In the Footsteps of Early Christians: Naples’ Oldest Churches

Early Christian Sites of Naples, Italy

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• In the Footsteps of Early Christians: Naples’ Oldest Churches

Finding the oldest churches in Naples is not easy, as some sites are not open to the public. Today, centuries-old churches look like the others in the city, but a few have roots dating back to the sixth century. Let’s continue the walk and try to find the other churches on our list.

My walking tour for Naples’ oldest churches is below:

Church of St. Gregory the Armenian

The monastery and church complex of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples likely has roots dating to the early medieval period, and tradition connects it to the 6th century. Still, the surviving complex today is mostly later in date.

According to long-standing Neapolitan tradition, the monastic community settled in Naples during the 6th century after fleeing unrest in the Byzantine East. However, this tradition predates the official iconoclastic movement, which Emperor Leo III began in 730. As a result, two other theories more likely explain how St. Gregory’s remains reached Naples. During the 6th century, the Byzantine–Sasanian Wars devastated Armenia and made keeping the remains there increasingly dangerous.

However, an even greater crisis struck the Armenians during the 6th and 7th centuries. The Armenian Church rejected the Chalcedonian Creed, so these communities more likely fled because of doctrinal persecution rather than iconoclasm. Byzantine emperors in Constantinople, including Maurice in the late 6th century and Heraclius in the 7th century, persecuted Armenian clergy, removed patriarchs, and tried to force the Armenian Church to accept the Chalcedonian Creed.( see https://www.austriaca.at/0xc1aa5572_0x00416251.pdf))

Armenian believers reportedly brought relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, to Naples to protect them. The church, San Gregorio Armeno is located along the ancient Roman street grid of Neapolis and is likely to have contained earlier religious structures. So a 6th-century site is quite possible.

Some say little evidence of any 6th-century remains, but let’s take a closer look. These items

Capitals, pestals, and lintel pieces from the beginning days of the monastery are on displayed within the exhibition area of the courtyard within the monastery.

Pillars from the 6th and 7th centuries seem to be within the garden area of the monastery.

Possible remains from the early church at this site, no label given. The round marble altar was commonly used during the 6th and 7th century. These items if catalogued could give greater insights to the beginnings of this community in Naples.

The St. John churches of Naples

San Giovanni Maggiore and the San Giovanni a Mare seem to be older churches that give some evidence of some Byzantine structure so for this reason perked my interest. However, during my time in the city, I could not enter these churches. Here are my few findings visiting the exterior of San Giovanni a Mare.

The entrance area of the San Giovanni a Mare is lower than the street level which often shows the age of the site. The 12-century structure has made use of former Roman ruins which many believe was not a church. However, Byzantine aspects have been hinted at within the church – for this reason, I include this in my list.

I love the cross filled door which hints at an early love for the cross. However, this church was not open during the week at all. I visited there twice

Also on our list is the Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta, which is believed to be a 6th century church but today exhibits art of the Lapis Museum. Apparently there remains aspects of an early Christian basilica, Roman mosaics, ancient walls along with tunnels and underground chambers. A glass structured floor shows some of the lower levels of the building.

In searching below, what was before may become evident. Also, exploring the foundation will provide insights into major religious viewpoints worldwide.