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: 24 hours
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…
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
(799 Ratings)
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Conrad
Feb 13, 2026
Wonderful Church!! Astounding history - A lot of history packed into a small place. Guided tour was very informative and all the staff were great. Crazy to think this place was lost for so long!! If in Naples you definitely have to come here!
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Emanuela
Feb 12, 2026
Tourist in my city - Living in the North, every time I'm in Naples I'm a tourist in my city! Today I wanted to visit this little gem rich in history! Esther, who has been our guide, delighted us by telling us, in a charming way, the story of this small hidden church! I think it's really worth not missing it if you are in Naples! Thanks for the maintenance and restoration work that has been done and that is being done!
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Antonellal601
Feb 12, 2026
Visit church with skull with ears - Ester the guide was great Beautiful experience 😍
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Gino790
Feb 10, 2026
Top - We've been to this abandoned church now run by an association that runs it all too nice then the skull what a story
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Flaviafx3650ag
Feb 3, 2026
Church of S.Luciella - Today I was able to visit this wonderful church, a small jewel in the heart of Naples. We had a kind and engaging guide. I highly recommend visiting it.
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Sara
Feb 1, 2026
Must-see places. The really good Rossana guide - We were in the area and we decided to go inside to visit this beautiful and characteristic church. During the visit we were accompanied by Rossana, a truly impeccable guide, who managed to involve us in the history of the church but especially in the Cult of the Pezzentelle Souls, truly touching and particular. We recommend visiting this place because it has a lot to tell and transmit.
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Simone
Jan 19, 2026
With every step, curiosity grows! - Guided tour with Rossana really perfect. We have discovered new realities, traditions and stories in an increasingly growing and restoring reality. Visit highly recommended!
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Y3363lbireneg
Jan 18, 2026
wonderful experience! recommend everyone to visit this place! - the guides Rossana and Alfonso have illustrated the place in an absolutely exhaustive way. the explanation was perfect, but above all very deep! they did not dwell only on superficial details, but they made me feel perfectly involved in the various narratives, thank you very much!
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Foxmaudit
Jan 15, 2026
Small architectural and artistic treasure full of stories and mysteries - Place with a truly fascinating aura saved from abandonment thanks to the work of a collective of young graduates of the city. The visit included the spaces of the church and the underground cemetery which are adorned with a multitude of artifacts, skulls and memorabilia related to a mixture of sacred ritual and folk tradition. Our guide Rossana was really good at immersing us in the stories related to the church and responding to everyone’s curiosity in other languages and her enthusiasm has undoubtedly given what more to the visit.
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Sabrinatim
Jan 10, 2026
The story of the "capuzzelle": skulls (souls) here were "adopted" by the faithful in a touching popular devotion. - Ester, our guide of the Breathe Art Association enchanted us with the story of the cult of the pezzentelle souls: ordinary people who prayed for these anonymous souls in exchange for thanks. A church that was recovered after the Irpinia earthquake and tells of a Naples made of popular faith, mystery and secular piety.
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From $9
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).