The St. Gregorio Armeno Monastery is situated perhaps in the most
ancient and noble part of Naples, where was the forum of the Greek-Roman
city, rich of vitality, monuments and culture.
In the interior of the cloister we can see many Roman capitals, probably from
the Cerere's Temple and many mortars in white marble.
The cloister, in his present form, dates back to the middle of the 16th century
when The Council of Trent imposed new rules to the monastic life.
Someone says that it was founded by St. Elena during the reign of Costantino the
Great; others say it was founded by Greek and Armenian sisters, that, persecuted
in their country, sheltered in Italy carrying with them the St. Gregorio
Armenian's corpse.
The Monastery was agglomerate of many houses, surrounded by a wall. Every
house had many rooms, a kitchen, a canteen and other comforts. Each sister had
an own home.
In 1563 when The Council of Trent finished, the seclusion were
imposed and the sisters had to live together. After one year they changed their
white dresses in black.
In 1572 the architect Vincenzo Della Monica began the construction
of a new monastery.
A visit to the Monastery
We can came in the monastery trough a long and easy stair.
On the both side we can see the frescos by Giacomo del Po.
At the end of the stairs we can admire the hall with his floor of white marble,
on the both side there are some seats of piperno, opposite there is the main
door in walnut with, on the both side, two little doors where there are the
wheels, the only communication with the world out the cloister.
As soon as we come in the cloister we see the marmorean group that show
Christ and the Samaritan, a splendid work of Matteo Bottiglieri. Back to
the statues there is a fountain.
On the right we can admire the Madonna dell'Idria Chapel, now in
restoration.
Opposite to the Chapel there is the Refectory.
