Dedicated to hermit Pietro del Morrone, who was promoted to Pope Celestine V in 1294, this church delivers a ying-and-yang combo of Gothic restraint and baroque exuberance. The chapel to the left of the presbytery features 14th-century frescoes by Giovanni Barrile, while the nave is capped by 10 superlative ceiling paintings by baroque artist Mattia Preti.
Further baroque touches are provided by Cosimo Fanzago, designer of the marble altar, polychromatic balustrade and transept flooring, as well as Massimo Stanzione, whose Madonna Appearing to Celestine V hangs in one of the side chapels on the right. The Conservatorio di Musica San Pietro a Majella di Napoli – one of Italy's finest music schools – occupies the adjoining convent.
