The Cathedral of Saint Januarius (Duomo di San Gennaro) is the cathedral of Naples. It was built in honor of the patron saint of the city, Saint Januarius. Located in the center of Naples, it is the center of the city's religious life and attracts many tourists. Its official name is “Cathedral of the Assumption of St. Mary” (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta). Meanwhile, it is also the residence of the Archbishop of Naples. It includes two iconic buildings: the Basilica of Santa Restituta and the Church of San Giovanni in Fonte.
The foundation of the cathedral was laid by Charles I of Anjou in 1272 on the basis of two ancient basilicas, construction was continued by his son Charles II and was completed by his grandson Robert in 1313. The architectural idea belonged to the Lombardian Tommaso Malvito, later the façade and portal were updated by Enrico Alvino, and the author of the last reconstruction in 1974 was Ruffati. The church organ was created by Filippo Cimino in 1767.
The majestic interior of the cathedral is divided by graceful Gothic arches.
The temple contains frescoes and paintings by Lanfranco, Domenichino, José de Ribera and others, as well as statues of former rulers.
The oldest part of the temple is the chapel of Santa Restituta (Virgin Mary, saint of the Catholic Church). Its interior is decorated with paintings by Luca Giordano.
The main attraction of the temple is the chapel of St. Januarius. It is rich in painted frescoes. There is an altar and many statues, among which stands out a bust of Saint Januarius in gold and silver, richly dressed and decorated with jewels.
The main relic of the temple is kept in the crypt - a vessel with the blood of Saint Januarius. This vessel is taken out three times a year to show everyone how in some incomprehensible way dried blood is liquefied. It remains in this state for eight days, and then begins to coagulate again, which contradicts the laws of physics and physiology. Local residents believe that if this miracle does not happen for some reason, they will not be able to avoid disaster. This happened in 1527, when the plague broke out in the city, and in 1979 there was a strong earthquake.
Also worthy of attention are the Baptistery of St. John and the Chapel of Minoutolos, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
You will see many more interesting things in the temple.
Address of the Cathedral of Saint Januarius: Via Duomo, 149.
How to get there:
- by the first metro line, stop Dante, then 12 minutes on foot; by the second metro line, stop Stazione di Napoli Piazza Cavour, and then 7 minutes on foot;
- by bus №147, 182, 184, 201, 301, 460A, 584, N4, stop Foria -Duomo.
Open every day from 09:30 to 18:30.
Ticket price:
- entrance to the temple (but not all parts of it) is free;
- tour of the treasures of St. Januarius (with audio guide): for adults - 10 euros, for people over 65 years old - 7 euros, for children 12-14 years old - 5 euros, for disabled people and children under 12 years – free;
- for EU citizens 18-25 years old - 2 euros;
- Chapel of St. Januarius, accompanied by an audio guide - 4 euros;
- treasures + Philanger Museum (with audio guide): for adults - 12 euros, for people over 65 years old - 8.50 euros, for children 12-14 years old - 7 euros, for people with disabilities and children under 12 years old - free.
For more information, visit the official website: https://tesorosangennaro.it/.
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