San Lorenzo Maggiore, Naples

San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples is a medieval church and monastic complex located in the historic centre, built over archaeological remains of the ancient Roman city. The site combines Gothic and later architectural elements with an archaeological level that exposes Roman urban structures.

The medieval church with later Baroque alterations, a cloistered monastic courtyard, and access to excavated Roman streets and structures beneath the complex. The exposed Roman remains reveal portions of the ancient decumanus and associated urban features.

The complex originated in the medieval period as a Dominican house and has been the subject of archaeological and conservation work to present both its medieval and Roman layers to the public.

San Lorenzo Maggiore sits in central Naples within the dense street pattern of the historic centre, close to Spaccanapoli and other principal historic streets and squares.

• Mixed heritage: Founded as a medieval Dominican complex and sited over earlier Roman urban fabric, meaning the site contains both medieval and classical archaeological remains.

What to See #

• Church: The medieval and later church building, which combines Gothic foundations with subsequent Baroque and Renaissance alterations.
• Archaeological remains and Roman street: An archaeological area and subterranean remains showing Roman-era urban layers beneath the medieval complex, including parts of the ancient decumanus.