Chiesa e Chiostro di San Francesco
Near the Villa Comunale gardens and sharing its view over the Bay of Naples, the church and convent is celebrated for its 12th-century cloister. Filled with greenery and flowers, the Moorish-style cloister has interlaced pointed arches of tufa rock, alternating with octagonal columns, supporting smaller arches. The combination makes a suitably evocative setting for summer concerts and theatrical presentations. The interior's 17th-century decoration includes an altarpiece by a student of Francesco Solimena, depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Above the cloisters Galleria Raffaele Celentano exhibits the candid black-and-white photographs of Italian life by a contemporary local photographer. There's an adjoining panoramic terrace ripe for sunset views and a joyous installation featuring an arbor rope swing, a cut-up Fiat 500 and washing line of photos and clothes.
