San Ferdinando: Overall view of facade and surrounding buildings

The church was originally a Jesuit house of worship and was consecrated 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 interior of the church displays numerous works of art depicting the life and missionary activities of St. Francis Xavier. The church was rededicated to San Ferdinando when the Jesuits were expelled from Naples in 1767. The designers were Giovanni Giacomo Conforto and Cosimo Fanzago. A 19th century restoration changed the facade.