 Introduzione
San Ferdinando is the neighborhood of Naples, southern Italy that includes, among other landmarks, the Royal Palace, the large adjacent square named Piazza del Plebiscito, the San Carlo opera house and the church of San Ferdinando, for which the area and adjacent small square are named. (Technically, the square is now called Piazza Trieste e Trento but is commonly referred to by the older name.)
The church was originally a Jesuit house of worship and was opened in 1665. It was originally dedicated to St. Francis Xavier (San Francesco Saverio in Italian), friend of St. Ignatius Loyola and one of the members of the first company of Jesuits. The original name of the church was, in fact, San Francesco Saverio.
 Location
Address:Piazza Trieste e Trento, 1, Naples, 80132, Italy.
 History
The church of San Ferdinando was built between 1628 and 1660 together with the convent. It was paid for by a Grammar school, the Compagnia di Gesu. The designers were Giovanni Giacomo Conforto and Cosimo Fanzago. When the Jesuits were exiled from the Kingdom of Naples governed by Borbone, the church was given to the Constantinian Cavalry and was dedicated, by way of thanks to the saint from whom King Ferdinando I received his name. In the church, popular with the Neapolitans and very well-attended, until a few years ago, there were spectacular religious events during Holy Week - artists from the San Carlo theatre performed Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. The interior is a Latin Cross with a central nave and side chapels. The church was rededicated to San Ferdinando when the Jesuits were expelled from Naples in 1767. The facade of the church has recently undergone restoration.
 Interior
The interior of the church still displays numerous works of art depicting the life and missionary activities of St. Francis Xavier, including By today's ecumenical standards, politically incorrect painting of The Triumph of Religion over Heresy through St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, St.Francis Borgia and the three Japanese martyrs, while Mohammed is cast down with the Koran. Some prominent works have gone missing over the centuries, including a painting by Salvator Rosa, or have been moved to other premises (such as a painting by Luca Giordano that is now at the Capodimonte Museum).
 Useful information
Open:Weekdays: 8am-midday, 5pm-7pm; Holidays: 9.30am-1pm.
 Utili
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