10/25/2021
The Cimitero delle Fontanelle comprises natural caves, tufa mines and ancient Greek and Roman tunnels. They were used to hold the bodies of thousands of Neapolitans who died in the Naples Plague of 1656 – burial space had run out in churchyards around the city. In the centuries since, a cult has developed around these towering piles of skulls, with rosaries, candles, gifts and special requests dotted among the remains, acting as secret prayers for favours, health and even lottery wins.