Basilica della Pietrasanta reopens with restored majolica floor and new underground museum

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta in Naples has reopened with significant renovations. The 18th-century majolica floor, created by the Bottega di Donato e Giuseppe Massa, was restored during lockdown by young restorers from Cooperativa Artes. The underground route now features an innovative lighting system in the Greco-Roman cisterns, creating the Museo dell'Acqua along a submerged decumanus. The project, in collaboration with ABC Napoli, tells the story of the ancient aqueduct. A new archaeological elevator, funded by the Regione Campania with support from Istituto di Credito Sportivo and ANMIC, descends 35 meters, making the underground accessible. The complex also includes the Cappella del Santissimo Salvatore with a late 15th-century altarpiece and the Cappella dei Pontano, a Renaissance funerary monument. The site preserves remains of the Temple of Diana, Roman mosaics, and WWII air-raid shelters. Hundreds of visitors have already attended weekend openings.