The beautifully designed and decorated Duomo di Napoli, a Roman Catholic Cathedral, is in Naples Italy. The current building was completed in 1323 in the Gothic-Style, adding onto a fourth century medieval cathedral. Renovated over the years, the building is in the shape of a Latin cross, the main hall divided into three naves with the central nave 100m long. There are five side chapels on the left and five on the right, with altars and beautiful artwork in each. The beautiful ceiling murals of biblical scenes are by Fabrizio Santafede, created in 1621.
Over 100 granite columns grace the church, from as far away as Africa and the Far East. Inside, the décor is of the baroque-style. Even the floors have incredible sights to see. Mosaic tiles in beautiful patterns, stone carvings and memories preserved to pass down through the ages are throughout the entire building.
Some of the floor decorations are slightly scary, and it is at times like this that a local guide would have been a good idea, to explain exactly who these people were and why this memory was made.
The only part of the ancient medieval cathedral that is still original is the baptistery. Greek and Roman artifacts have been discovered during excavations underneath the building. For a fee of just a few euro visitors can visit the baptistery pool as well as viewing some of the tombs. The pool is dug into the floor and quite symbolically unremarkable.
After kneeling, having water poured on their head and being baptised, the person would then look upwards towards the heavens and see the beautiful holy mosaics on the ceiling. These mosaics are currently undergoing restoration.
Tombs of kings and queens rest here. Notice the dogs lying beneath his owners' feet? These dogs must have been a much-loved to have been added to the statues.
Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro
For a small fee an additional tour of the Treasure of San Gennaro can be undertaken in the museum of the church. Well worth the visit to see a priceless and beautiful collection of a jeweled mitre (bishop’s hat), jewelled necklace, statues, over 70 silver busts, paintings, chalices, precious gemstones and the relics of Saint Gennaro. There are donated items from popes, kings, emperors, famous and ordinary people over seven centuries made of silver, gold, rubies, diamonds and emeralds. The objects are works of indescribable goldsmith craftsmanship.
There are relics of Saint Gennaro that have been collected in this one place and available for viewing. For an extra one euro an audio guide can be rented. Not only does the guide detail the relics, but of the voices of the alleys of Naples brings the city into the tour. You can also listen to the song of the women relatives of the Saint, as they narrate the story of the miracle of liquefaction. The most precious artifact in the cathedral is a vial of Sain Januarius (Saint Gennaro)’s blood. Gennaro is the city’s patron saint and was a former Bishop of Naples. In 304AD Gennaro was arrested and thrown to the lions. Instead of mauling him, the lions bowed down to him. Sadly, the powers that be then beheaded him.
It is said that the miracle of the blood happens here three times a year, where the dried blood liquefies for eight days. On September 19 (the Saint’s birthday), December 16 and the first Sunday in May each year. Thousands of worshippers attend these displays. If the blood fails to liquify, it is thought that disaster will befall Naples. The vial is carried in an ornate holy bust.
The Chapel of Mary Immaculate is named after the alfresco on the ceiling. The detail in the artwork is stunning. The prevailing theme of cherubs is not just in the paintings, but also in the decorative borders.
In the chapel stands a bronze statue of San Michele Arcangelo (The Archangel Michael) created in 1691. Sword raised over his head as he stands upon the devil, in the form of a dragon, he just conquered. This is just one of the many life-sized works of art in the museum.
It is easy to spend a few hours in the Cathedral and museum. There is a peaceful presence as you wander and admire the collected and preserved monuments. This is a place of worship and is of extraordinary historical, artistic, cultural and spiritual importance.
Naples Cathedral is also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)
Via del Duomo 147, 80142 Naples
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