Few works of art have the power to stop you in your tracks like the Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ). Housed in the magnificent Cappella Sansevero, this sculpture is a must-see on any trip to Naples, and it's conveniently located within the Centro Storico, easily reachable from Quartino Napoletano.
A Masterpiece of Marble
Completed in 1753 by the young artist Giuseppe Sanmartino, the sculpture depicts the dead Christ lying on a couch, covered by a transparent veil. The incredible realism of the veil, which seems to cling to the body beneath, is so perfect that for centuries a legend persisted that it was the result of an alchemical process that turned real cloth into marble.
The Chapel's Other Mysteries
The chapel itself is a treasure trove of 18th-century art, commissioned by the enigmatic Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero—an aristocrat, inventor, and alchemist. Don't miss the other allegorical statues, like Disillusion, with its impossibly intricate rope net carved from the same block of marble. Downstairs, you'll find the unsettling Anatomical Machines, two human skeletons with the arterial and venous systems perfectly preserved.
Tips for Your Visit
The Cappella Sansevero is one of Naples' most popular attractions, and visitor numbers are strictly limited. It is essential to book your tickets online well in advance to avoid disappointment. Photography is strictly forbidden inside to preserve the works of art. A visit is a profound experience that will stay with you long after you've returned to the everyday world.
