Basilica sanctuary of Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore

Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore is one of the largest basilicas in Naples and a fine example of Neapolitan Baroque style. The church was founded in the 13th century by Carmelite friars who had been expelled from the Holy Land during the Crusades, and who probably arrived in the Bay of Naples on Amalfi ships. The present facade dates from 1766 and was designed by Giovanni del Gaizo to replace the old one, which had been ruined by lightning and above all by the earthquake of 1456. Although it was built at the same time as the church, the bell tower is first mentioned in 1439. It was damaged and rebuilt several times and took on its present appearance in the first half of the 17th century.