The Church of the New Jesus, or Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, stands on Piazza del Gesù Nuovo in Naples’s historic centre. Its dark, pointed stone façade belongs to a former 15th-century palace, while the church inside is richly decorated in Baroque style. Look for frescoed ceilings, marble chapels, statues and the church’s gallery of portraits. A chapel dedicated to Saint Giuseppe Moscati contains reconstructed rooms connected with his life. The contrast between the restrained exterior and ornate interior is the defining reason to step inside.
From palace to church
The building began as a 15th-century palace belonging to the Sanseverino family. In the 16th century, the Jesuits converted it into a church. That change explains the striking difference between its exterior and interior: the façade retains the pointed stonework of the former residence, while the space within is decorated as a Baroque church.
The church was built between 1584 and 1601. Its dome has been rebuilt twice after earthquake damage. The building faces Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, a pedestrian square in Naples’s historic centre.
Art and chapels inside
The church’s interior decoration was completed in the 18th century over a period of almost 50 years. Frescoes by Italian painters, including Francesco Solimena, cover parts of the interior. Look for the frescoed ceilings, marble chapels, portraits, statues and sculptures as you move through the church.
One chapel is dedicated to Saint Giuseppe Moscati, a doctor associated with miraculous cures. Reconstructed rooms connected with his life include his office and bedroom, with original items. The chapel gives the church visit a focus beyond its architecture and religious art.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Church of the New Jesus?
It is at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, 2, in Naples’s historic centre.
What should I see inside the church?
Look for the frescoed ceilings, marble chapels, portraits, statues and sculptures. The chapel dedicated to Saint Giuseppe Moscati includes reconstructed rooms connected with his life.
Why does the façade look different from the interior?
The church was converted from a 15th-century palace. Its exterior retains the palace’s pointed stonework, while the interior has Baroque decoration.
