Church of Santa Maria della Colonna (Naples, Italy)
Church of Santa Maria della Colonna
Santa Maria della Colonna is a Baroque style deconsecrated Roman Catholic church in central Naples. Closed to the public for nearly four decades, in 2018 the church was restored with the help of Unesco funding — a part of Neapolitan history has been restored to the city, and those who visit it.
The Monumental Complex of Santa Maria della Colonna reopened after a long restoration, is located in the heart of Naples, Via dei Tribunali, and includes the Church and the monumental Cloister. The Church of Santa Maria della Colonna, with its beautiful Baroque façade, is part of the complex wanted by cardinal Mario Carafa in 1566 for 50 poor young people, an orphanage to start young people in literature and music. The Conservatory was named Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo and the great Giovan Battista Pergolesi studied there, but also Alessandro Scarlatti, Francesco Durante, Nicola Porpora and many others. The complex returns to cover its original function, hosting in its wonderful atmosphere concerts and events, making it the fulcrum of the musical world in the heart of Naples.