Mysterious Naples: underground tunnels, catacombs, the cult of forgotten souls and the alchemist prince
Naples has a special relationship with the world below: Greek quarries, catacombs, the cult of the souls in Purgatory and the legends of the alchemist Prince of Sansevero. Here is an itinerary to discover it.
Morning: beneath the city
Start with Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground), in Piazza San Gaetano: Greek quarries, cisterns and wartime shelters forty metres below ground. A few steps away, on Via dei Tribunali, is the church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, recognisable by the bronze skulls at the entrance: in the hypogeum (underground chamber) beneath the church, Neapolitans used to adopt the anime pezzentelle, the skulls of nameless dead, praying for them in exchange for favours.
Midday: the alchemist prince
In the Sansevero Chapel, the Veiled Christ and the anatomical machines tell the story of Raimondo di Sangro, the inventor and alchemist prince around whom Naples has built legends for centuries.
Afternoon: the catacombs and the Sanità
Head up to the Catacombs of San Gennaro (closed on Wednesdays) and then walk down into Rione Sanità, as far as the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, included in the same ticket. The neighbourhood is also home to the Fontanelle Cemetery, an ancient quarry full of skulls linked to the same cult of souls: check beforehand whether it is open to visitors.
Tip: this is an intense itinerary, partly underground: alternate the visits with a break outdoors and bring a sweatshirt. Not recommended for very young children.
The stops
- Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)Piazza San Gaetano
- Sansevero Chapelthe alchemist prince
- Catacombs of San Gennaroclosed on Wednesdays
- Rione Sanitàthe neighbourhood
Frequently asked questions
What are the anime pezzentelle?
The souls of the nameless dead, whose skulls Neapolitans adopted and cared for, praying for them in exchange for protection. The cult is linked to the Purgatorio ad Arco church and the Fontanelle Cemetery.
Where to stay in the Historic Centre
202 places to stay in the Historic Centre on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
