The friary of Sant'Andrea stands halfway up the southern slope of the Parco hill in Nocera Inferiore. It was founded in 1563 by Duke Alfonso Carafa, who gave it to the Capuchins. Badly damaged by the Vesuvius eruption of 1631, it was restored with the help of the townspeople.
What to see
The building has a large square plan and keeps the walls that enclosed the friary; in the cloister the twisted columns can still be seen. The refectory was decorated with paintings by Celebrano, now in Naples.
The little church, known for its small dome, stands on the highest part, to the right of the friary, with its façade facing Nocera Superiore and Cava de' Tirreni. At the entrance is the marble tomb, damaged but still fine, of the benefactor, Duke Alfonso Carafa, who died in 1581, with the Carafa-Castriota Scanderbeg arms; inside are the eighteenth-century wooden choir stalls, paintings and several tombstones.
Visiting
The friary is halfway up the Parco hill. Openings and times should be checked beforehand.
Our editors' tip
The duke's wife, Giovanna Castriota Scanderbeg, is said by the sources to have designed the Capuchin friars' hood.
