Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore

Description:

• The most beautiful of Naples's medieval churches, San Lorenzo is famous for its literary past -- here Giovanni Boccaccio met his Fiammetta in 1334, and the attached convent hosted Francesco Petrarca for a period. Originally a basilica from the 6th century A.D., the church was rebuilt in 1270 by Carlo I d'Angiò and his successor in Gothic style; its facade is baroque as the original was partially destroyed by an earthquake. The interior is airy and holds innumerable works of art, including 13th- and 14th- century frescoes, as well as beautiful altars and monumental tombs. From the baroque cloister you can visit the Chapter Hall and the refectory of the monastery, built in the 13th century. From the 14th-century cloister, enter the Greek and Roman excavations where you'll see a slice of the city's layers of construction, from the Roman Macellum -- the city market dating from the 1st century A.D. -- complete with merchant stalls, to a paleochristian basilica, to a medieval building to, finally, the existing buildings. The best pieces from the excavations are displayed in the museum, which also features a collection of historical ceremonial religious attire and a collection of 18th-century presepio (manger scene) figures. Note: At presstime, the museum is still being organized and is only partially accessible.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010