When, in 1739, Abbess Ippolita Carmignani asked architect Dominico Vaccaro to create a cloistered garden suited to “the decorum of noble ladies” for the church of Santa Chiara in Naples, she was probably a little surprised by the result.
Vaccaro must have been inspired by the dazzling sun and vibrant colours of the city. He chose a geometric design for the garden and filled it with glorious pillars and benches decorated with earthenware tiles, known locally as majolica.
Vines, lemons, oranges and figs climb up the pillars reflecting the plants in the garden.
The bench panels depict every day rural life in the 1700s in vivid colours.
The corridors are lined with frescoes.
The low walls on the other side are tiled.
We were lucky to be there in spring when the garden was looking lovely.
The Santa Chiara nuns lived in seclusion which meant that few people ever saw the beautiful cloister. In 1924 the nuns swapped convents with the nearby Franciscan friars who led less restricted lives. The Friars gradually invited philosophers and intellectuals into their garden and finally, in the 1970s, the public was allowed access.
There is a museum beside the cloister and the ruins of a Roman Thermal Bath Complex, both of which are excellent.
On the way out of the cloister is an enormous nativity scene. It is part of a series of nativity scenes created in Naples in the 18th century during the reign of Ferdinand VI of Bourbon. It is made from papier-mâché, cork, wood and fabric. The heads and limbs of the figures are terracotta.
It is behind glass, so there is some reflection in the photos.
The cloister is behind the Santa Chiara church. Look on the website for the opening hours as there is no sign on the outside to inform the public. (There is a handy sign on the inside, which you can see when the cloister is open)
Debra,
Such a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing it. With your penchant for finding such lovely scenes, I thought I would recommend one for you that you might not have found yet. The next time you are in Palermo, Sicilia, look into the Church of the Martorana in (about) the central part of the city. My mother’s ancestry is Sicilian and my grandmother’s maiden name was Martorana. The church has amazing Byzantine era mosaics and is still in use today. I know it may be a while before you get back to Sicilia, but enjoy this wonder when you do!
Rob
By: Rob Mc Artor on May 10, 2018
at 7:24 pm
Thank you for the tip. We will definitely return to Sicily and visit Palermo. We were nearby on our visit, but a howling wind arrived and we could barely stand up so we cut our trip a little short.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 10, 2018
at 7:32 pm
Once more congratulations Debra. You and your camera should be declared Living National Treasures. You never fail to surprise and delight with your photographic gifts to your reader/viewers. thank you. Kevin Palmer
By: Kevin Palmer on May 10, 2018
at 8:41 pm
This cloister is heavenly. I wish I could have it beside Casa Debbio. I do have the lavender and wisteria, but just love those pillars and benches.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:01 am
How absolutely lovely Debra – on the revisit Naples list
By: Elizabeth Litzow on May 10, 2018
at 9:10 pm
We got in on our third attempt. A sign with opening times would be a good idea.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:02 am
Such a stunning piece of architecture. Begs the question, why did the nuns swap their residence?
By: Christine collins on May 10, 2018
at 9:19 pm
I have no idea, but I’m pleased they did.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:02 am
Absolutely exquisite !! I spied Jim in quiet contemplation!!! Wonder what he was thinking?🤣 Your photos are fabulous and I look forward to seeing you soon…Jx
By: Jan Williams on May 10, 2018
at 11:56 pm
Probably think how much weeding would need to be done.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:03 am
Such an amazing place, Deb! I’m in awe of Vaccaro’s work in those beautiful tile details. It’s wonderful that the public can now benefit from these gorgeous surroundings that the nuns and monks and ‘ladies of decorum’ once enjoyed. Your sharing the history makes your excellent photos so interesting! Looking forward to your next adventure…..
By: Sandra Hoopmann on May 11, 2018
at 12:20 am
This is a stunning place, great for quiet contemplation.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:03 am
Oh! what a beautiful building. Lovely photos Deb.
By: Kerry & Jim on May 11, 2018
at 12:25 am
Isn’t it lovely? I would love some of these features in my garden.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:04 am
If it isn’t the most beautiful, it certainly is amongst the most beautiful and your photos do it justice! For me, it’s the color that puts it over the top. The yellow is happy.
By: karenincalabria on May 11, 2018
at 12:52 am
It is a riot of colour, which makes it a bit odd for a reclusive order of nuns, but it must have been a lovely place for their quiet contemplation.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:06 am
Amazing, that an Abbess was allowed back than to create such a beautiful. architectural designed garden. It seems to be a serene and calming place.
By: corneliaweberphotography on May 11, 2018
at 3:22 am
It is amazing, not what you expect from a cloister.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 4:07 am
It is certainly a beautiful and most unusual cloister. Thank you for sharing it.
By: Mulino Dominillo on May 11, 2018
at 4:19 am
I love it. I want one at Casa Debbio.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2018
at 5:17 am
REALLY NICE DEBRA!!!
By: GEORGE MIORI on May 12, 2018
at 9:56 am
It is a beautiful place George. Something else to add to your list.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 13, 2018
at 7:57 pm
What a delightful place! We will definitely try to visit here on our next visit to Naples in the near future. Wonderful to see it in primavera though!
By: Anne Of Todi on May 12, 2018
at 8:56 pm
The cloister is wonderful. I hope you make it there.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 13, 2018
at 7:56 pm