Pio Monte della Misericordia (Caravaggio)

The Pio Monte della Misericordia is a charitable foundation and church at Via dei Tribunali 253 in the Centro Storico of Naples, in Campania, Italy, directly opposite the Duomo. Founded in the early 17th century by a group of noblemen to carry out works of charity, it built an octagonal Baroque church that is now one of the most visited small sites in the city.

The church is best known for Caravaggio's The Seven Works of Mercy, painted in 1607 and hanging above the high altar. The large canvas combines the seven acts of mercy, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and burying the dead, in one crowded street scene lit by sharp contrasts of light and shadow. Six more altars around the octagon hold paintings by other Neapolitan artists. Upstairs, the picture gallery displays works from the foundation's collection, including paintings by Luca Giordano and other Baroque painters, and rooms with period furniture.

The visit lasts about 45 minutes. The church and gallery are open Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday from 9AM to 2:30PM. Mornings are quieter, and the room around the Caravaggio fills with groups later in the day. Visitors should stand back from the altar to see how the composition draws the eye through the scene, and should note that photography may be restricted.

The site is a 10-minute walk from Università metro station on Line 1. Adult tickets cost EUR 10, with a reduced rate of EUR 8 and a family ticket at EUR 20. Because it is close to the Duomo, Napoli Sotterranea and San Lorenzo Maggiore, it combines easily with a walk along Via dei Tribunali.