Sansevero Chapel Museum
Latest update: 31 January 2024
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The Sansevero Chapel Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Naples, largely due to its most famous exhibit - "Il Cristo Velato" (The Veiled Christ); a remarkable piece of sculpture by Giuseppe Sammartino.
Sculpted from a single piece of marble, the work shows a dead Christ covered in a veil that almost feels life-like. |
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There are further, incredible sculptures on display from Francesco Celebrano and although not nearly as famous, just as impressive as the Veiled Christ.
Also on display in the museum is a seemingly incongruous area down a flight of stairs where you'll find two bodies (a man and a woman) preserved in glass cabinets. The original curator of the museum: a certain Prince Raimondo, was an alchemist who developed a liquid to keep certain internal organs preserved, something which led to his eventual excommunication by the pope! It's certainly a quite macabre sight and not for the feint-hearted but these various exhibits create a memorable experience and one that's highly recommended.
Such is the clamour to visit the museum that it's nearly always extremely busy with long queues outside its entrance. The ticket office lies just a few doors down from the entrance but you can gain faster access by booking your tickets on-line; below you'll see a green button which takes you to the museum's official website (in English), where you can purchase your tickets.
The museum is located in the heart of the Centro Storico (historic centre) on Via Francesco de Sanctis. The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00 apart from Tuesdays when it's closed all day. Adults above 25 years old pay €7 while there are various concessions for children, younger adults and Artecard holders. The "skip the line" tickets bought on-line come with a €2 booking fee which is certainly worth the time it will save you.
One important thing to note is that photographs are strictly prohibited in the museum and the rule is rigorously enforced.
Also on display in the museum is a seemingly incongruous area down a flight of stairs where you'll find two bodies (a man and a woman) preserved in glass cabinets. The original curator of the museum: a certain Prince Raimondo, was an alchemist who developed a liquid to keep certain internal organs preserved, something which led to his eventual excommunication by the pope! It's certainly a quite macabre sight and not for the feint-hearted but these various exhibits create a memorable experience and one that's highly recommended.
Such is the clamour to visit the museum that it's nearly always extremely busy with long queues outside its entrance. The ticket office lies just a few doors down from the entrance but you can gain faster access by booking your tickets on-line; below you'll see a green button which takes you to the museum's official website (in English), where you can purchase your tickets.
The museum is located in the heart of the Centro Storico (historic centre) on Via Francesco de Sanctis. The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00 apart from Tuesdays when it's closed all day. Adults above 25 years old pay €7 while there are various concessions for children, younger adults and Artecard holders. The "skip the line" tickets bought on-line come with a €2 booking fee which is certainly worth the time it will save you.
One important thing to note is that photographs are strictly prohibited in the museum and the rule is rigorously enforced.
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Opening-times:
Every day except Tuesdays from 09:00 to 19:00 |
Prices:
Adults: €7, Ages 10-25: €5, children up to 9 years: free |
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City: Naples
Region: Campania Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Built: 1590 Exhibits: Sculptures, partially preserved bodies Area: Centro Storico (Historic Centre) |
