Sansevero Chapel Museum

Welcome to the Sansevero Chapel (Sahn-seh-veh-roh), or the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà. We are standing in one of the most extraordinary artistic spaces in the world—a place where the boundaries between sculpture,…

We stand now before the 'Veiled Christ' (Cristo Velato), created by the young sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753. It is, by all accounts, one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of art. …

To the left of the main altar stands another remarkable veiled figure: 'Modesty' (La Pudicizia), sculpted by Antonio Corradini. This statue is a monument to Cecilia Gaetani, the mother of the Prince, who died when he was less…

Opposite 'Modesty,' we find 'Release from Deception' (Il Disinganno), a masterpiece by Francesco Queirolo. This sculpture is dedicated to Antonio di Sangro, the Prince's father, whose life was marked by dissipation and eventual…

Descending into the underground chamber of the chapel, we encounter the most disturbing and fascinating objects in the collection: the 'Anatomical Machines' (Macchine Anatomiche). These are the skeletal remains of a man and a…

As you look up at the ceiling, you see the 'Gloria del Paradiso' (Glory of Paradise), a vibrant fresco by Francesco Maria Russo. What is most remarkable about this ceiling is the Prince’s own contribution: he invented the…

Our journey through the Sansevero Chapel comes to an end, but the questions it raises will likely stay with you for a lifetime. You have witnessed the miraculous 'Veiled Christ,' explored the allegories of parental struggle, and…