Museo Cappella Sansevero

"If there is one do-not-miss work of art in Naples — dare I say in all of Italy — it is the Veiled Christ. From Via Tribunali, you will turn down the narrow, very easy-to-miss Via Francesco De Sanctis to the Sansevero Chapel. Designed by architect Raimondo di Sangro, the prince of Sansevero, it was a mausoleum and a temple specifically intended for the initiation rites of the Freemasons. (Buy tickets ahead of time because the word is out, unlike a few years ago.) There is much to marvel at, but it’s the marble sculpture at the center, which shows the dead body of Christ following the crucifixion, covered by a transparent veil. Carved from a single piece of marble, it is so lifelike, so stupefying, that for centuries, experts and academics insisted that it was cut not by hand but by magic. Raimondo was also an alchemist accused of using an alchemical technique called marbilisation. Part of what was so unbelievable is that a relatively unknown artist named Giuseppe Sanmartino created a sculpture of this caliber. He was a creche artisan and had never made anything so special before (and never after). Scientific tools have been applied to dispute these claims and prove that no alchemical or other processes were applied to the marble to produce the illusion of transparency. The Veiled Christ is meant to be a profoundly moving work of art that should make you wince as you walk slowly around the sculpture and observe the effects of torture on the human body. Thankfully, there is a strict policy against taking photos, so the Sansevero Chapel is still a place of contemplation, not just a digital souvenir to post on Instagram. You may overhear local tour guides speaking verses of praise about Raimondo di Sangro’s alchemy and experiments. His command of so many disciplines is a point of pride for Neapolitans, and the associated legends fuel the experience of awe and wonder the Veiled Christ inspires."

"The San Severo Chapel is a unique and fascinating destination in the heart of Naples. Located in the historic district of San Lorenzo, the chapel is home to a collection of sculptures and works of art that have captured the attention of visitors from around the world.One of the most famous works of art in the San Severo Chapel is the Veiled Christ, a stunning sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino that depicts the body of Christ draped in a delicate veil. The sculpture is renowned for its lifelike appearance and intricate detail, and it is considered one of the most impressive works of art in the world."

"✏️ Cappella Sansevero was built in honor of Santa Maria della Pietá and it is located in the center of the old town. ❗I suggest buying your ticket online in advance as you might not find tickets on the spot and the queues might be long. 🕘 Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm) Closed on Tuesdays 💲 Prices and tickets: https://www.museosansevero.it/en/online-tickets"