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GRIMALDI, Francesco - b. 1543 Oppido Lucano, d. 1613 Napoli - WGA

GRIMALDI, Francesco

(b. 1543 Oppido Lucano, d. 1613 Napoli)

Italian architect, Theatine Order priest. He came from Calabria and was active mainly in Naples. His first important building, San Paolo Maggiore (1581-1603), erected over the ancient temple of Castor and Pollux, proves him an architect of uncommon ability. In spite of certain provincialism, the design of San Paolo has breadth and a sonorous quality that may well be called Early Baroque.

In 1585 Grimaldi was called to Rome, where he had a share in the erection of Sant’Andrea della Valle. Returning to Naples he must have had the reputation of being the leading Theatine architect. Santa Maria degli Angeli (1600-10), the Cappella del Tresoro, which adjoins the cathedral and is itself the size of a church (1608-after 1613), and Santi Apostoli (planned 1613, executed 1626-32) are all thoroughly Roman in character and succeed by their scale and the vigorous quality of the design.

A new phase of Neapolitan architecture is linked to the name of Fra Francesco Grimaldi.

Exterior view
Exterior view by

Exterior view

The Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro (Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius) is a chapel located in the Cathedral of Naples, and dedicated to St. Januarius, patron saint of the city. The design of the chapel was entrusted to the Theatine priest and architect Francesco Grimaldi. To complete the chapel of San Gennaro, several buildings were demolished, including some houses, some chapels, and the small church of Sant’Andrea. The chapel has a Greek cross plan with a dome.

This is the most lavishly decorated chapel in the Cathedral, and contains contributions by the premier Baroque artists in Naples, such as Domenichino, Lanfranco, Solimena, and Ribera. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the chapel was also used for musical activities, with the presence of masters such as Cimarosa, Paisiello, Francesco Provenzale, Francesco Durante, and Domenico Scarlatti.

View the section and ground plan of Cappella del Tesoro, Cathedral, Naples.

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Interior view
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Interior view

The Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro (Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius) is a chapel located in the Cathedral of Naples, and dedicated to St. Januarius, patron saint of the city. The design of the chapel was entrusted to the Theatine priest and architect Francesco Grimaldi. To complete the chapel of San Gennaro, several buildings were demolished, including some houses, some chapels, and the small church of Sant’Andrea. The chapel has a Greek cross plan with a dome.

This is the most lavishly decorated chapel in the Cathedral, and contains contributions by the premier Baroque artists in Naples, such as Domenichino, Lanfranco, Solimena, and Ribera. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the chapel was also used for musical activities, with the presence of masters such as Cimarosa, Paisiello, Francesco Provenzale, Francesco Durante, and Domenico Scarlatti.

The photo shows the interior of the chapel.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 11 minutes):

Domenico Cimarosa: Concerto for oboe in C minor

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Interior view
Interior view by

Interior view

The Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro (Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius) is a chapel located in the Cathedral of Naples, and dedicated to St. Januarius, patron saint of the city. The design of the chapel was entrusted to the Theatine priest and architect Francesco Grimaldi. To complete the chapel of San Gennaro, several buildings were demolished, including some houses, some chapels, and the small church of Sant’Andrea. The chapel has a Greek cross plan with a dome.

This is the most lavishly decorated chapel in the Cathedral, and contains contributions by the premier Baroque artists in Naples, such as Domenichino, Lanfranco, Solimena, and Ribera. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the chapel was also used for musical activities, with the presence of masters such as Cimarosa, Paisiello, Francesco Provenzale, Francesco Durante, and Domenico Scarlatti.

The photo shows the interior of the chapel.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 11 minutes):

Domenico Cimarosa: Concerto for oboe in C minor

Send Postcard Learn More
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