Church of Sant’Aniello a Caponapoli

The Church of Sant’Aniello a Caponapoli, located in the heart of ancient Greco-Roman Naples, is a unique place where faith, history, and civic engagement intertwine. Built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Demeter, it was later transformed into a Christian church dedicated to the worship of Saint Aniello, one of Naples’ patron saints, revered for protecting the city in times of crisis.

In the 16th century, Archbishop Giovanni Maria Poderico expanded the building, giving it its current Renaissance structure with a central nave, side chapels, and a splendid main altar made of Carrara marble, sculpted by Girolamo Santacroce. The church also houses works by prominent artists such as Giovanni da Nola, Annibale Caccavello, and Giandomenico D’Auria.

One of the most striking features is the transparent glass floor, which reveals the archaeological remains beneath: from 4th-century BCE Greek walls to Roman structures and early medieval burials—offering a moving visual journey through 2,500 years of Neapolitan history.
Today, Sant’Aniello is more than just a church: it is a space of cultural rediscovery and community life, restored and returned to the public as a symbol of shared heritage.