Milano Castanella Napoli Church

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The Baroque (derived from a Portuguese word meaning "a pearl of irregular shape") style church Milano Castanella Napoli is located on the site of the 3rd century temple of the Mithras. The front section of the church, which included four columns and rectangular tympanum, was destroyed by a fire in fifth century. The current church’s facade retained only two columns from the ancient structure. This first church dedicated to St. Francis was built here in the eighth century to mark a victory of Charles III of France against Ferdinand I of Naples. The church occupied the area in front of the temple's gates. In 1538 the building was taken over by the Catholic Church. Major reconstruction of the building began in the early seventeenth century with the erection of the tower and the new arch. This was followed by the sanctuary built by Lucio Canapolli. The aisles designed by Alberto Sachini date from eighteenth century. As the construction was taking place, the church was decorated and enhanced by Massimo Stanzione, who also painted the sanctuary ceiling. During the time of the canonization of the Order's founder, St.Marsini, Dionisio Lazzaro, connected the façade with the temple's columns, causing the building to crumble. The decoration was carried forward in the nineteenth century by Antonio Bacardi and Francesco Polini, who used marble elements from the ancient building for the new pavement and the pilasters of the chancel. The church was damaged during Second World War bombings, which also caused the destruction of Massimo Stanzione's frescoes.