Welcome to the audio guide of the Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ, one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Naples. Located in the heart of the historic center, the Sansevero Chapel is a gem of Baroque art, renowned for the extraordinary beauty of its sculptures and the legends that surround it.

The chapel was built in 1590 at the initiative of Giovanni Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, as a burial place for the Sansevero family. However, it is thanks to Raimondo di Sangro, the seventh Prince of Sansevero, that the chapel took on its current form and importance. Raimondo, a man of many interests, was a scientist, alchemist, inventor, and patron of the arts, and his visionary spirit is reflected in the art and architecture of the chapel.

We begin our visit with the most famous masterpiece: the Veiled Christ, created by sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753. This sculpture is considered one of the most extraordinary works in the world of sculpture due to its incredible realism. The statue depicts Christ dead, lying beneath a marble veil that appears so light and transparent that it seems real. Note how Sanmartino managed to capture the details of Christ's body, from the folds of the veil to the veins of the marble, creating an effect of extraordinary delicacy and realism. It is said that the veil was transformed into marble through an alchemical process, a legend that adds to the mysterious charm of the work.

Continuing the visit, we observe other extraordinary sculptures that adorn the chapel. Among these is "Disillusion" by Francesco Queirolo, a sculpture depicting a man being freed from a net by an angel. This work symbolizes the liberation of the soul from sins and worldly illusions. Admire the technical mastery with which Queirolo sculpted the marble net, an incredible feat of skill that challenges the limits of marble craftsmanship.

Another significant sculpture is "Modesty" by Antonio Corradini, representing a veiled female figure. Again, the marble veil is crafted with such finesse that it seems almost transparent, highlighting the delicacy of the body beneath.

The Sansevero Chapel is not only a place of artistic beauty but also of esoteric and scientific symbolism. Raimondo di Sangro was known for his studies in unconventional fields and his interest in alchemy and the occult sciences. This interest is reflected in the complex symbolism and mysterious meanings hidden in the chapel's artworks.

Let's now move to the underground area of the chapel, where the so-called "Anatomical Machines" are displayed. These are two human skeletons, one male and one female, with the circulatory system reproduced in detail. These artifacts were made using a technique that is still not entirely clear, contributing to the mystery surrounding Raimondo di Sangro and his chapel. According to some theories, the "anatomical machines" were the result of Raimondo's alchemical experiments, although the true nature and method of creation remain unknown.

We conclude the visit in the main nave of the chapel, where you can admire the ceiling frescoes depicting Paradise. These frescoes, created by Francesco Maria Russo, are an explosion of colors and light that contrasts with the mystery and shadow of the sculptures below. The collection of artworks creates a unique atmosphere that reflects the complexity and depth of Raimondo di Sangro's thought.

The Sansevero Chapel is a place that encapsulates art, science, religion, and mystery, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Thank you for participating in this audio guide, and we hope your visit has been enriching and stimulating. If you would like further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the museum staff.

Enjoy your visit and goodbye!