Francesca was an our guide. She is highly informed on all things Napoli, from its ancient history to the Middles Ages, from Caravaggio to current events. She is everything you’d want in a tour guide.
Naples Art Tour: Caravaggio and Sansevero Chapel
Unpack Baroque Naples through its dramatic sacred art
The Finer Details
The brilliant, tortured artist Caravaggio fled to Naples in 1606 after killing a man in Rome. The Baroque was in full swing in the city, and Caravaggio fit right in, painting several works, including the masterpiece The Seven Works of Mercy. During this 4-hour Naples Art Tour, focusing on Caravaggio's time in the city and the Baroque movement in which he fit, we'll join a local art historian to discover some of Naples' greatest art treasures and look more closely at Caravaggio's influence.
Route Details
In the 17th century, Naples experienced a radical transformation, expanding from a population of 60,000 to nearly 300,000 residents. A good port for trade and home to fertile plantations (latifundia) in the surrounding countryside, Naples became a center of economic activity for the Florentines, Genoese, and, eventually, the Spanish Bourbons, who ruled the city for over a century. In this context, the arts (most notably, Baroque painting and architecture) flourished.
Beginning with Il Gesù Nuovo, a stunningly eclectic work of Baroque architecture that boasts paintings by Luca Giordano, Giovanni Lanfranco, and sculptures by Cosimo Fanzago, we will plunge into the crowded and culturally rich streets of Naples. By stopping at both nondescript chapels and majestic churches, such as the Cappella Sansevero, as well as the churches of San Domenico Maggiore and Santa Chiara, we can view some of the overlooked treasures that fill Naples' unassuming streets.
The walk will continue to San Lorenzo, an Angevin church containing important works by the court painter Luca Giordano, among others. We will also visit the Pio Monte chapel and palace, a powerful example of 17th-century architecture that contains Caravaggio's magnificent Seven Works of Mercy. The walk concludes with the multilayered and sumptuously decorated Neapolitan Duomo, a monument to elaborate Baroque architectural design.
A must for art lovers, this walk, which swerves in and out of the alleys and side streets of the lively historical center, will illustrate why Naples is an important component in the evolution of Italian art.
FAQ
Is this walk suitable for families?
Although it is not specifically designed for younger learners, we can adapt this walk to be more geared toward families.
Is this tour walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
This tour is accessible to clients with mobility issues. Wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility can visit the entire nave area of the Sansevero Chapel (with the Veiled Christ), and the sacristy/bookshop. Unfortunately, visiting the Underground Chamber is impossible, as access to this space is via a narrow historical spiral staircase. All of the San Lorenzo Maggiore Complex is accessible, except for the Archeological Area. The church of Pio Monte della Misericordia is accessible via a ramp on Via dei Tribunali. The museum staff will help clients with mobility issues to access the Quadreria with an elevator.
Is there any dress code for this tour?
This tour visits several churches. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Dresses and shorts must be below knee level, and shoulders must be covered (zip-on jackets or scarves are acceptable). We recommend bringing along scarves or shawls to be able to cover those body parts.
Are tickets included in the tour price? You are prepaid only for the Sansevero Chapel tickets. There may be other nominal site entrance costs or other fees that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these since you will buy those on-site on the day of the tour. Your guide will assist you to purchase the correct tickets.
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Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Cappella SanseveroNaples chapel known for intricate marble sculptures and Baroque religious art.
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San Lorenzo MaggioreNaples church featuring Renaissance design, Medici chapels, and historic artworks.
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Il Gesù Nuovo
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Pio Monte della Misericordia
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Santa Chiara
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San Domenico Maggiore
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Francesca had so much knowledge to impart! Her love for her work was contagious, It’s an experience I’ll always remember!
Riccardo is a marvelous guide whose love of Naples and the Baroque period provided a transformative experience. His understanding of Caravaggio and his time in Naples and southern Italy was a great companion to the Caravaggio tour we had enjoyed in Rome. Riccardo’s academic training and expertise grounded our conversations and his warmth and interest in our wellbeing was truly appreciated. The highlight was spending time with Caravaggio’s The Seven Acts of Mercy and listening to Riccardo’s thoughtful approach. We highly recommend this tour.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
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