The church and the attached Sala del Lazzaretto (Hall of the Leprosarium) were built in the 16th century.

The complex is arranged around a more ancient palace built by Giovanni Caracciolo in the early 15th century (designed by Andrea Ciccione).

The interior was restored after the earthquake of 1732 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro; by Donato Massa and decorated with Majolica tiles.

It was so called, because in this room of the hospital were tended individuals with leprosy, the plague, and other infectious maladies.

An elevated gallery runs along the sides of the walls, from which, to avoid contagion, drinks and food were handed to the patients.