Complesso monumentale di S. Lorenzo Maggiore, Religious complex in Naples, Italy
The Complesso Monumentale di San Lorenzo Maggiore is a religious complex in the heart of Naples, Italy. It consists of a church, a museum, and underground archaeological excavations that reveal the city's Roman past.
The complex was entrusted to the Franciscan friars around 1270 and built on the site of an early Christian basilica. It underwent a baroque renovation in the 17th century, and the 20th-century restorations removed most of the baroque marble decorations.
The name Neapolis, "new city", survives in the underground excavations, where the Greek agora was later overlaid by the Roman forum. The complex was entrusted to the Franciscan friars around 1270, and the Museo dell'Opera di San Lorenzo Maggiore displays works from the church, including the tomb of Catherine of Austria carved by Tino di Camaino.
The complex is open daily, and visitors can explore the church, museum, and excavations. It is advisable to check for any temporary closures or special events before planning your visit.
The archaeological excavations, started in 1954, uncovered part of the Roman forum and the earlier Greek agora. Visitors can walk through the ancient market structures beneath the modern church.
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