Santa Chiara, Naples

Santa Chiara is a major religious complex in central Naples that comprises a Gothic church, an adjoining monastery and the well known ‘Chiostro Maiolicato’ cloister; the complex dates to the 14th century and was later altered in subsequent periods. The cloister’s polychrome glazed tiles are one of the complex’s most distinctive elements.

Visitors typically focus on the tiled cloister, the monastery courtyards and the church interior with its chapels and funerary monuments. The site is part of Naples’ dense historic core and is often visited together with nearby Baroque and medieval landmarks.

The complex was founded in the Angevin period in the 14th century and underwent Baroque-era modifications; it also suffered damage during 20th-century wartime events and has been the subject of restoration and conservation work. Archaeological investigations beneath parts of the complex have revealed earlier urban layers.

Santa Chiara stands in Naples’ historic centre near Piazza del Gesù and the Spaccanapoli axis, within short walking distance of other central attractions.

• Cloister highlight: The cloister's glazed ceramic tiles are a standout feature and among the most photographed elements of the complex.
• Central location: The complex is in the historic center near Piazza del Gesù and Spaccanapoli, so it is easily combined with visits to nearby sites on foot.

What to See #

• Church: The church building, dating to the 14th century and later altered, contains the main nave, chapels and funerary monuments typical of a major monastic church.
• Chiostro Maiolicato: The 'Chiostro Maiolicato' is a large rectangular cloister decorated with glazed ceramic tiles and polychrome decoration that is a principal photographic and visitor focus.
• Monastery and archaeological area: The monastery buildings include cloisters and internal courtyards; archaeological work beneath parts of the complex has revealed earlier urban layers.