The Pio Monte della Misericordia is an institution founded in 1602 by seven Neapolitan nobles who, aware of the needs of a population in need of help and solidarity, decide to devolve part of their possessions and their commitment to works of charity. the painting by Caravaggio, from the top of the main altar of the chapel, epitomizes the solidarity actions exercised by the Pio Monte della Misericordia in an extraordinary synthesis of the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy still today carefully exercised.

The ancient seat, with the historic building erected in the seventeenth century, preserves a vast historical and artistic heritage and a rich picture gallery with paintings from different schools and eras, including works by Massimo Stanzione, Jusepe de Ribera, Luca Giordano, Andrea Vaccaro, and a considerable amount of paintings and sketches by Francesco De Mura, the artist's gift to the Institute. For several years the collection has been enriched with important works on the theme of Mercy performed by great contemporary artists. On the second floor of the building the Historical Archive and the Library are housed, in which documents are conserved starting from the XIV century, over several private Funds, including that of d'Aquino di Caramanico, with the precious parchment of the proclamation as Doctor of Church of St. Thomas Aquinas.
For over four centuries, the Pio Monte della Misericordia, with its Governors and its Associates, has continued the work of assistance and charity, adapting the interventions to the changing needs