San Giovanni a Carbonara is a Gothic and Renaissance church on Via Carbonara, just beyond the old city walls in Naples. Its interior holds the monumental tomb of King Ladislaus of Durazzo, Renaissance paintings and sculptures, and chapels with detailed marble work. Look for the circular Cappella Caracciolo del Sole, whose shape recalls Rome’s Pantheon, and the church’s striking double staircase. Entry is free, making this a worthwhile stop for art and history away from Naples’s busiest sights.
A church shaped by the Angevin era
San Giovanni a Carbonara was built in the mid-14th century and later expanded under King Ladislaus of Durazzo. The Angevin dynasty used the church as a burial place for its last family members, and the tomb of Ladislaus remains its defining monument. The church later grew into a larger complex managed by Augustinian fathers.
Its history continues in the building’s mix of Gothic and Renaissance work. The church is also associated with Naples’s Renaissance cultural life: the humanists Pontano and Sannazaro are among the figures connected with it. The structure has a Latin-cross plan with a single aisle, and its interior brings together architecture, sculpture and painting from different periods.
The tomb and the chapels
Behind the main altar, the tomb of King Ladislaus rises as a large Gothic-Renaissance monument, created through the work of Tuscan sculptors and artists from northern Italy. It is the central stop for anyone interested in the church’s royal history and sculpture.
The circular Cappella Caracciolo del Sole offers a striking change of shape from the main church. Its 15th-century frescoes add colour to the chapel, which also contains Leonardo da Besozzo’s tomb for Giovanni Caracciolo. The Cappella Caracciolo del Vico is another named chapel to look for, alongside the sculptures and paintings around the church walls.
The staircase and the church complex
The double stone staircase by architect Ferdinando Sanfelice leads to the main entrance and is one of the church’s most distinctive architectural details. In the 18th century, Sanfelice’s staircase also connected San Giovanni a Carbonara with the lower church of Consolazione.
The church stands on Via Carbonara, outside the former Capuana Gate of Naples’s old city walls. Its position away from the main tourist routes means it can take a little effort to locate. Once inside, the tomb, chapels and staircase give the visit a clear focus: look at the church as both a place of worship and a collection of royal monuments and Renaissance art.
FAQ
Where is San Giovanni a Carbonara?
The church is at Via Carbonara, 4, in Naples, just beyond the old city walls near the former Capuana Gate.
Is entry to San Giovanni a Carbonara free?
Yes. Entry is free.
What should I see inside San Giovanni a Carbonara?
Look for the tomb of King Ladislaus behind the main altar, the circular Cappella Caracciolo del Sole, the Cappella Caracciolo del Vico and the double staircase by Ferdinando Sanfelice.
