Church of Saint Catherine of Formiello
The Renaissance on the Water: Santa Caterina a Formiello
Opposite the historic Porta Capuana stands a temple of the Neapolitan Renaissance. A church built on the city's ancient aqueduct, today in dialogue with contemporary art.
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Arriving at Porta Capuana means coming into contact with the monumental history of Naples, that of its ancient walls and triumphal gateways. And right there, guarding the gate, the city offers one of its purest architectural jewels: the Church of Santa Caterina a Formiello.
It is considered one of the most important and successful examples of the Renaissance in Naples. Its history begins in the 16th century (construction started in 1505), in the midst of the Aragonese era.
Its name tells a fascinating story. The epithet "a formiello" derives from the formali, the channels of the ancient Bolla aqueduct that ran right on this spot, bringing water and life to the heart of the city. It is a temple built on water, a symbol of rebirth.
The architect Antonio Della Cava designed a structure that is a masterpiece of balance. The interior, with a Latin cross plan and a single nave, expresses classical harmony, and one need only look up to admire the splendid coffered dome, recently restored.
But the history of this complex does not stop at the sacred. After the Unification of Italy, the monastery even became a wool mill.
Today, Santa Caterina is experiencing a new, vibrant season. While the church hosts cultural events and exhibitions, the adjacent cloister has become the home of the "Made in Cloister" Foundation, a centre for art and design that merges ancient artisanal knowledge with contemporary creativity. It is the perfect synthesis of Naples: the Renaissance and the avant-garde meeting at the city gates.
INFO
ADDRESS: Piazza Enrico de Nicola, 49, 80139 Napoli NA
PHONE NUMBER: +39 081 444297
WEB: https://www.comune.napoli.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/17403
