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Explore the Wonders of the Sansevero Chapel Museum in Naples

NaplesVeiled ChristSansevero Chapel Museum

Sansevero Chapel Museum | A stunning example of Baroque architecture

Tucked away in Naples’ historic center, the Sansevero Chapel Museum is no ordinary church. What began as a family tomb evolved into one of the most intriguing Baroque sites in Italy, shaped by the enigmatic Prince Raimondo di Sangro—a nobleman with a passion for science, art, and the unexplained. The chapel’s crown jewel, the Veiled Christ, is so masterfully sculpted that its delicate marble veil seems almost translucent. Surrounding it, intricate sculptures and mysterious anatomical models add to the chapel’s air of fascination and intrigue.

This guide will help you book Sansevero Chapel Museum tickets, navigate its highlights, history, and practical details for a wholesome experience.

Things to know before booking Sansevero Chapel Museum tickets

  • All tickets are timed-entry slots. Entry without a prior reservation is prohibited due to the chapel’s limited capacity. If you are late by over 15 minutes from the scheduled time, you will be refused entry.
  • You can upgrade your entry ticket to include an audio guide, which provides insights into the chapel’s history and artworks in multiple languages.
  • A historian-led guided tour provides expert commentary on the symbolism, artistic details, and myths surrounding the chapel. Some tours combine entry with a walking tour of the historic center of Naples, offering a broader understanding of the city's rich heritage.
  • Sansevero Chapel Museum tickets often sell out days or even weeks in advance, especially during peak season (June to August). You might have to wait in line for 15 minutes to an hour to enter the attraction. Book your tickets at least 2 weeks prior, to secure a spot in your preferred time slot, skip long lines, and gain quick access.
  • For a peaceful experience, visit early in the morning before 10am or post midday (12 noon to 2pm) when people break for lunch.

Which Sansevero Chapel Museum ticket is best for you?

Standard tickets

Duration: Flexible (self-paced)

Best for: Those who prefer to explore the chapel at their own pace.

What’s included: Timed entry to the Sansevero Chapel Museum.

Upgrade available: Add an audio guide for deeper insights into the chapel, sculptures, and other works.

Recommended tickets:

  • Sansevero Chapel & Veiled Christ Entry Tickets

Guided tours

Duration: Fixed

Best for: Those who want a comprehensive understanding of the chapel’s symbolism, history, and legends.

What’s included: Timed entry to the Sansevero Chapel Museum and a historian-led guided tour.

Why choose this: Expert insights help you discover hidden details you might otherwise miss.

Recommended tickets:

  • Sansevero Chapel & Veiled Christ Guided Tour & Entry Tickets
  • Naples Guided Walking Tour with Sansevero Chapel & Veiled Christ Entry Tickets

Combo tickets

Duration: Flexible (self-paced)

Best for: Those who want to see more of Naples while saving money.

What’s included: Entry to the Sansevero Chapel Museum and a guided walking tour of Naples’ historic center.

Why choose this: Make the most of your time in the city, exploring top landmarks with an expert guide.

Recommended tickets:

Brief history of the Sansevero Chapel Museum

  • 1590: Founded by John Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, as a private chapel after recovering from illness. Its origins are tied to a legend involving an image of the Madonna appearing to an innocent man.
  • 1613: Alessandro di Sangro expanded the chapel into a family burial site, dedicating it to Santa Maria della Pietà.
  • 1749–1766: Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, transformed the chapel into a Baroque masterpiece. He commissioned sculptures like Disillusion (Francesco Queirolo) and Modesty (Antonio Corradini), along with frescoes by Francesco Maria Russo.
  • 1753: The Veiled Christ, sculpted by Giuseppe Sanmartino, was installed as the centerpiece.
  • Mid-18th century: Anatomical Machines, crafted by Giuseppe Salerno under Raimondo's direction, were added to the crypt, showcasing preserved human arterial systems.
  • 1888: A passageway connecting the chapel to the Sansevero palace was closed, marking a shift in its use.
  • Modern era: The chapel became a museum showcasing its rich history and extraordinary art. Today, it attracts visitors worldwide as an iconic symbol of Neapolitan Baroque.

Sansevero Chapel Museum architecture

The Sansevero Chapel Museum is a classic example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture, designed with intricate details and symbolic elements.

It has a single nave lined with elegant arches that house the di Sangro family’s funerary monuments. The vaulted ceiling, painted by Francesco Maria Russo, features the Glory of Paradise, an illusionistic fresco that adds depth to the space. 

The marble floor once had a labyrinth design, reflecting Prince Raimondo di Sangro’s interest in symbolism. With its detailed sculptures, frescoes, and unique design, the chapel is both an artistic and architectural highlight of Naples.

Know before you go

General information
Visitor tips

Timings

  • Opening hours: 9am to 7pm (Wednesday to Monday) 
  • Closed on: Tuesdays

Location

  • Address: Via Francesco De Sanctis, 19/21, 80134 Naples, Italy
  • Find on Map

Rules

  • All visits must be booked online in advance.
  • Taking photos or videos inside the chapel is strictly forbidden.
  • Maintain silence to preserve the quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
  • Touching the artworks is not permitted.
  • While not a strict religious site, it's recommended to dress modestly out of respect.
  • Accessibility: The chapel is partially accessible to wheelchair users and people with disabilities. The Underground Chamber housing the anatomical models requires you to climb a spiral staircase, which is not ideal for those with reduced mobility.
  • Children: If you’re visiting with infants, bring a baby carrier as the chapel is not stroller friendly.
  • Bookshop: Located in the sacristy, the bookshop offers souvenirs, publications, and museum guides. 
  • Audio guides: Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German for a fee.
  • Wi-Fi: Make use of the free Wi-Fi, accessible both inside the chapel and on the surrounding streets.
  • Limited facilities: Keep in mind that the chapel is an 18th-century building adapted as a museum. Therefore, facilities, like restrooms or elevators, are limited.
























Frequently asked questions about the Sansevero Chapel Museum

What is so unique about the Sansevero Chapel Museum?

The Sansevero Chapel Museum is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and artworks, including the famous Veiled Christ. It also features enigmatic Anatomical Machines and other sculptures like Disillusion and Modesty. The chapel's blend of art, history, and mystery makes it a unique cultural treasure.

Can I take photos inside the Sansevero Chapel Museum?

No. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Sansevero Chapel.

Are guided tours of the Sansevero Chapel Museum available?

Yes, guided tours of Sansevero Chapel are available and recommended for in-depth knowledge of the attraction, its history, and the sculptures inside.

Can I get skip-the-line tickets to the Sansevero Chapel Museum?

Yes, you can buy skip-the-line tickets to the chapel.

Is the Sansevero Chapel Museum accessible for people with disabilities?

The museum is partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, offering access to the nave and sacristy. However, the underground chamber with the Anatomical Machines is not accessible due to a narrow spiral staircase.

Are there seating areas inside the Sansevero Chapel Museum?

No, there are no seating areas inside the chapel. You will have to stand or walk for the entirety of your tour.

Are there free entry days for the Sansevero Chapel Museum?

No, the Sansevero Chapel Museum does not have any free entry days for the public.

Can I buy Sansevero Chapel Museum tickets on the spot?

No, you cannot buy Sansevero Chapel tickets on-site. You have to book them online in advance to secure your spot.

How long does it take to complete a Sansevero Chapel Museum tour?

It usually takes about an hour to complete the tour. Having said that, the length of your tour depends on your interest in the artworks and the time you wish to spend admiring them.