A union of Art, Faith, and Tradition, among masterpieces by 17th-century Neapolitan painters, sacred objects, and the Cult of the Souls of Purgatory
Church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco
In the heart of the old town of Naples, along Via dei Tribunali, stands the Church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, known to the Neapolitans as the church “of ’e cape ’e morte”.
This Baroque church, famous for the cult of the Pezzentelle Souls, allows you to immerse yourself in centuries of art, history, and popular tradition, thanks to a tour that unites the elegant upper church, the cemetery hypogeum, and a museum rich in liturgical objects and artifacts.
In Neapolitan worship, the “Anime Pezzentelle” represent the souls of the forgotten deceased, often without an identity and without a proper burial, as victims of epidemics, poverty, or disaster. It was born as a way to honor and offer comfort to these forgotten souls
It is a unique aspect of Neapolitan culture that highlights the city’s rich history and spiritual practices.
Overall, the “anime pezzentelle” are a fascinating and deeply rooted tradition in Naples, reflecting the city’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage.
A true journey through Neapolitan culture through Art, Faith, Life, and Death.
From the small and beautiful 17th-century church, which houses precious marbles and the Winged Skull of Dionisio Lazzari, along with masterpieces by Massimo Stanzione, Luca Giordano, and Andrea Vaccaro, one descends into the ancient and grandiose Hypogeum, which still houses the fascinating cult of anonymous human remains, which become special intermediaries for invocations, prayers, and requests for intercession.
Museum of the Opera Pia
A rich collection of sacred and popular art reflecting the history of the Neapolitans’ cult and devotion to the souls in purgatory, with objects ranging from relics, votive offerings, and works of art in an evocative, meditative, baroque atmosphere.
Paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including a copy of Madonna della Purità by Morales, San Gennaro in Gloria, and works by Buonocore, De Matteis, and D’Elia.
The Hypogeum
Beneath the main church is a hypogeum (an underground church used as a place of worship or burial), representing purgatory. It contains the skulls and bones of the deceased, some of whom are objects of particular worship, and where it is possible to see testimony and rituals related to these souls.
The cult of the pezzentelle souls is also present inside the Fontanelle Cemetery, with testimonies and rituals related to these souls.
Curiosity and Legend
Lucia, the most famous Capuzzella
Lucia’s skull (also called the bride) is the most venerated in the Church of Purgatory ad Arco. It is adorned with a bridal veil, rosaries, rings, and votive objects.
It is located in a niche lined in blue, crowned by a bridal veil and a tiara bearing her name: all around are flowers, candles, jewels, and silver and papier-mâché votive offerings.
One of Naples’ most famous poor souls tells the story of a young girl, described by some as a princess and by others as a simple maiden, who died tragically in circumstances related to her failed marriage.
Lucia is known as the “corpse bride” because her skull, preserved in the hypogeum of the Church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, is adorned with a bridal veil and a crown, symbols of a broken marriage.
According to various versions of the legend, Lucia died shortly before or after her wedding due to illness, suicide, or various misfortunes, and her spirit remains tied to this situation suspended between life and death.
Her skull is placed on a pillow and bears the name “Lucia Amore” engraved on the wall behind it, becoming a symbol of hope and protection for all women seeking love or marriage.
Those who turn to Lucia leave notes and messages near her skull in the hope of receiving graces or help for their loved ones. She is particularly venerated by women seeking intercession for marriage and motherhood..
Via dei Tribunali 39
Naples
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