This church has an imposing
tower also called the Masaniello's tower because
its was one of the places where
the 17th century revolution happened.
It rises in the hart of old
Naples, between the two decumani which bounded the ancient Polis.
It was built between 1266 and 1324 at the request of King Charles
d'Anjou immediately after the Battle of Benevento, to commemorate his
victory over Manfredi.
On the same site stood a Paleochristian basilica.
Excavations carried out up to now have brought to light relics dating from
between the 4thcenturyBC and the 5th century AD.
The church was built in Provenēal style by some French architects to whom the
King had entrusted the project. because of its archaeological excavations it is
perhaps one of the most visited churches in Naples.It is said that Boccaccio numbered among its illustrious visitors
and that it was here that he fell in love with Fiammetta.
The church itself has only recently been freed from all the additions and
alterations which had stripped it of its original Gothic style. It was in fact
modified following the earthquakes of 1451 and 1561, and in
1639 it was completely transformed, partly to increase its stability.The columns were transformed into pillars, the floor was
rebuilt and the interior was decorated with stuccowork so that only the portal
maintains the original style.This is part of the faēade,
designed by Sanfelice in the first half of the 18th century.The interior consists of a huge aisleless nave with nine
side-chapels.
To the right of the entrance is a 14th centuryCrucifix.
In the left hand part of the transept is the Tomb of Charles I of Durazzo.
The cycle of frescoes are excellent, and some of these, such as the
History of the Virgin Mary, were carried out by a pupil of Giotto. This
unknown painter has been named the "Master of theBarrile Chapel"
(after the name of the chapel which contains the frescoes).Other features of artistic note include the Tomb of Ludovico
Aldomoresco by Baboccio; The Cacace Chapel, an important
example of Neapolitan architecture in a fortunate 17th century setting
(works by Fanzago, paintings by Stanzione), the Tomb of Catherine of
Austria, by Tino di Camaino; the high altar, with its ancona by Giovanni
da Nola (Saints Anthony, Francis and Lawrence).
The convent complex leads to the Archaeological Excavations which have revealed
some remarkable testimonies of Graeco-Roman and early medieval settlements.
We
said, before, that in this church, probably, Boccaccio met
Fiammetta.
The third literary women of the Italian Three under, after Beatrice and
Laura, was Neapolitan.
Gossipers say she was, in reality, the Princess Mary d'Anjou.