Our third day in Naples was another beautiful one.  The sun was shining, and the air, fresh and clean.  As we passed the Basilica di Santa Lucia a Mare, we noticed that the doors were open, and there were no crowds in front, unlike our last attempted visit.  So, in we went!  Much of the basilica’s valuable artwork was destroyed or lost, in the last war.  On the high altar, one can see an 18th century statue of “Santa Lucia,” which is the work of the sculptor, Nicola Fumo.

We headed back to Piazza del Plebiscito, as we wanted to visit the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola.

The Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola dates from 1816, and was designed by Pietro Bianchi, who took inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome.  The basilica sits in the center of a colonnade that was designed by Leopoldo Laperuta.  The columns, on the front of the porch, are made from Carrara marble, and are the work of Carlo Beccalli.  The tympanum features three statues.  On the left, you will find the statue of “San Francesco da Paola,” by Giuseppe Del Nero.  On the right, you will see a statue of “San Ferdinand of Castile,” by Konrad Heinrich Schweickle.  In the center, there is a statue depicting “Religion,” again the work of Konrad Heinrich Schweickle.

Inside, the first thing that grabs your eye is the dome with its oculus.

The statue of “San Giovanni Crisostomo” is by Gennaro Calì.

The statue of “Sant’Ambrogio” is by Tito Angelini.

The statue of “San Luca” is the work of Antonio Calì.

Inside the drum of the dome, stands were created so that members of the Royal Family could attend mass, and still remain separate from the public below.

The statue of “San Giovanni” is the work of Pietro Tenerani, and dates from 1834.

The statue of “San Marco” is the work of Giuseppe Fabris.

The statue of “Sant’Agostino” is by Tommaso Arnaud.

The statue of “Sant’Atanasio” is by Angelo Solari.

 

Next up: We continue to explore the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola, and then, wander around some side streets!

 

<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Naples, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!</em>