Gothic basilica of 1340 and its majolica cloister of 1739, decorated with painted tile benches.
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is a religious complex at Via Santa Chiara 49/c in the Centro Storico of Naples, in Campania, Italy, close to Spaccanapoli and Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. It centres on a Gothic basilica consecrated in 1340, which was built for the Angevin court and later given a Baroque interior that was heavily damaged in World War II and restored to a simpler Gothic appearance.
The best-known feature is the majolica cloister, laid out in 1739. Painted tile benches and columns decorated with colourful scenes of landscapes, village life, mythology and flowers surround a garden of orange and lemon trees. The result is a bright, calm space that contrasts with the dense streets outside. The complex also includes a museum with archaeological remains and artefacts from the monastery, and an area with the remains of a Roman thermal complex.
A visit takes about an hour. The complex is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:30PM and Sunday from 10AM to 2:30PM, while the basilica alone can be entered free of charge during the morning and late afternoon church hours. Mornings are the best time to visit, with softer light in the cloister and fewer tour groups. The cloister is most crowded around midday and in spring and autumn. Visitors should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, when entering the basilica.
The complex is about eight minutes on foot from Dante metro station on Line 1 and three minutes from Spaccanapoli. Entry to the cloister and museum is about EUR 7, with reduced rates of EUR 5 for students and over-65s and EUR 4 for ages 7 to 17. Prices vary slightly between sources, so visitors should confirm at the ticket desk.
| Admission | EUR 7 (~$8) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Complex Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sun 10AM-2:30PM; basilica alone free about 7:45AM-12:45PM and 4:30-8PM; tel +39 081 797125 |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Morning |
| Getting there | Metro Line 1 to Dante then 8-minute walk; 3 minutes from Spaccanapoli |
| Address | Via Santa Chiara 49/c, 80134 Napoli |
Location
Via Santa Chiara 49/c, 80134 Napoli
40.8468, 14.2527 View on map
Highlights
- Majolica cloister of 1739 with painted tile benches and columns
- Gothic basilica consecrated in 1340
- Orange and lemon garden at the centre of the cloister
- Museum and excavated Roman remains within the complex
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer groups.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering the basilica.
- The basilica alone can be entered free; the cloister and museum need a ticket.
- Sunday hours are shorter, ending at about 2:30PM.
- Combine with Spaccanapoli and Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, a few minutes away.
When to visit
Mornings are best for light and quiet in the cloister. Midday and spring weekends are the busiest.
Accessibility
The basilica and cloister are largely on one level, but some areas have steps and uneven stone. Visitors using wheelchairs should ask at the ticket desk about accessible routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Santa Chiara take?
About one hour covers the basilica, cloister and museum.
Is the basilica free to enter?
Yes, entry to the basilica alone is free during church hours. The cloister and museum require a ticket of about EUR 7.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered in the basilica.