Napoli: Visita Guidata Museo Monumentale Donnaregina

You will visit, accompanied by one of our expert guides, the Donnaregina Monumental Complex in Naples, a unique testimony in the Neapolitan historic center of the redundant and rich baroque decoration. Founded as a Franciscan monastic complex, evidence of the ancient convent and of the two original churches, the medieval one and the seventeenth-century one connected together, until the thirties of the twentieth century, by a corridor that linked past and present, allowing the Poor Clares to move without leaving the cloistered places. You will visit the Church of Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia, which has been witnessed since 780, part of a convent that has hosted Italian-Greek, Basilian, Benedictine and finally Franciscan nuns over the centuries. Destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1293, it was adopted by the wife of Charles II of Anjou, Maria of Hungary, who rebuilt it in Gothic style, asking that her own sepulcher be housed in the church (a magnificent monument created by the Sienese sculptor Tino di Camaino and Gagliardo Primario). The frescoes in the choir, although reddish because they were altered by a fire, constitute the largest and most interesting fourteenth-century cycle preserved in Naples. Also in the choir you can admire the wooden box with the Coronation of the Virgin created by the Bergamo sculptor Pietro Belverte at the beginning of the 16th century and the wooden stalls, from the same period, coming from San Lorenzo. The church also preserves Renaissance frescoes in the lower parts of the choir and two Crucifixions on the sides of the apse.

We will then move on to the visit of the second Church of Santa Maria Donnaregina (the New one) decided at the beginning of the 17th century in Baroque style by the Poor Clares, who were staying in the monastery at the time. Here work began in 1617 with the participation of the most prestigious artists of the time. The construction was of such magnificence that, even today, climbing the majestic staircase of Piperno you can admire the exuberant nave of the church, covered with polychrome marble and the vault entirely frescoed with the Glory of the Virgin; This magnificence is completed by a fresco by the young Francesco Solimena representing the Miracle of the Roses of Saint Francis and next to the main altar, some canvases by the baroque painter Luca Giordano.

In the meantime, we will visit the 2 churches of the Complex, we will be accompanied along the historical itinerary offered by the Diocesan Museum: here you will admire an eclectic collection of works of art, including tables, canvases, frescoes, sculptures, gold, silver, paintings, sculptures and historical artifacts that range from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Each room tells fascinating stories of monks, artists and historical figures who have left their mark on this unique place. It unfolds inside the baroque church where works of great value are exhibited, such as the Annunciation and the Immaculate Conception of 1646, by Charles Mellin from Lorraine, or Saint Francis who receives the symbols of beatification and holiness, a rare iconography of the Solimena or even the tender Madonna and Child by Massimo Stanzione, placed in the sacristy. The museum itinerary addresses significant themes of the Christian faith lived and manifested in the Neapolitan Church and that is why there is no lack of representation of 'Saint Gennar', patron of Naples and the depiction of 'Mary', a model of life for Christians.
The Museum, through the works exhibited on 3,000 square meters, allows a real journey into the Christian faith, thanks to formidable painters such as Andrea Vaccaro, Paolo de Matteis and Luca Giordano; but also, in the Flemish Teodoro d'Errico, in Francesco Solimena, Aniello Falcone, and Marco Pino da Siena.
In addition, entering the Museum, which covers 3000 square meters, you can discover, in the Sala dei Preziosi, the rare 12th century Stauroteca, which holds a fragment of the Cross of Christ and the 14th century tempera panel with a gold background, which represents a portrait of the archbishop of Naples Umberto d'Ormont.

The Donnaregina Monumental Complex Museum is much more than just a museum. It is a dive into the past, an opportunity to discover the traces left by the centuries, to be inspired by artistic beauty and to embrace the cultural heritage of Naples. It is a place to visit for: Art lovers who want to explore masterpieces from different eras, History lovers who want to experience the past through architectural and artistic testimonies, curious travelers looking for places that tell the story of a city... but also simple lovers of beauty looking for something unique in the world!

The entrance ticket is accompanied by one of our authorized expert guides (only if booked and paid at the time of purchase).

Everything Not Described

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Guide Language: Available in Italian and English.
Hours: Vary based on availability. Contact Metour.it for more information.
How to Book:

The booking of the “Donnaregina Naples Monumental Complex Museum Guided Tour” is not binding, but subject to availability with respect to the desired dates and time. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your reservation. with all the necessary details for your visit.

Our dedication to making tourism accessible to everyone, we ensure that every visitor can fully appreciate this extraordinary stage in the cultural heritage of Naples.

With Metour.it, Embrace the History and Art of Naples.

We invite tourists with special needs or requests to contact us through our contact form. One of our experts will contact you as soon as possible.

Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 9:30 - 16:30
Friday to Sunday: 9:30 - 19:00
Tuesday: Closed