Located to the west of Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples' main square, San Francesco di Paola is a magnificent church that you must see when exploring the city. Its origins date back to 1816, when King Joachim Murat originally planned the grand square and colonnaded building as a tribute to Napoleon. After the Bourbon restoration, Ferdinand I converted the structure into a church dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, completing it in 1846 on a site where the saint stayed in the 16th century.
Architecturally, you will notice its strong resemblance to Rome's famous Pantheon. The exterior features a portico designed by Neapolitan architect Leopoldo Laperuta, resting on six columns and two Ionic pillars. Step inside the main circular building, designed by Swiss architect Pietro Bianchi, to marvel at its impressive 53-meter-high dome and two side chapels.
The interior houses incredible artwork, including statues by Gennaro Calì and Tito Angelini, along with altarpieces by Nicola Carta and Pietro Benvenuti. You can also view a 1641 main altar piece by Anselmo Cangiano, a striking apse painting by Vincenzo Camuccini, and historic works in the sacristy by Gaspare Landi and Antonio Campi.
What to see at San Francesco di Paola
- Admire the exterior portico with six columns and two Ionic pillars designed by Leopoldo Laperuta.
- Gaze up at the grand 53-meter-high dome inside the circular main building.
- See interior statues carved by artists like Gennaro Calì, Tito Angelini, and Pietro Tenerani.
- View historic artwork, including an altarpiece before the main altar crafted by Anselmo Cangiano in 1641.
- Discover detailed paintings in the apse and sacristy by Vincenzo Camuccini, Gaspare Landi, and Antonio Campi.
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate how the building's exterior resembles the Pantheon in Rome as you approach it from Piazza del Plebiscito.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
San Francesco di Paola is easy to reach on Naples’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Teatro di San Carlo and Museo di Capodimonte. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Naples travel guide.
See the full Naples travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.