Cloister of the Clarisse in Naples, Italy

Just a short walk from Piazza del Gesu and Spaccanapoli, in the heart of Naples, you’ll be surprised to find the Cloister of the Clarisse, a tranquil and serene sanctuary that transports you to what feels like a “secret garden”.

Cloister of the Clarisse

Cloister of the Clarisse

The cloister was the work of Domenico Antonio Vaccaro in the 18th century and the decorations are the work of ceramists Giuseppe and Donato Massa.

Octagonal majolica columns

As described on the website of the Comune di Napoli, the cloister has “two perpendicular walks on a higher level than the porticoes cross in the centre of the cloister, border the garden and are lined with stone benches and octagonal columns covered with polychrome majolican tiles decorated with scenes of the countryside, from mythology, landscapes, carnival processions and festooned friezes of fruit and flowers”.

Detailed scenes on the benches

We were visiting family in Naples who took us to the must-see places in the city and one of my favorites was the Cloister of Clarisse. I was amazed at the details of the majolica tiles, many with elaborate scenes depicted, the beautiful setting and the serenity of it all.

Porticoes

There is a small entrance fee but it’s certainly worth it, and if you need a break from the excitement and frenzy of Naples, you will definite find some peace here.

Monumentale Complex of Santa Chiara

Via Santa Chiara, 49/c
80134 – Naples
Tel +39 081 7971224
info@monasterodisantachiara.eu
Website

How to get to Naples (source: Regione Campania Assessorato al Turismo e ai Beni Culturali)

By plane 

The Naples International Airport Capodichino is located approximately seven kilometres from the city centre. To reach the centre of Naples from the airport with public transport, you can use the Alibus shuttle service direct to the train station in Piazza Garibaldi and to Molo Beverello. Tickets can be bought on board.

By train

Trenitalia and Italo connect Naples to the most important Italian cities. The main station of the city is ‘Napoli Centrale’, located in Piazza Garibaldi. From there, you can find different public transport services.

By car

Naples can be reached by car from the cities of Northern and Central Italy driving along the A1 motorway Milan-Naples. If you leave from Bari, follow the A14 Naples-Canosa, whereas from the South, take the A3 Naples-Reggio Calabria following a northbound direction.

Additional resources

Santa Chiara Church by Napoli Unplugged