Wandering among the columns of the façade of the 19th century San Francesco di Paola church, taking in the polished marble and religious artworks, this wonderful building has all of the splendour of the Pantheon in Rome without the crowds of visitors that can at times be overwhelming.
With a covering of white patterned cobblestones, the Piazza del Plebistico public square is the perfect backdrop for the church. You’ll notice that its curved façade stretches along the west side of the square. Thirty columns placed in a semicircle create a majestic frame for the central basilica, which itself closely resembles St. Peters basilica in Rome with its triangular shaped portico.
Once you step inside, the comparisons with Rome's Pantheon become even more pronounced thanks to the stunning white marble interior. The real centrepiece here however can be found directly above your head. The 53-metre dome decorated with identical inlays and topped by a huge central window floods the building with sunlight. There are other outstanding features here that shouldn’t be missed, such as the altar inlaid with sparkling Lapis Lazuli.
The walls are lined with an extensive array of paintings, which include works by Luca Giordano, the celebrated Neopolitan artist whose work dates from the late Baroque era. Other religious works include several statues of the Saints. The altar piece dating from 1641 is also worth a mention.
Situated in the pedestrianized Piazza del Plebistico, close to the city's port, the San Francesco di Paola church is open daily except for a short period in the afternoon. Entry is free. You should allow at least half an hour to view the church, longer to take in the square. It is easy to reach using local buses and trams.
