DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Duomo, Naples

Duomo, Naples

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Naples’ cathedral originally dates from the 4th century AD with the founding of the Basilica of Santa Restituta, but two centuries later the Basilica del Salvatore was built at right angles to the first and this is the site now occupied by the Duomo. Work on the Duomo as we see it today began in the 13th century during the reign of Charles I of Anjou, but over the centuries it has suffered repeated earthquake damage and has consequently been restored and renovated according to prevailing tastes of the times. The result is an amazingly rich array of art and architecture going back 2,000 years.
The Duomo is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, but it is commonly known as the church of San Gennaro. The bust of San Gennaro is on view only during the thrice-yearly miracle of the liquefaction of his blood (May, Sep and Dec).

Top 10 Features

1. Façade & Portals

The façade of Naples’ cathedral is a Neo-Gothic affair restored in the early 20th century but it is graced by three portals that date back to the 1400s.
2. Interior & Ceiling

2. Interior & Ceiling

The interior cathedral never fails to dazzle. The floorplan is 100 m (330 ft) long, with a nave and two aisles lined with chapels. Sixteen pillars support arches flanked by ancient granite columns.
3. Cappella di San Gennaro

3. Cappella di San Gennaro

Built in the 1600s, this Baroque extravaganza to the centre-right of the nave employed marble and precious metals and the great artists of the day to decorate its walls and ceiling.
4. Relics

4. Relics

The main reliquary is a gold bust of San Gennaro containing his skull bones. The reliquary of his blood has ampoules of dried fluid.
5. Cappella Minutolo

This chapel is one of the best-preserved examples of the Gothic style of the 13th and 14th centuries. The Cosmatesque mosaic floor and altar frescoes are of particular note.
6. Crypt of the Succorpo

The complexity and originality of this Renaissance chapel have led scholars to attribute the design to Bramante. Adornments include paintings and sculptures by artists such as Pietro Bernini.
7. Font

7. Font

The cathedral’s main baptismal font dates from 1618. The basin is made of Egyptian basalt, and there are Greek sculptures and an episcopal throne dating from 1376 in the right-hand nave.
8. Santa Restituta

Naples’ oldest building was commissioned by Emperor Constantine, who made Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. Inside are a Romanesque fresco and mosaics dating from 1322.
9. Baptistry

9. Baptistry

This is the oldest baptistry in the western world. It was built towards the end of the 4th century and is adorned with splendid mosaics. The font itself is thought to have come from an ancient temple to Dionysus.
10. Archaeological Area

10. Archaeological Area

From Santa Restituta, you can enter the archaeological area, with remnants of Greek, Roman and early Christian structures, including walls, columns, mosaics, religious buildings and Greek and Roman roads. There is some evidence of insulae (apartment blocks) having been here in Roman times.

Practical Information

For pizza without queues, visit Ristorante-Pizzeria Lombardi (see Lombardi). You will doubtless encounter large groups being led around by docents. No one will mind if you join the group, at least for a bit; otherwise, take your own personal tour to another part of the cathedral until the crowds move on. Via Duomo 147 081 44 90 97 www.duomodinapoli.com Duomo: Open 8am– 12:30pm, 4:30–7pm Mon–Sat; 8am–1:30pm, 5–7:30pm Sun; Free Archaeological Area and Baptistry: Open 9am–noon, 4:30– 7pm Mon–Sat, 9am–12:30pm Sun Adm €3.00