This ranks among the finest Gothic churches in the city.
Its construction was ordered by Charles, Duke of Calabria, who having been taken prisoner by Ruggero di Lauria, vowed to have a church erected as soon as he was released.
It was built between 1283 and 1324 and had already been dedicated to St. Michael the archangel when it was conceded to Dominican monks who requested and obtained the change of title.
The church of San Domenico Maggiore, with his adjoining monastery, was, for years one of the city's main cultural centers, the seat of the University of Naples, and a school for the teaching of canon law.
Its traditional Gothic style was completely upset in the 18th century, during rebuilding work.
For the sake of "embellishing" the building it was ordered that the trussed roof be knocked down and replaced with a lacunar ceiling.
Inside as well, stuccowork and decorations were added to the sober features of the Gothic style, many of which have now been eliminated.
The facade, which has been greatly altered, is embellished by a fine ogival portal in marble.
The interior, with its Latin cross plan, is notable for its division into a nave and aisles, and is impressive in size.
Proceeding along the right-hand aisle we come to the Brancaccio Chapel, decorated with 14th century frescoes by Cavallini (Stories of St. Andrew, Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist).
An outstanding Our Lady of Humility by Roberto d'Odorisio, is displayed in the fifth chapel.
The Grand Chapel of the Crucifix contains a Deposition by Colantonio; a copy of the 13th century Crucifixion which has become the object of particular devotion; and a Climb to Calvary by Pedro Fernandez (these works are temporarily closed to the public for security reasons).
The Carafa di Ruvo Chapel is an important Renaissance design by Balsimelli; the dome bears frescoes by Fernandez, and the Tomb of Ettore Carafa is situated here.
The Sacristy contains the Triumph of Faith, an 18th century work by Solimena.
The right-hand transept holds the front part of the Tomb of Jean of Anjou, by Tino di Camaino, and the 16th century Tomb of Galeazzo Pandone.
The magnificent high altar, by Fanzago, is distinguished by its fine inlaid polychrome marble.
The 16th century Easter candelabrum is decorated with some of the statues carried out by Tino di Camaino and students for the Funerary Monument of Philip of Anjou (situated in a chapel of the left-hand transept).
In the left-hand nave, the first chapel going towards the entrance holds the 16th century altar of St. Mary at Nives by Giovanni da Nola.
Some years ago the church had also the famous Flagellation by Caravaggio (now in Capodimonte) but we can see the 17th century copy by Andrea Vaccaro .
The city of Naples: Not all but of all on this magnificent city. Sees under a historical and cultural profile. http://www.dentronapoli.it
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