In the historic center of Naples, in the ancient hypogeum of the Church of Santa Luciella, there is a very imposing skull that has become famous for its ears. Legend has it that people used to go here to care for the skull and to pray for its soul to reach Heaven. He was also often entrusted with special hopes or graces. In fact, it was believed that because of its large ears, it could better hear requests.

Naples’ art stations are a wonderful combination of the city’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary art. These works transform railway stations into authentic open-air museums. The project has accommodated more than 250 art installations, shaping up as an extraordinary example of a museum distributed throughout the urban area.

The presence of numerous castles in Naples is the result of centuries of history, marked by different dominations, defensive needs and territorial control strategies. These castles are not only historical monuments, but also evidence of the city’s rich and complex cultural heritage.

The babà is an iconic Neapolitan pastry dessert, known for its fluffy texture and characteristic mushroom shape. Originating in Poland and later perfected in France, it has found its ultimate expression in Naples. Drenched in rum, the babà represents a true symbol of hospitality and conviviality. Every Neapolitan pastry shop proudly prepares it, handing down a centuries-old tradition. Enjoying it is an experience that encapsulates the essence of Neapolitan culture.

Via dei Tribunali is one of the most beloved streets in Naples. However, not everyone knows the origin of its name. The current name dates back to the 16th century, when the viceroy Don Pedro De Toledo decided to transfer the five courts of Naples to the area of Castel Capuano. This decision caused apprehension among the population, as the courts, previously scattered in various areas of the city, were concentrated in a single location.

The Smorfia, always associated with Neapolitan tradition, is the book that people used to interpret dreams: its purpose was to derive winning numbers to play in the Lotto.

Naples cherishes devotion to St. Mary Frances of the Three Wounds of Jesus, who lived in the Spanish Quarter. The shrine where she spent her last years is a pilgrimage destination. Known as the “Saint of Motherhood,” many women attribute fertility miracles to her. The practice of the fertility chair involves the faithful, who sit in the place where the saint rested, praying for grace.

Naples harbors the legend of the “bride of Capodimonte,” a young woman who died of tuberculosis on the eve of her wedding, whose spirit still appears today in the Basilica of the Incoronata Mother of Good Counsel.

The Sacred Wheel of Foundlings in Naples, symbolizing the anonymous abandonment of infants at religious institutions in the past, reflects the harsh social reality and the quest for solutions to ensure them a dignified life. As a testament to Naples’ history, it highlights the evolution of social policies and human rights, emphasizing the importance of preserving this memory for a more inclusive future.

The Neapolitan Pastiera is an Easter dessert rich in history and traditions, symbolizing the city of Naples. It combines ingredients such as wheat, ricotta, eggs, and orange blossom water, each with a profound meaning linked to fertility, purity, and rebirth. More than just a recipe, it represents the connection between the past, present, and future of Neapolitan culture.