Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai: Discover the Mysterious Skull with Ears
5.0
20 Ratings
Napoli
Uncover the secrets of the Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai in San Gregorio Armeno. Explore the mysterious Skull with Ears and its role as a messenger between the living and the dead.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Via San Gregorio Armeno - Punto d’incontro del nostro tour ‘e la famosa via dei Pastori e dei Presepi dove conoscerai i segreti e le tecniche.
- Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai - Nel cuore di San Gregorio Armeno, la strada dei presepi e degli artigiani, vi ‘e un posto misterioso e nascosto: la Chiesa di Santa Luciella ai Librai. Fu fondata da Bartolomeo Di Capua nel 1327 e divenne successivamente luogo di culto per la Corporazione dei Pipernieri, Fabbricatori e Tagliamonti che proprio a Santa Lucia affidavano la protezione della vista, messa a rischio dal proprio mestiere. La Chiesetta, affidata all’Associazione Culturale Respiriamo Arte dal 2013, ‘e stata salvata e riaperta al pubblico dopo 30 anni di abbandono. L’Associazione, fondata da 4 giovani napoletani, ha recuperato la chiesa sia come luogo di inclusione sociale che come elemento di sviluppo turistico. Nei sotterranei della chiesa ‘e custodito il famoso Teschio con le Orecchie, da cui i napoletani, fino a metà del 1900, si recavano per rivolgergli le proprie preghiere, nella speranza che ascoltandole, le portasse direttamente nell’aldilà: un vero e proprio messaggero tra il mondo dei vivi e dei morti
- Palazzo Venezia - Il tour termina nella via principale del centro storico di Napoli
What's Included
- Authorized Guide
- 24h Assistance
- Insurance Coverage
- Expert Archaeologist
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Museum entrance 5 euro or reduction for under 18 years old and students
Additional Information
The ‘Skull with Ears’ Experience
Nestled among the crib-makers and craftsmen of San Gregorio Armeno lies a secret and enigmatic site: The Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai. This place of worship was established by Bartolomeo Di Capua in 1327 and later became a religious haven for the Guild of Pipernieri, Fabbricatori, and Tagliamonti, who believed their sight, endangered by their trade, was safeguarded by Santa Lucia. A group of four young locals revived the church, transforming it into a space for social unity as well as a tourist attraction. Beneath the church, you’ll find the famed ‘Skull with Ears,’ to which Neapolitans used to offer their prayers up until the mid-20th century, hopeful that it would carry their supplications directly to the beyond, serving as a conduit between the realms of the living and the departed.
Location
Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
Vico Santa Luciella
Incontriamo i nostri viaggiatori davanti la chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, una delle strade più famose di Napoli.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Pierothecoach
Nov 19, 2023
A gem in an alley - We recently visited this gem, discovered in an alley a few steps from S. Gregorio Armeno. The description by the Association staff who oversaw its recovery and restoration was very detailed and engaging. Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lellot923
Sep 3, 2023
wonderful experience - Having learned of this wonder, I went with my family to this church in the historic center of Naples. I congratulated the association that brought this structure back to life, the guided tour was very interesting and evocative in a truly exceptional context. Particular praise goes to the girl who acted as our guide and who took action in a commendable manner when my 12 year old daughter did not feel well, providing her care and attention. Keep going, Naples and the historic center need people like you intent on enhancing the enormous cultural heritage present in the city. I highly recommend the visit, it's really worth it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcotomm14
Sep 3, 2023
A gem - Small church in the heart of Naples, still little known but worth seeing for its particularity of the cult of the dead but above all for the beauty of the place itself and the people who manage it. Very beautiful experience especially thanks to the guide who was able to tell us the history of this incredible place with dedication and passion. I will definitely return.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A6589wojulieb
Dec 7, 2020
Awesome - Wonderful experience! Rafael made the virtual tour informative, interesting and added a touch of humor. He made time to answer all questions. A very knowledgeable guide. Enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the tour of Naples. Thank-you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Akcap
Dec 7, 2020
Great Virtual Tour - My wife and I just participated in the Pompeii Virtual Tour; it was pretty terrific. We currently live in Naples, and were able to invite friends to join us. This is cool because some of them would have come to visit us, were COVID not a factor.
My wife and I learned about Naples Grand Tour last year when we did one of their small-group LIVE tours of Pompeii with friends from the states. We liked that tour so much, we started following Naples Grand Tour on Facebook -- that's how we learned about the Virtual Tour.
Of course, there are things you can do in person that you can't do in a virtual tour, but there are also many things our guide could share on the virtual tour that we would never have had time to see in our two-hour 'live' tour. We were able to see areas on the far side of the site; were able to see the latest excavations (also fairly distant from the main entries to Pompeii) were able to see a clear hour by hour recreation of the eruption and get a stronger overview of the entire site. Our guide was also able to go into areas of Pompeii more suited to adult audiences.
There's nothing like being in a historic spot in the flesh, but when we were in Pompeii, it was actually a super hot day and was physically demanding. The Virtual Tour was easier, we each had a glass of wine; and we could still ask questions at regular intervals during the virtual tour.
Because the Virtual Tour gives a broad overview, it was a great follow-up to our earlier 'live' tour -- and would also make a good preview for someone thinking of visiting Pompeii.
Our guide shared a ton of enthusiasm as well as expertise -- and had a good facility for organizing and sharing a lot of information and still making it compelling. We heartily recommend Naples Grand Tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
