Gesù Nuovo Church Naples

The sober Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo has a beautiful interior

The Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo is a Baroque church in Naples with a sober facade, but inside the most beautiful church in Naples (Italy).

Gesù Nuovo, the most beautiful church in Naples

The Gesù Nuovo (the 'New Jesus') is one of the most important churches of Naples and because of its beautiful interior perhaps the most beautiful church in Naples. The reason why this basilica was given the name 'New Jesus' is to distinguish it from the old church of Jesus. Originally it was a 15th-century palace built in 1470 by Prince Salerno Roberto Sanseverino. The palace became famous for the beauty of its interior with its many frescoes, decorated rooms and beautiful garden. It became a leading example for the Neapolitan Renaissance and Baroque. Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo went through many changes over the centuries and it was taken over by the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century, who had it completely rebuilt. In the 18th century it was handed over to the Franciscan Reformation, and returned into the hands of the Jesuits in the 20th century. Aerial bombing in World War II caused extensive damage, as one of the bombs went through the ceiling without detonating. That bomb is still in the church today. The last big restoration took place in 1975.

^{The sober facade of the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo Napoli}

^{The highly detailed interior makes this the most beautiful church in Naples}

The facade of the Gesù Nuovo church

The facade of Palazzo Sanseverino is the facade of the church of Gesù Nuovo. One of the features of this facade is its structure in small pyramids, a style mainly used in the Venetian Renaissance. This style was totally unknown in the south of Italy. The marble door dates from the original palace from the 15th century. The Jesuits made changes to the bas-reliefs, frieze and cornice in the 17th century. In addition, two columns were added to the side.

Where is Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo in Naples?

The church is located on the square 'Piazza del Gesù Nuovo' from where you can follow the Spaccanapoli through the old town. On this square you can also find another highlight of Naples, the Santa Chiara Monastery.