The Tomb of the most famous Vampire in an evocative religious complex, Santa Maria La Nova, the Cloister of San Giacomo della Marca and the magnificent Church, a true treasure chest of History, Art and Religion in the heart of the Historic Center of Naples.
In 2014, a group of experts from the University of Tallinn in Estonia stated: “We know where Dracula’s tomb is in Naples. We also know where to look”
It seems incredible, but it’s all true: recent discoveries would seem to place Dracula’s tomb right in Naples
In the small cloister of Santa Maria La Nova, a Sarcophagus never identified before was discovered and the presence, near it, of a plaque with the name Vlad engraved on it several times.
Above all, it is the presence of this mysterious tombstone that deepens the question.
Above is engraved a knight’s helmet decorated with a dragon’s head and surrounded by two sphinxes, attributable to the Order of the Dragon, of which Count Vlad’s father was a member.
The story begins with the discovery of a strange inscription in the Turbolo Chapel, engraved in an incomprehensible language. A long research effort on the translation of the text initially revealed that the church hid the tomb of a sinisterly famous man.
Subsequently, thanks to the consultation of a series of codes, the epigraph, dating back to 1500 and composed of letters from different ancient alphabets, revealed that it belonged to the burial not of a common man as initially hypothesized, but actually to that of the legendary Count Vlad III Dracula of Wallachia, known as Vlad Tepes the Impaler.
Historical character of the 15th century known to the chronicles as a bloodthirsty and valiant Romanian warrior, Vlad inspired the literary imagination of Bram Stoker in his famous 1897 novel, Count Dracula, which consecrated him as the legendary Vampire of Transylvania.
The historical reconstruction underlying this theory says that Count Dracula did not die in the war, but was captured and imprisoned by the Turks, and that his daughter Maria, who took refuge in Naples under the protection of Ferrante of Aragon thanks to their common membership in the Order of the Dragon, managed to redeem his body which was then buried in the historic center of the Neapolitan city.
The sensational discovery immediately aroused the curiosity and doubts of many internationally renowned scholars, so much so that the research is still ongoing.
The La Nova Code
A further clue is the “La Nova Code”, found in the Turbolo chapel, adjacent to the Ferrillo tomb. This code contains words such as Blad, Dracul and Balkan, further tying the complex to Vlad III.
Explore the Mystery
During your visit to Santa Maria La Nova, explore the room of the Ancient Sacristy, an explanatory video on the mystery of Vlad III’s tomb will make you discover an intriguing connection between Naples and a historical figure shrouded in mystery.
The Monumental Complex
The complex of Santa Maria la Nova in Naples is an important historical and religious site located in the heart of the city. Founded in the 13th century, the complex includes a Church, a Convent and various annexed buildings which have played a significant role in the history of Naples.
The Church of Santa Maria la Nova is called la Nova to distinguish it from that of Santa Maria ad Palatium, dating back to the Swabian period, which stood in the place where the Maschio Angioino was later built and where there had been, since 1216, a convent of minor friars which was believed to be founded by Saint Francis.
A true treasure chest of History, Art and Religiosity, which gives a sense of the mystery contained in the ancient walls of this Angevin foundation (1279) in the heart of the historic center of Naples.
The sixteen chapels
Inside the monumental church of Santa Maria la Nova, the chapels offer a spectacle of Art and Devotion.
Each chapel is a unique work of art, with frescoes, statues and paintings that tell sacred stories and celebrate spirituality.
Every corner of the church is steeped in history and beauty, making the visit a memorable experience.
Piazza Santa Maria la Nova 44
Naples
Campania – Italy
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