Naples: Veiled Christ, Santa Chiara Cloister & Spaccanapoli Walk

Summary

Sansevero Chapel’s Veiled Christ, majolica cloister mosaics, Spaccanapoli’s living street life

You’ll step into Naples’ tangled heart with a local guide—see the mysterious Veiled Christ at Sansevero Chapel, stroll lively Spaccanapoli, and unwind among Santa Chiara Cloister’s painted tiles. Taste street pastries, hear stories you won’t find online, and feel that mix of chaos and calm that makes Naples stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’d heard about the Veiled Christ in Naples, but seeing it in person at Sansevero Chapel just hit different. Our guide—Francesca, born and raised here—lowered her voice as we stepped inside. I could smell old stone and candle wax. She told us how people used to believe an alchemist turned a real veil into marble (I laughed, but honestly, it does look impossible). The room felt heavy with silence; even the usual tourist shuffle seemed to pause for a second. No photos allowed, which felt right somehow.

After that we wandered down Spaccanapoli—the kind of street where you can’t walk straight because there’s always someone chatting or zipping past on a scooter. The air was thick with espresso and frying dough. Francesca pointed out a bakery where locals grab sfogliatella before work (I tried one—flaky, sweet, sticky fingers for blocks). She waved at a friend selling nativity figures on Via San Gregorio Armeno; apparently everyone knows everyone here. We ducked into Gesù Nuovo Church for a minute—so much marble it almost glows blue in the afternoon light.

The Santa Chiara Cloister was quieter than I expected. Tiles everywhere—majolica patterns underfoot and climbing up every column. It smelled faintly of lemons from somewhere nearby (or maybe I imagined that). We sat for a bit while Francesca explained how the cloister survived bombing in WWII. I kept thinking about how many layers Naples has—Greek ruins under Roman streets under all this color and noise. The whole day trip through Naples’ old center felt like walking through someone else’s memories, but also making my own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Naples historic center and landmarks

• Meet at Piazza del Gesù tourist office
• Visit Gesù Nuovo Church
• Walk along Spaccanapoli street
• See Statue of the God of Nile
• Enjoy Neapolitan coffee break
• Pass Piazza St. Gaetano square
• Pass San Domenico Maggiore square
• Visit Sansevero Chapel and see Veiled Christ
• Visit Church and Monastery of Santa Chiara
• Visit Santa Chiara Cloister with majolica artwork
• Pass Via dei Tribunali street
• Pass Via San Gregorio Armeno (Christmas Alley)
• Visit Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro)

Top questions

How long does the Naples Veiled Christ & Santa Chiara Cloister tour last?

The tour covers central Naples highlights within several hours, including guided visits and walking time between sites.

Is entry to Sansevero Chapel included in the tour?

Yes, admission to Sansevero Chapel is included as part of your booking.

Are photos allowed inside Sansevero Chapel?

No, taking photos inside Sansevero Chapel is not permitted.

Does the tour include Santa Chiara Cloister admission?

Yes, entry to the Santa Chiara Cloister is included unless you book a Sunday afternoon option when it’s closed.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo in front of the Church of Gesù Nuovo’s entrance.

Is this small group tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome throughout most of the route.

Are pets allowed on this Naples city center tour?

Pets are not allowed inside Sansevero Chapel or St Claire's Cloister; they must wait outside during those visits.

What main attractions are visited during this day trip in Naples?

You’ll see Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ), Santa Chiara Cloister, Spaccanapoli street, Gesù Nuovo Church, Via dei Tribunali, Via San Gregorio Armeno (Christmas Alley), and more local highlights.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from a local expert who knows every corner of central Naples by heart. Entry fees for both Sansevero Chapel (for the Veiled Christ) and Santa Chiara Cloister are covered. You’ll join a small group (never more than 30 per guide), wander historic streets like Spaccanapoli together—and yes, there’s always time for coffee or pastry along the way before heading off on your own again.