An unusual feature of the building is that the lateral chapels are absorbed into the body of the church, giving Santa Chiara its distinctive rectangular appearance. Another unusual feature of the building is the fact that the church does not have an apse, after the lateral chapels there is a section of the church with the high altar in the centre, flanked by the rectangular friar's choirs on either side. Behind the altar is the tomb of King Robert, behind that is a wall separating the main body of the church from the nuns' choir.
Santa Chiara's unique appearance stems from its lateral chapels seamlessly merging into the building's body, creating a rectangular shape.  The church lacks an apse, instead featuring a central altar flanked by rectangular choir stalls for friars on either side. Behind the altar lies King Robert's tomb, separated from the main body of the church by a wall leading to the nuns' choir.