BASILICA DI SAN PAOLO MAGGIORE

In ancient times, a Roman temple dedicated to the Dioscuri (^1st century AD) stood on the site of the basilica, its façade dominating the forum, the main square of Naples in Roman times. At the end of the ^8th century, a Christian basilica was built between the walls of the ancient building. Later, between 1583 and 1630, a new church was built, preceded by a monumental staircase, under the impetus of the Theatine order, which was based in the nearby convent founded by St. Gaetano. Its façade encompasses the pronaos (vestibule) of the Roman temple, of which only two columns remain today, an earthquake having obliterated the rest of the ancient remains. After climbing the wide ^17th-century staircase, admire the vast, luxurious interior, in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves. The high altar in the center of the choir is the work of Ferdinando Fuga. The beautiful Firrao chapel features marble funerary monuments and frescoes by Aniello Falcone. The sacristy is entirely decorated with frescoes by Francesco Solimena, the artist's first major commission. Some remains of the foundations of the Temple of the Dioscuri can be seen inside the Limoné store, to the left of the monumental staircase (perhaps accompanied by a limoncello tasting!). To the right of the staircase, perched on a high plinth, note the statue of Saint Gaétan de Thiène, founder of the religious order of Théatins.