Basilica di Santa Restituta

A beautiful basilica

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Very, very beautiful a small jewel placed in the current cathedral of Naples. It is the oldest Neapolitan basilica.

The Basilica is annexed to the cathedral and can be reached from the left aisle, through a door which, in fact, actually represents the third chapel of the Duomo. Originally, this chapel was an independent basilica of early Christian origin, merged with the cathedral at a later date, and was founded by Constantine I in the fourth century AD. Unfortunately, over the centuries, renovations and alterations have altered its initial appearance. It consisted of five 5 naves and probably 5 entrances, one per nave.

In the Cathedral of Naples - Santa Restituta: early Christian basilica founded in the fourth century by Constantine on a previous temple of Apollo The early Christian basilica was modified in its structure in the Angevin age when it became the third chapel in the left aisle of the new cathedral. It is the oldest Neapolitan basilica and the city's primitive cathedral church. Little angels hold up the curtain as in a theatrical scenographic effect. The baptismal room is leaning on the west side of the apse and the basin, once covered with marble, is located in the center of the room.

The basilica of Santa Restituta can be reached from the Cathedral of Naples, and in a reductive way it can be defined as its third chapel in the left nave. It is located in a symmetrical position with respect to the Chapel of the Treasure of S. Gennaro located on the right nave. History: The early Christian building dates back to the 4th century AD (Its construction was possible after the edict of Constantine of 313 AD which allowed Christianity to freely practice their religion). Over the centuries it has undergone various restorations and remakes. It is commonly referred to as the oldest church in Naples. Internal: The interior has three naves, divided by seven Gothic arches on each side (14th century), with side vaults of the same architecture and with over 20 original early Christian columns with Corinthian capitals for the central nave and the side naves. With fourteen chapels, one on each side on the counter-façade and six on each side on the side aisles. In the semicircular apse there is the painting "Christ on the throne" and as an altarpiece "The Madonna on the throne between the anti Michael and the Returned" of the sixteenth century. Among the chapels worth mentioning: The last one on the left nave called "Madonna del Principio" and very beautiful with the mosaic Madonna and Child Enthroned between Saints Gennaro and Restituita (XIV century), while in the center of the streets there is a marble altar that houses the relics of Santa Restituita. The last one of the right aisle contains interesting Roman sarcophagi adapted to funeral monuments, interesting is the one where a high relief has been inserted which represents the deceased. The ceiling of the central nave of the Baroque type, is presented with painted paper where in the center there is the painting "Glory of Saint returned" attributed to Luca Giordano. Note on the Life of the Restored Saint The saint was born in Africa, in present-day Tunisia, during the persecutions under the emperor Diocletian (304 AD) was arrested together with other Christians and was brought to Carthage, she was interrogated and despite the tortures she did not deny her faith and for this reason she was sentenced to death, probably burned alive. In this Basilica there is the urn of the Saint, containing its relics.