Hidden frescoed chapel discovered in Naples State Archive

A small frescoed chapel has been discovered behind a wall in the monumental complex of Santi Severino e Sossio, home to the Naples State Archive. The fresco, dating from the late 15th or early 16th century, depicts a Deposition with Christ in Mary's arms flanked by bishops Severino and Sossio. The discovery occurred during restoration works under the Great Project for the Historic Center of Naples – UNESCO site enhancement. The chapel was walled up in 1835 when the Archive moved into the convent, and its presence was revealed by traces of a wall on the side of a staircase being restored. The staircase, built in the 16th century to connect the monastery to the church, had been blocked. The small room, near the Platano cloister, dates from 15th-century interventions before later modifications. It may have contained the mortal remains of the two saints. Candida Carrino, director of the Archive since 2019, called the find extraordinary and noted it will allow study of figurative culture in Naples between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi highlighted the discovery as a new gem for tourists. The complex spans 24,000 square meters with frescoed halls and cloisters. Previous discoveries include frescoes by Belisario Corenzio in the Chapter Hall. The restoration is part of 27 interventions funded by European programs for the UNESCO-listed historic center.