renaissance church in Posillipo, Italy

San Strato a Posillipo is a Renaissance church built on a hillside in the Posillipo district that overlooks the Bay of Naples. The building features white walls and architectural elements typical of that period, shaped by modifications over subsequent centuries.

The church was founded in 1266 after Greek Orthodox converts requested its construction at a location where an ancient temple had once stood. Between the 1500s and the 1700s, the building underwent multiple reconstructions and modifications.

The wooden bust of Saint Strato, kept on a side altar, is traditionally attributed to Giacomo Colombo, a pupil of Francesco Solimena. Each June the Casale district carries it in procession through the streets in honour of Posillipo's patron saint; the date changes every year.

The church stands in the Casale hamlet of Posillipo, on the slope above the Bay of Naples; the approach is by stepped lanes, so allow time for the climb. It was closed for worship until 1982 during restoration, so check locally that it is open before setting out.

The church was closed for worship until 1982 while restoration work was carried out, so the building served no liturgical function for years before reopening. The wooden bust of San Strato, attributed to Giacomo Colombo, a pupil of Francesco Solimena, is kept on a side altar and shown to the faithful during the June procession.