Complesso Monumentale e Biblioteca dei Girolamini

The Girolamini complex in Naples joins the Oratorian church with a historic library that preserves a major collection of books and manuscripts.

Why it matters

For centuries the Girolamini were both a spiritual centre and a seat of learning. The church and library preserve distinct aspects of the Oratorian community's contribution to the religious and intellectual life of Naples.

What to notice

The church-museum contains richly decorated chapels, paintings and sacristy interiors. The historic library rooms preserve the atmosphere of a major early modern collection associated with Andrea Matteo III Acquaviva and the southern Renaissance.

Context and history

The complex was associated with the Oratorians, the congregation founded by Saint Filippo Neri. It later became a state monument and library. Following a period of degradation and thefts from its collections, restoration and conservation projects led to the staged reopening of parts of the complex in recent years.