Santa Chiara Cloister Naples: Complete Local Guide to Naples’ Majolica Masterpiece

Even though locals, we were truly impressed by the Santa Chiara Cloister. It’s no longer a secret, but it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Naples. In this guide, we will help you plan your visit, choose the right time, and learn more about the Majolica Monastery of Naples.

The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara (The Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara) is right in the old town and fits perfectly with every Naples itinerary.

Besides the cloister, with its bench and colourful tiles, there is a fantastic Basilica, often hosting exhibitions, a library, and at Christmas, a wonderful nativity scene gallery.

Let’s dive into the essential information to explore this elaborate cloister featuring unique tiles and motifs.

Why Visit the Santa Chiara Cloister in Naples?

Santa Chiara Cloister is worth visiting. It’s one of these authentic experiences you must have in the centre of Naples. The ticket price is affordable (Only €6), and you can stay within the outdoor space as much as you want. It is a proper relaxing oasis, while outside the walls is pure chaos.

Tucked behind the Gothic Santa Chiara Church, this cloister stands out from the others. You can explore it on your own or go with a local guide, which will help you understand the centuries-old stories and some of the legends as well.

Santa Chiara Cloister Naples: Essential Info

Feature	Details
Location	Via Santa Chiara, 49/C, Naples
Nearest Metro	Dante (Line 1), 5–7 min walk.
Opening Hours	Mon–Sat 9:30 – 17:00, Sun 10:00 – 14:00 (The Church is open Mon-Sun 7:45 – 12:45 / 16:40 – 20:00)
Ticket Price	€6 (cloister & museum), church free, Book here with the Guide.
Best Time to Visit	Early morning or late afternoon
Instagram Spot?	Absolutely—one of the top in Naples

A Quick History of Santa Chiara Naples

• Founded in 1310 by King Robert of Anjou and Queen Sancha of Majorca, as a double monastery for both Poor Clares (nuns) and Franciscan friars.
• Architecture: Originally Gothic, restyled in Baroque by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro in the 18th century, then painstakingly restored to its Gothic roots after WWII bombings.
• The Cloister: Redesigned by Vaccaro (1739–1742) with its now-iconic majolica columns and benches.
• WWII Damage: The church was almost destroyed in 1943; the cloister survived, and the church was restored by 1953.
• Burials: The church houses the tombs of Robert of Anjou and other royals.

What Makes the Santa Chiara Cloister Unique?

Naples Majolica Cloister is unlike anything else in the city. When we visited, we were astonished by the colourful tiles, the nice gardens, and the seats. It’s so beautiful that we have hundreds of photos of every corner.

Within the complex, there are 72 octagonal columns, each wrapped in hand-painted majolica tiles featuring lemons, vines, flowers, and scenes of daily life in 18th-century Naples. In between the columns, you can sit on the benches. These have rural and mythological scenes.

Naples originated from a Greek Settlement so that you can understand the connection. Within the tiles, you can spot a Pulcinella, a lovely character from Naples tales. Every tile tells a story, making this one of the most photographed—and Instagrammed—spots in Naples.

What to See at the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara

If you decide to make your way through the monumental complex, you must know a thing or two. We went Clockwise. Visiting the Columnade first, and then going through the gardens.

Majolica Cloister (Naples Majolica Cloister)

• 72 octagonal columns covered in vibrant majolica tiles.
• Benches with scenes of Neapolitan life, countryside, and mythology.
• Shaded pergolas, evocative fountains, citrus trees, and a peaceful garden atmosphere.

17th-Century Frescoes

• Surrounding the cloister, these faded, but evocative frescoes depict saints and Old Testament stories.
• Walking through the colonnade, you’ll be with your nose up, as these frescoes are undoubtedly one of the best things to see in the cloister.

Roman Ruins

• Within the ticket, you’ll also have access to the Roman ruins. The Church is built on the Roman remains of a Bath.
• The galleries of the complex also offer a glimpse of the findings from the Roman ruins.
• The thermal baths date back to the 1st century. They were discovered in excavations carried out after World War II.
• Going with a local guide (Check it here), you will be able to distinguish the areas of excavation, which include a gym, swimming pool, and a thermal bath.

Santa Chiara Church Naples

• The Façade is beautiful, and it’s built using traditional volcanic ash bricks in tuff (Tufo).
• The intern was rebuilt in a Simple Gothic style due to bombing.
• The Church was used by both monks and nuns, who were housed in different buildings within the complex.
• The Church colours are more modest compared to the actual cloister.
• Free to enter, with beautiful stained glass and royal tombs.

Traditional Neapolitan Nativity Scenes (Presepi)

• Naples is well known for Nativity Scene makers, and you can see one year-round in Santa Chiara Cloister.
• It’s free to access the gallery of Neapolitan Nativity Scenes. King Ferdinand IV collected the elaborate Christmas cribs.

Insider Tips from Locals

• Photography: Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photos. The cloister is one of Naples’ top Instagram spots—bring your camera, but please refrain from sitting on the tiles (the staff will remind you!).
• Quiet Escape: Even on busy days, the cloister garden feels peaceful—a real escape from the city’s noise.
• Tickets: The church is free; the cloister and museum require a ticket, costing €7.
• Access: The entrance is located on Via Santa Chiara, 49/C, just off Spaccanapoli and a short walk from Dante metro station.
• Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30–17:30, Sunday, 10:00–14:30. Check for holiday variations.
• Nearby: After your visit, wander Spaccanapoli, explore Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, or grab a coffee at a nearby bar.

What to do around Santa Chiara Cloister

When we last visited Naples, we included the Santa Chiara Cloister within a deeper itinerary of Spaccanapoli, the old town. Before arriving at the complex, we suggest checking out Piazza del Gesù. This is one of the most impressive squares of Naples, with another great church (Free to enter), Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo. A 1400 Church with a very peculiar facade made of pyramidal stones and a very minimal interior.

For a well deserved morning coffee and pastry. To truly experience the pure Neapolitan lifestyle, you must visit Scaturchio. This pastry shop is one of the most popular among locals and tourists. If you’re up for another museum, visit Cappella San Severo, which features the sculpture of Christ in Veil. You must book the ticket in advance, as only a limited number of tickets are issued per day.

Why We Love Santa Chiara Cloister

For us, Santa Chiara is more than a monument—it’s a living piece of Naples. You can fit it into any Naples itinerary because it is right at the entrance of Spaccanapoli from Piazza del Gesù. The mix of art, history, and everyday Neapolitan life makes it a place where the city’s soul feels close. It’s the kind of spot where you can slow down, breathe, and see Naples through local eyes.