Help a soul, adopt a skull!
Cimitero delle Fontanelle
Why locals love it
The Cimitero delle Fontanelle (literally translated as the ‘water springs’ cemetery’) is a tufa cave hosting hundreds of human skulls and bones arranged in a very scenic way. The cave hosts also an unorthodox church.It was locked for years and only recently was brought back to Neapolitans who love its mystery and beauty.
Why you should visit it
The place tells the story of a practice developed in ancient time that is to pray to a soul locked in purgatory seeking a favour.The practice brought the believers to adopt the soul’s skulls/bones and pray to them until the favour requested was granted.In exchange the soul’s transition from purgatory to heaven would be faster thanks to the prayers.
Special tip
Skip unnecessary valuable objects, it is placed in a poor neighborhood! But do walk around as the area is extremely charming. Respect silence inside.
Mon-Su: 10:00-17:00