The Skull with the Ears: Explore the Cult of the Dead in Naples' Church of S. Luciella

The Souls in Purgatory cult is a dominant aspect of Naples city. A visit to the Church of Santa Luciella provides an intimate plunge into the city’s heart while contributing to a significant social initiative. This church and its underground section are an undiscovered treasure, away from the usual tourist route.

Duration: 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai - Guided tour of the Church and the underground cemetery. There is kept, among many skulls, the skull with ears that has always been a point of reference for the Neapolitans who came to him to hear their prayers. Having ears made it easier for the skull soul to intermediate to give miracles and favors. The church was reopened by the Breathe Art Association after 30 years of neglect: the idea is to save the monuments by creating jobs for young people.
What's Included
  • Expert local guides
Location
Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
Vico Santa Luciella 5
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(621 Ratings)
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Explore593781
Sep 12, 2024
The cult of the Pezzentelle Souls in Naples - Absolutely not to be missed this visit for the unique and untouristy experience (small groups, no crowds) with highly trained guides
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915lydiam
Sep 10, 2024
Very great tour! - Very nice, short guided tour by someone who cares about the church and its existence. Absolutely worth seeing and exciting! I could learn a lot about the history of Napoli.
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Florencepm6124eh
Sep 9, 2024
An almost mystical experience - Rossa is an Extraordinary Guide in this place full of Neapolitan history and rituals. She is full of kindness and knows how to transmit to us, with her nice smile, another approach to death .... Thanks again to her!🙏 Florence and Bernard (southern France)
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Patsystone777
Sep 8, 2024
Must See in Naples! - A small association has started the restoration of the church in Naples and finances its project through the guided tours. The church is small and the tour with about 20 min / half an hour not long but so unbelievably worth experiencing! Guided tours were offered every 30 minutes at the time of our visit, so the group (6 people) was accordingly small. Because we were very interested, a conversation arose afterwards, with which we overreacted, but which did not seem to bother. Everyone is passionate about their project and likes to talk about it in detail. I can really recommend it. Without anticipating too much: human bones are (of course) visible, thematically it is about religious rites and practices and the preservation of corpses, but it is not particularly graphical. If you are sensitive to this, you may go for an ice cream in time. I can only recommend this experience!
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Melania
Sep 6, 2024
Santa Luciella - For those who decide to go to Naples is a place to see absolutely. A place that deserves support and worth visiting. It is a guided tour made by trained and competent girls and full of passion for the history of this church.
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Elfama
Sep 6, 2024
Little known but beautiful church! - Found by chance because close to our Accommodation, we wanted to visit this small church... really a good choice! Dear all the staff, clear and passionate our Guide Mariangela who explained and told us the whole history of the church with transport. Our 6-year-old son was ecstatic! Really recommended the visit!
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175marcellaf
Sep 3, 2024
Excellent place - I visited the place on Sunday by pure chance in the company of a 'friend ... the visit was spectacular ... all the staff was very helpful... kind ... clear and patient ...
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Juliet3791
Sep 3, 2024
Wonderful experience - Thanks to the very good Guide we discovered the history of this incredible church, where for centuries women have come to pamper the skulls of the Pezzentelle souls, in particular the skull with ears. An incredible place, unique in the world, to see absolutely.
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U2455nedomenicoc
Aug 17, 2024
Full of history and culture, really nice - A very nice Guided Tour, the girl who guided us was exhaustive on all the questions we asked her. Really a great place, to recommend and see everything in detail.
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Crestina2014
Sep 6, 2024
Short but intense visit - It is worth visiting this small church dedicated to Saint Lucia that makes you discover the ancient cult of Pezzentelle souls. Excellent accompaniment of the young Guide of "Breathe art": great preparation and great passion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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