The Naples Cathedral and the treasures of San Gennaro

The beautifully designed and decorated Duomo di Napoli, a Roman Catholic Cathedral, is in Naples Italy. The current building was completed in 1323 in the Gothic-Style, adding onto a fourth century medieval cathedral. Renovated over the years, the building is in the shape of a Latin cross, the main hall divided into three naves with the central nave 100m long. There are five side chapels on the left and five on the right, with altars and beautiful artwork in each. The beautiful ceiling murals of biblical scenes are by Fabrizio Santafede, created in 1621.

Inside Naples Cathedral the ceiling is painted with biblical scenes. Marble posts decorate both sides of the Nave and the main altar is lit with long windows that let the sunshine in.

in the domed ceiling of the chapel are painted scenes of angels in heaven. above the alter is a scene created by mosaics of the Mother Mary holding Jesus on her lap. Two heavenly angels stand, one on either side of her.

in an elaborate side chapel of the Naples Cathedral is an altar with a large painting on the right wall and an inscribed stone on the left wall. The altar and floors are highly decorated marble.

Over 100 granite columns grace the church, from as far away as Africa and the Far East. Inside, the décor is of the baroque-style. Even the floors have incredible sights to see. Mosaic tiles in beautiful patterns, stone carvings and memories preserved to pass down through the ages are throughout the entire building.

on a marble floor is a carving of a shield, with a dog upon it. Roman writing is carved below the shield. The floor is decorated with borders of yellow carved tiles

geometric pattern floor tiles in black and white. An oblong inlay has a decorative marble border like a picture frame around the worn marbled mosaic of three kings. Words in roman language appear underneath. Deocrative flowers are placed on the top, bottom and sides on the frame, which is red marble.

Some of the floor decorations are slightly scary, and it is at times like this that a local guide would have been a good idea, to explain exactly who these people were and why this memory was made.

on the floor of the Naples Cathedral is a carving in white marble of five quite severe women, maybe nuns as they have coverings on their head. Their arms are crossed in front of them, and there is Roman writing running around the border.

The only part of the ancient medieval cathedral that is still original is the baptistery. Greek and Roman artifacts have been discovered during excavations underneath the building. For a fee of just a few euro visitors can visit the baptistery pool as well as viewing some of the tombs. The pool is dug into the floor and quite symbolically unremarkable.

carved into the floor is a large stone basin that was created in the fourth century. This large round structure is a baptismal font. Surrounded by terracotta tiled floor, it is roped off so that visitors can view it, but not touch it.

After kneeling, having water poured on their head and being baptised, the person would then look upwards towards the heavens and see the beautiful holy mosaics on the ceiling. These mosaics are currently undergoing restoration.

a domed mosaic ceiling above the fourth century baptismal font in Naples Cathedral Italy is partically restored. Pictures of heavenly scenes, in blues, yellows and brown tones show angles and holy personages. In the centre is a circle with the Christian Cross symbol, set into a blue sky with white stars. All beautiful mosaic work

Tombs of kings and queens rest here. Notice the dogs lying beneath his owners' feet? These dogs must have been a much-loved to have been added to the statues.

a marble tomb of an ancient king lies in the Naples Cathedral. On the top is a carving of a man lying with his arms crossed, his sword at his side and his dog below his feet. On the sides of the box are carvings in the marble of holy figures lifting the coffin.

on the floor of the Naples Cathedral lies a tomb of a woman and female child. Into the marble slab is carved the woman in full armour. Her head lying on a pillow with shields of a rampant lion on both sides. Her hands are crossed in over her stomach. The child has her hands together as if in prayer. two dogs are beneath the feet of the warrior. The sign next to the slab says 1642

Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro

For a small fee an additional tour of the Treasure of San Gennaro can be undertaken in the museum of the church. Well worth the visit to see a priceless and beautiful collection of a jeweled mitre (bishop’s hat), jewelled necklace, statues, over 70 silver busts, paintings, chalices, precious gemstones and the relics of Saint Gennaro. There are donated items from popes, kings, emperors, famous and ordinary people over seven centuries made of silver, gold, rubies, diamonds and emeralds. The objects are works of indescribable goldsmith craftsmanship.

A bishops hat, a mitre, created by skilled goldsmiths also contains precious stones of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. It rests upon a red jewelled cushion. All this is contained in a glass box for visitors to view and admire.

There are relics of Saint Gennaro that have been collected in this one place and available for viewing. For an extra one euro an audio guide can be rented. Not only does the guide detail the relics, but of the voices of the alleys of Naples brings the city into the tour. You can also listen to the song of the women relatives of the Saint, as they narrate the story of the miracle of liquefaction. The most precious artifact in the cathedral is a vial of Sain Januarius (Saint Gennaro)’s blood. Gennaro is the city’s patron saint and was a former Bishop of Naples. In 304AD Gennaro was arrested and thrown to the lions. Instead of mauling him, the lions bowed down to him. Sadly, the powers that be then beheaded him.

It is said that the miracle of the blood happens here three times a year, where the dried blood liquefies for eight days. On September 19 (the Saint’s birthday), December 16 and the first Sunday in May each year. Thousands of worshippers attend these displays. If the blood fails to liquify, it is thought that disaster will befall Naples. The vial is carried in an ornate holy bust.

the decorative gold bust that carried the liquified vial of Saint Gennaro's blood is kept behind a glass box in the museum. On the top, two angels look down onto the base where a seated saint sits on a throne with one hand lifted. Around the top are decorative gold flowers in an arch

The Chapel of Mary Immaculate is named after the alfresco on the ceiling. The detail in the artwork is stunning. The prevailing theme of cherubs is not just in the paintings, but also in the decorative borders.

the ceiling of a chapel in Naples Cathedral has the Immaculate Mary at the centre, with a blue cloack flowing around her. Cherubs are painted all over the celing, and the areas between the paintings are gold painted and raised decoations. Some look like rope, some cherubs, others like leaves and flowers. It is stunning

In the chapel stands a bronze statue of San Michele Arcangelo (The Archangel Michael) created in 1691. Sword raised over his head as he stands upon the devil, in the form of a dragon, he just conquered. This is just one of the many life-sized works of art in the museum.

a human sized statue of the Archangel Michael stands in the middle of a chapel. His large wingspan and plumed helmet, plus the sword raised above his head show his anger and pride as he stands atop the demon dragon he had just conquered. Michael is dressed in very roman style clothing.

It is easy to spend a few hours in the Cathedral and museum. There is a peaceful presence as you wander and admire the collected and preserved monuments. This is a place of worship and is of extraordinary historical, artistic, cultural and spiritual importance.

the outside of Naples Cathedral. People mill around the ten steps up to the church. This Gothic Baroque style of church has long curved windows on the bottom two levels. The middle third has an extra level and all are topped by triangular spires. The colours are different shades of brown, and with all the decorations on the outside, it is a beautiful building.

Naples Cathedral is also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

Via del Duomo 147, 80142 Naples

The Naples Cathedral and the treasures of San Gennaro

Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro

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