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Inclusions
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
The Cristo Velato is a life-sized marble statue of Lord Jesus Christ lying lifeless on a chaise covered with a translucent shroud carved from the same block as the statue. Created in 1731 by Neapolitan artist Guiseppe Sanmartino, it was commissioned by the seventh prince of Sansevero, Raimondo di Sangro to create a sculpture of Lord Jesus with ‘unmatched realism’. The sculpture has a dramatic intensity where one detects the lingering pain behind the covered face of Christ and his weakened limbs marked with wounds.
The shroud covering the statue of Christ demands special attention. Made completely from marble, the delicate veil was chiseled with such precision that it looks almost transparent, so you can see the facial features of Christ through the fine ripples and folds. For centuries it was believed that alchemy was involved in turning a shroud of cloth into marble through a mysterious process called ‘marbilisation’. However, evidence has shown that the masterful veil is owed solely to the inspired chisel of Sanmartino.
The Chapel was constructed in 1590 by John Francesco Di Sangro of the noble Sangro family and later given its definitive baroque style by architect Raimondo di Sangro, the seventh Prince of Sansevero who was also a well-known philanthropist and patron of the arts. The Chapel is known for its stunning high altar depicting the Deposition of Christ, its iconographic design, and the ornate tomb of Raimondo di Sangro.
The statues Modesty and Disillusion along with the Veiled Christ complete the triad of excellence in the Sansevero Chapel. Modesty features a veiled woman, personified as wisdom, whereas the statue Dillision depicts a man freeing himself from an intricate net carved from marble symbolized as sin. Other great works include the ‘Sweetness of Marital Yoke’ and the group of statues called ‘Sincerity’.
The Chapel of Sansevero is open between 9 AM and 7 PM.
Last entry 30 mins before closing
Closed: Tuesdays
The best way to view the Veiled Christ without the hindrance of crowds is to get there as early as possible, preferably in the mornings. You can also try to visit during the midday when crowds disperse for lunch giving you a little breathing room.
Address: Via Francesco De Sanctis, 19/21, 80134 – Naples [View on map]
By Bus: You can take Bus number 154 to Marchese Campodisola stop, Bus 151 to Nuova Marina stop and Bus R2 to the Corso Umberto stop. The venue is within walking distance from these stops.
By Metro: The Sansevero Chapel is close to two metro stops. Line 1 of the metro will take you to the Università or Dante stop whereas Line 2 will get you to the Cavour stop.
By Tram: You can take Tram 1 (or replacement service 601) to reach Nuova Marina, from where your destination is within walking distance.
You many enter the Sansevero Chapel through the front door with an inscribed marble plinth overhead.
Every part of the Sansevero Chapel is wheelchair accessible except the underground chamber.
Wheelchair Users: Disabled persons using wheelchairs can access the entire nave of the Sansevero Chapel and the Nave. However, the narrow 19th-century staircase prevents wheelchair users from accessing the underground chamber housing the Anatomical Machines.
Guided Tours in Sign Language: People with hearing impairment can make use of a guided tour in Italian sign language.
Eating or drinking beverages is not allowed inside the Chapel, nor is there an eatery within the premises. You can however try the following restaurants nearby:
Trattoria C’era una volta: Come here for a homely atmosphere and a taste of traditional Italian food, located only 280m away.
La Locanda Del Grifo: Dine outdoors on a patio and taste some great pizza and other Italian delights in this restaurant located 140m from the museum.
Monsù: Have a gourmet experience and relax with a glass of wine in a quaint little restaurant 110m from the Chapel.
Bellini Restaurant: Fancy a drink with your meal? just 350m ahead you will find the Bellini Restaurant resto-bar.
A. Yes, Cristo Velato tickets are available online. Remember to book in advance to get your preferred slots.
A. Veiled Christ tickets permit entrance to the Chapel of Sansevero which holds the Veiled Christ and comes with a guided walking tour in which you will get to see famous piazzas and alleyways in Naples with the help of a tour guide.
A. The best way to avoid crowds is to visit the Sansevero Chapel as early as possible, preferably in the mornings. You can also visit during midday when crowds disperse for lunch.
A. Cristo Velato tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A. The Cristo Velato or the Veiled Christ is a renowned marble sculpture created by Guiseppe Sanmartino. It is known for its tissue-thin shroud of marble covering the body of the fallen Lord Jesus Christ.
A. You can access all parts of the Chapel Sansevero including the entire nave where the Veiled Christ is kept, the sacristy, and the underground chamber of the anatomical machines.
A. At present, skip-the-line tickets are not available.
A. The guided walking tour, which includes the viewing of the Cristo Velato takes about two and a half hours to complete.
A. The Cristo Velato is open between 9 AM and 7 PM. However, there are special timings that are followed on certain days that can be viewed here on the official website.
A. The Sansevero Chapel Museum is located in Via F. De Sanctis in the heart of Naples’ historical town center.