Basilica San Giovanni Maggiore, Naples
The Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore is a 17th-century Baroque church in the city centre of Naples. Its interior is a precious testimony of the city’s main historical-artistic periods.
About this building
The first Church dedicated to San Giovanni Maggiore was founded in the 4th century. The current structure of the building remains almost unchanged since the reconstruction of 1656, after the earthquake of 1635 destroyed the previous building. This reconstruction was led by Dionisio Lazzari. However, the church also needed extensive renovation after the earthquakes of 1732 and 1805, in which part of its artistic works were lost.
The last major damage occurred in 1970, when the vault collapsed. The church would remain closed for 42 years while renovation was taking place. In 2012, the basilica was reopened and resumed its religious ceremonies.
