Historical Naples: Treasure of St. Gennaro "museum"

Welcome to our episode n. 8!
We will talk about something very unique...the treasure of St Gennaro!

A vow between Naples and St. Januarius
The years between 1526 and 1527 were terrible for Naples because of: the war between Spanish and French, the plague and many eruptions of Vesuvius.
Neapolitan people were discouraged and hopeless but on 13rd January 1527 (by some elected of Deputation Seats) expressed a solemn vow to St. Januarius. It was stipulated a notarial contract with the Saint represented by 5 Neapolitan notaries, being that he was died 1300 years before!
In this vow they required the protection of the town and salvation from calamities; in exchange they would realize a new Chapel in the Cathedral where they could safeguard the relics and the treasure. St. Januarius granted a favour.

On 5th February 1601 the elected of Seats nominated a laic Deputation composed by twelve members, two for each Seat, whom it was charged to protect and promote the worship of the Saint and to provide the foundation of the Chapel which was inaugurated on 16th December 1646.
The Deputation realized the Royal Chapel of the treasure of St. Januarius as an art gallery for its architecture, its gate and floor designed by Cosimo Fanzago, its precious marbles, the sculptures, the silverwares, many paintings and frescos by famous painters.
However, the role of the Deputation did not limit just to realize this Chapel but also to commission unique masterpieces developing artistic heritage with gifts by royals, emperors, famous men and common people that composed the treasure of St. Januarius. Besides, they safeguarded intact this treasure until nowadays.
If the treasure is still complete, the credit belongs to the Deputation who, over the centuries, has preserved and has protected it. They are strenuous and passionate defenders of St. Januarius.

The Chapel of treasure of St. Januarius
It is possible to go in a real architectural and artistic masterpiece where Kings and Queens, noblemen and common people honoured the Saint with gifts and prayers for over centuries. It is a blaze of frescos, paintings, statues, silver busts, polychrome marbles that fascinate the visitors and give them the sensation to be in a space without time. The great gate delimits the limit between city of Naples and curia. This aspect is remarked by different drawing on the floor and urban coat of arms under the altars. A majestic bronze gate delimits the enter. In front of it there is the Great Altar and two other altars are on the sides of the Chapel.

————————————————————
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL CHANNELS

FACEBOOK 👉🏻   / naplesgrandtour  
INSTAGRAM 👉🏻   / naplesgrandtour  

————————————————————
PAYPAL DONATION

(A little “coffe” to help me to still make videos)

https://paypal.me/romanoraffaele?loca...


————————————————————

SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL

   / @naplesgrandtour  


ARRIVEDERCI!