Naples Tours
The Skull with the Ears: the Cult of the Dead in the Church of S. Luciella
5

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

By Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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The cult of the Souls in Purgatory is one of the main faces of the city of Naples. Visiting the Church of Santa Luciella means getting to know the bowels of the city and supporting a social project of great value. The church with its basement is a hidden gem, off the beaten track.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99
Duration: 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Italian
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English
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  • Guides
  • Entry/Admission - Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines


  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 215429P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 215429P1

From
₹745.10
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
    972
    Naples, Campania, Italy
    Joined in March 2019
  • 952klaran
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem
    I found this place by an accident and I highly recommend it. We had a tour on English and we didn't have to book anything in advance, if you are a student you get a reduced price. The lady who gave us a tour was so friendly and nice and she knew so much about Naples and its history which was amazing. The tour didn't last long, there weren't a lot of people, you have enough time to ask questions and take photos. Definitely a must when in Naples.
    Written 20 October 2023
  • trippingtaffy
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historical gem in the centre of the Old town
    Am undiscovered gem in the centre of the old town, only open since 2019 and hampered by Covid closures. The renovation project is inspired by a small group of young students, who as well as giving mini tours in italian and English, have put their heart and soul into the project.. Be sure to sign their petition for local government funding to help them.
    Written 25 September 2022
  • Oya O
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A real gem!
    This is quite small and slightly off the main tourist street, but the church is worth a visit. The tour is interesting and detailed. Unlike many others in the area, it doesn't make you drowsy - on the contrary!
    Written 1 December 2021
  • valelic
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A magic place
    The medieval church is an adorable little place which preserve a wonderful “skull with ears”. It is unique in the world. This place is more important for the great job of refurbishing of Respiriamo Arte association. Thank you a lot!
    Written 26 October 2020
  • ugor224
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small piece of history
    Very interesting visit, expecially the cript. It worth the visit also to help to save a piece of history from the oblivion
    Written 16 August 2020
  • X2859UAjenniferr
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting historical church with knowledgeable and friendly guide
    Having popped in to see the "skull with the ears", my friend and I were delighted to discover much more about the history of Chiesa di Santa Luciella and burial rituals in southern Italy. Massimo was a very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide and we support the work that is being done to restore the church.
    Written 7 February 2020
  • K1501JUfernandoa
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very impressive tour
    It was a nice experience. This church hides amazing stories. The guide was such polite and very friendly. I loved this experience and I recommend it.
    Written 20 January 2020
  • ox2111
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Authentic and amazing
    I really highly recommend people to visit! a cooperative of young people (at its core is 5 young men) is restoring 2 churches in the centre of naples and opening them to tourists. Firstly to protect these old churches that would otherwise fall into ruin (the italian government doesn't offer any kind of funding for protecting these churches). Secondly is to provide jobs for young neapolitan people who want to have a job while staying close to their families. I was amazed and moved that a group of passionate young people with no previous restoration experience could care for local monuments and have an initiative like this. They have done an amazing job cleaning these churches which were full of soil and used as junkyards by locals despite being burial sites and places of huge significance and history. Naples has a touching historic tradition of caring for the burial of of the poor and needy and burying them alongside rich patrons of the church as they believe everyone is equal in death. In this church and many others there is a catacomb burial site underground. We went to a few of these and some were really quite uncomfortable and creepy but the atmosphere of this church was so much more comfortable and loving and you could feel the care put into caring for this burial space and respecting these old tombs and a slice of naples' history. Our guide Massimo (one of the founders of the cooperative) was such a passionate and nice young man and obviously cared deeply about the churches and cared about everybody enjoying them as much as possible. I felt we really understood a lot more about authentic naples' culture after speaking with him ! Remember to go to the other church under the cooperative too- Chiesa dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo which is very close (on spaccanapoli) and you can buy the 2 churches entrances in 1 discounted ticket.
    Written 10 December 2019
  • hatches02
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A rare opportunity to see something before restoration
    This tiny church was only fond a few years ago and to date has only been made safe for visitors. Originally founded in 1327 but lost to the public for may years. Having looked at the alta and ante room the high point is the trip downstair to the crypt which has skulls resting on ledges around the room, a child's coffin and the famous skull with ears. The on site guides are very knowledgeable and sincere
    Written 2 December 2019
  • Paul S
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth a visit
    We are glad that we visited this fascinating place. We had a guided tour with Massimo who was very informative and obviously passionate about the work being done to renovate this landmark. Seeing the different levels of history and hearing their fascinating story was pretty amazing.
    Written 9 July 2019
  • gkritics
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    discovering the hidden corners of Naples
    A spectacular old church with an amazing guided tour. I’m so glad that I have been guided by respiriamo arte team! Amazing experience! Keep up the good work!
    Written 19 May 2019
See all 972 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles656 reviews
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611
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41
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3
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Francesca R
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
I highly recommend this visit to anyone going to Naples and wanting to appreciate the historical-artistic heritage of the city. Knowing the incredible work of cleaning, recovery and restoration that the young people of the "Respiriamo Arte" association have done leaves you speechless. For a few euros it is possible to visit both Santa Luciella and the church of SS. Filippo and Giacomo headquarters of the noble art of silk. These are not common visits, you are literally overwhelmed by a flood of information that comes from history to tradition. Indeed, one passes from the cult of capuzzelle to the history of corporations in an instant. I believe that they are two important stages to understand Naples, its cults, its art and its traditions. The guides were incredibly thorough and helpful. These young people who have decided to make their studies and professionalism available to our beautiful country rather than going elsewhere really deserve to be supported. Thanks again to Breathe art.
Google
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Viky S
Ternopil, Ukraine1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Francesco and I were there on 07/11/22, the day of the recognition of Respiriamo Arte as a concrete gesture of the Policoro Project of the Archdiocese of Naples in the presence of the Bishop Don Mimmo Battaglia. Unique experience. Santa Luciella transmits Art and Passion. Massimo and Simona and the whole team manage to make art breathe every day and with dedication. The place expresses all of ancient Naples and full of religious beliefs, which remained a tradition of the elders of the place. A tradition still alive!
I recommend it to immerse yourself in the living tradition of Naples and welcome its Spirit.
Google
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daniela G
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
30-minute guided tour of the museum church where the skull with ears is kept in the Spaccanapoli district. Very interesting! Super recommended. The excellent guide told the history of this place in an engaging and passionate way. The cost of the ticket goes to the Respiriamo Arte association for the restoration of the museum church and the internal cemetery. Congratulations for the work done so far! Really good!
Google
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lindsay S
Green Bay, WI66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
I highly recommend taking the tour (5 euro, 20 minutes) to see this site, which is only accessible via guided tour. Don't let the marketing of the eared skeleton fool you into thinking this a tourist trap: it is a small, special gem of Naples! Our guide, Claudio, was exceptional, as was his colleague. The tour was quick but thorough, and it was very thoughtful, providing insights into the history of both the building, its relationship to the city, and its restoration. I especially appreciate the initiative of young Neapolitans to conserve and celebrate their city's heritage. The "shrine" of things found at the site after years of neglect was an especially nice touch. If you have the time, I would recommend the combined ticket (7 euro) that allows you to also receive a guided tour of the Chiesa dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, which has a similar story of salvation following decades of neglect and deterioration.

Don't miss this hidden gem of Naples!
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AngelaB
Lamezia Terme, Italy1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Friends
Very suggestive place, I recommend visiting it also to support young people who have rediscovered this place and offer the opportunity to learn about traditions related to the cult of the dead. The guide was exceptional, very prepared, very blood, helpful, transmitted the passion for his business. Thank you guys!
Automatically translated
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gianluca
Naples, Italy89 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This church was abandoned for years. Thanks to the work of willing young people it has returned to life and is available to every visitor. The guide who accompanies you on the visit is knowledgeable and friendly and allows you to discover the immense artistic heritage that they managed to recover after decades of neglect. With the work of the social cooperative that took care of the site we have the opportunity to enjoy our immense artistic and cultural heritage, and, no less importantly, create new jobs: because with culture you eat!
Google
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Antonio T
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
Very suggestive true and interesting well spiked by a guide that will make you understand and passionate about one of the most mystical sides of the Neapolitan people that lasts for centuries. What struck me most is the strength and desire that these guys have in discovering and making known our history and our tradition despite the bureaucratic and financial obstacles...
Thanks guys
Automatically translated
Written 21 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Giada S
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
Enchanting and very suggestive place. The visit accompanied by Mariangela from the Respiriamo Arte association was truly exciting, she managed to convey to us all her love for Naples and for this little jewel that remained hidden for years. The story of the rediscovery of this Church surprised me more than the skull with ears it houses. Congratulations to the guys from the association, and good luck with your wonderful project ❤️
Google
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Giovy7424
270 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Family
Magnificent discovery in the streets of the nativity scenes. As a Neapolitan I didn't know about the existence of this church and its history. It was a short trip into the past and into the Neapolitan belief, suggestive mystic that I recommend to all tourists but also to Neapolitans to relive our history made of superstition beliefs hopes and religion. Very good guys who with little and nothing have given new light to a church that literally had become a dump.
Automatically translated
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carota2
167 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Include it in your itineraries, it's worth it. Not just for the skull with ears which is an eye-catching element. There is a story behind this abandoned church and recovered as a museum by girls and boys who believe in the strength of tradition and passion. It is part of the mysterious area of this city in which cults of all kinds are believed and celebrated and in which things mix in a prodigious way. It is not just a museum, it is a social project with branches in the neighborhood and in society. Supporting him is a duty.
Google
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Skull with the Ears: the Cult of the Dead in the Church of S. Luciella provided by Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai

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