A stunning example of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore houses a museum on its upper floors. Go beneath the church however and you will find the remains of a Roman market place painting a vivid picture of life in Naples some 2,000 years ago.
There has been a church on this site in the heart of the old Greek and Roman city since the 6th century. The church as it stands today was rebuilt in 1270 by Carlo I's Angio. It has seen many additions and repairs to its Baroque façade since then, which architecture and history buffs will appreciate, as this is considered to be one of Naples’ most interesting architectural sites.
Wander inside and you’ll see that the mixture of styles continues in the church's interior. Marvel at the ornate frescoes that decorate the walls and the typically decorative tombs and monuments. An impressive Baroque cloister leads to a hall and refectory, which were built in the 13th and 14th centuries.
It is through the cloister that you will find stairs leading down to the ancient remains, which have been painstakingly restored back to their original condition, to create a vivid impression of life in a 1st century Roman village. Explore the market stalls, a basilica and a stone oven that all give a unique insight into everyday Roman life.
Afterwards, go back upstairs to visit the museum situated on the upper three floors of the church. Here you’ll find items which have been unearthed from the site during the excavation process. The museum mainly deals with artefacts from the area surrounding the church. There are, however, other exhibits including religious attire and shipping charts from the 18th century, which show trade routes that were once taken from Naples.
Situated in the Piazza San Gaetano, the church can be reached using the metro or local buses. There is a charge to access the remains and the museum although entry to the church itself is free. Open daily.
