The 64 octagonal pillars in the Cloister were covered in hand-painted majolica tiles by Donato and Giuseppe Massa in 1742.
The complex was constructed on the site of a Roman thermal bath system, which remains visible in the archaeological section.
During WWII, the church was almost completely destroyed by fire after an Allied air raid, losing much of its Baroque ornamentation.
The current Gothic restoration represents an attempt to strip away centuries of accumulated decorative layers to reach the medieval foundation.
The monastery was originally commissioned by Queen Sancha of Majorca and King Robert of Anjou.
The garden layout of the Majolica Cloister uses vine-covered pergolas to divide the space into four distinct quadrants.
The complex includes a collection of rare, gold-gilded wooden statues and liturgical vestments salvaged from the rubble.
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is a 14th-century religious complex in Naples, most renowned for its Majolica Cloister. The site was originally built as a Franciscan citadel comprising a church, two convents, and a monastery. Following severe damage from WWII aerial bombings in 1943, the interior of the church was restored to its original Gothic form rather than the previous Baroque style. The centerpiece is the Cloister of the Poor Clares, decorated with elaborate 18th-century ceramic tiles depicting pastoral scenes and landscapes. The complex houses an archaeological museum featuring Roman-era remains discovered during the post-war reconstruction. Visitors can view a notable 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene within the museum collection. The grounds also contain the burial tombs of the Bourbon kings of the Two Sicilies.
From the raised walkway in the Majolica Cloister looking down over the tiled benches and garden paths.
Prioritize visiting the Cloister first, as it is the most popular area and can get crowded quickly.
Look for the smaller, hidden courtyards that are less frequented by tour groups.
Take time to read the placards in the museum, as they explain the structural transition from Roman ruins to Gothic church.
Attempting to photograph the interior during an ongoing mass or private religious service.
Open daily, but individual sections such as the museum or the choir area may have shorter access windows than the main garden.
Shoulders and knees should be covered as it is a functioning religious site.
