Free guided tour of the Hypogeum and the Church of San Domenico in Barra

The hypogeum and the church of Santa Maria della Sanità, also known as church of San Domenico, represent a true historical jewel in the neighborhood of Barra. This is a complex dating back to the late sixteenth century, reopened to the public in 2019 thanks to the commitment of the community of Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ the High Priest, which have made a place of extraordinary artistic and spiritual importance accessible again.

The church houses a unique treasure: thehypogeum, where the remains of rest Francis Solimena, famous baroque painter who died in Barra in 1747.

SHistory and relevance of the church of Santa Maria della Sanità

La church of Santa Maria della Sanità It was built during the late sixteenth century, becoming a cultural and artistic reference point for the Barra neighborhood. This building hosted the works and influence of great artists of the time, including Between Clouds, famous for his contribution to religious architecture, and Archangel Guglielmo, known for its baroque style.

A central role was played by Francis Solimena, who contributed not only to the decoration of the church, but chose it as a burial place in his family chapel. Inside the building you can also admire paintings by Solimena school, signed by the nephew Horace Solimena and Paul DeMajo, which further enrich the artistic value of the church.

L'hypogeum and the noble chapel of Francesco Solimena

THEhypogeum of the church of Santa Maria della Sanità represents one of the most fascinating places of the historical heritage of Barra. It is an underground space reopened to the public in 2019, which houses the remains of Francis Solimena, one of the most important painters of the Italian Baroque. Solimena chose to be buried in the church's family chapel, giving the site a unique value for both art and local history.

The hypogeum, in addition to representing a place of great spirituality, arouses interest for the suggestive atmosphere and for the accurate arrangement of the funerary spaces, which reflect the attention to detail and the refinement typical of the era. It is not surprising that every year it attracts schools, Neapolitan citizens and visitors from different provinces.

Free guided tours and initiatives of the “common values” group of Barra

Every weekend, the Barra Common Values ​​Group organizes Free guided tours to raise awareness of the hypogeum and the church of Santa Maria della Sanità. Thanks to the collaboration of local traders, a route has been designed that combines history, art and tradition, culminating in a final tasting at the splendid Villa Roomer/Bisignano, a historic building of great charm.

The initiative was a great success, attracting a varied audience. Among the participants we find tourists from historical center of Naples and visitors even came from Salerno. The visits take place in an engaging atmosphere, with an average of 30-50 people per event, a sign of a growing interest in the neighborhood's cultural heritage.

The last visit of the year Saturday 30th November

Saturday November 30 It will be the last chance to visit theHypogeum of the Church of Santa Maria della Sanità before its temporary closure. To celebrate this special day, the Barra Common Values ​​Group will welcome, in addition to the usual visitors, also the association Ass Mazz, a group of passionate photographers who will explore the neighborhood to immortalize its artistic and architectural beauties.

This final day will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Barra, accompanied by experienced volunteers, ready to share anecdotes and details about the treasures of the complex. The appointment promises an unforgettable experience, between art, photography and final tastings at Villa Roomer/Bisignano.

To book, call 333 75 23 629