Chiesa di Santa Maria Donnaromita
Donnaromita: The Treasure Hidden Among the University Courtyards
In the vibrant heart of university Naples, along the bustling path of the Decumani (the city's ancient main streets), there is a place that guards a secret of rare beauty. The Church of Santa Maria Donnaromita hides behind a simple, almost austere façade, offering no hint of the splendour concealed within.
Its name evokes its origins: "Donnaromita" derives from the "hermit" nuns (romite) who found refuge here, establishing a monastic complex with roots in the 14th century. What you see today, however, is the 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece, which was later enhanced by a magnificent 18th-century atrium designed by the brilliant Giuseppe Astarita.
Crossing the threshold is an astonishing experience. The minimalist exterior dissolves into an explosion of art and harmony.
Look up: the ceiling is an absolute masterpiece. A precious 16th-century wooden coffered ceiling (cassettonato) frames large canvases by Girolamo Imparato, creating a visual narrative that seems to float above your head.
Look down: your feet tread upon another treasure. It is the 18th-century majolica floor, a carpet of riggiole (traditional hand-painted tiles) designed by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, whose geometric patterns and vivid colours create a dialogue with the solemnity of the ceiling.
And then, all around you, the side chapels open like treasure chests. Here you can admire the vibrant canvases by masters such as Francesco De Mura and Teodoro D’Errico.
Today, the deconsecrated church is a jewel embedded within the University Federico II. Its ancient monastery houses science departments and libraries. Visiting Donnaromita means discovering a place where academic study and silence coexist with centuries of art and spirituality. It is one of the most authentic experiences of that cultured, layered Naples—a marvel revealed only to those who know how to find it.
E poi, intorno a te, le cappelle laterali si aprono come scrigni. Qui puoi ammirare le tele vibranti di maestri come Francesco De Mura e Teodoro D’Errico.
Oggi la chiesa, sconsacrata, è un gioiello incastonato nell'Università Federico II. Il suo antico monastero ospita i dipartimenti scientifici e le biblioteche. Visitare Donnaromita significa scoprire un luogo dove lo studio e il silenzio accademico convivono con secoli di arte e spiritualità. È una delle esperienze più autentiche di quella Napoli colta e stratificata, una meraviglia che si svela solo a chi sa cercarla.
