CHAPEL CARAFA

Chapel Carafa, inside the Cathedral of Naples, was built when the relics of Saint Januarius were transferred here from the Monastery of Montevergine at the end of the 15th century. This is a rare example of Renaissance architecture: according to some it could have even been designed by the great Donato Bramante, the architect of St. Peter's Basilica. As you can see, the chapel consists of a rectangular crypt divided into three naves by marble columns, with a paneled ceiling that's also marble and is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Saints, Doctors of the Church, the four evangelists, and the Madonna with Child. Look at the virtuosity with which the cloak that opens up behind the imposing statue of Oliviero Carafa is carved, who is kneeling in prayer while looking toward the altar where the bones of Saint Januarius are kept.