San Lorenzo Maggiore

The famous Gothic church of San Lorenzo Maggiore stands at the site of the ancient Greek and Roman city that became modern-day Naples.

This used to be the city’s market place in ancient times but a church has stood here since as early as the 6th century. The current structure dates from a reconstruction in 1270 by Carlo I d’Angio. There have been a number of subsequent repairs and additions to the building over the centuries, with both Baroque and Gothic features visible on the exterior, making it one of the most fascinating architectural sites in the city. What makes it even more remarkable was the discovery of the remains of the ancient market beneath the church, which were painstakingly restored and are now open to the public.

To top off a unique visitor experience, there is a 3-storey museum which houses many of the recovered artefacts and offers an overview of the amazing history of this unique site. The mix of styles imposed upon the church’s architecture is also clear on the interior of the building, from the 13th-century refectory to the Baroque cloister.

For many, however, the most interesting part of a visit to the San Lorenzo Maggiore begins when they venture down the stairs from the cloister room into the foundations of the church, to the excavations of a first-century Roman village. Get an up-close view of life in the ancient Roman Empire as you walk the subterranean market stalls, houses and basilica where artefacts such as an old stone oven have been meticulously restored.

Once you’ve finished exploring this incredible site, head up to the courtyard to the museum, where you can learn more about the church’s history. Located in the Piazza San Gaetano, the San Lorenzo Maggiore is open every day, with shorter hours on Sunday. Admission is free but there is a charge to enter the excavation area and the museum.