Naples’ Fontanelle Cemetery to Reopen by End of Month After Extensive Restoration
Naples, Italy – The historic Fontanelle Cemetery, an iconic and evocative site among the most interesting in Naples, is set to reopen by the end of this month. This follows a five-year closure marked by bureaucratic delays and restoration efforts. Originally slated for reopening last year, in summer and then December, the city’s oldest ossuary will finally be accessible to residents of the Rione Sanità, all citizens, and tourists. The timing is particularly opportune given the anticipated number of visitors for Easter, who will now be able to enjoy an additional element of beauty and charm.
The management of the cemetery will be a public-private partnership between the Municipality of Naples and the social cooperative “La Paranza,” which also manages the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Restoration and Safety Measures Undertaken
The restoration work focused on the remediation of cavities, the installation of new lighting systems, and the creation of safe pathways for visitors. The reopening of Fontanelle Cemetery restores to the city a symbolic place of the cult of the so-called ‘pezzentelle souls’ – an ancient ritual involving the care of an anonymous skull (‘capuzzella’) in exchange for protection.
The initial phases of the project saw safety interventions funded by the Municipality of Naples, including:
- Hydrogeological safety measures
- Building, plant, and video surveillance upgrades
- Overhaul of the electrical system
- Replacement of lighting fixtures with LED and low-voltage devices
- Implementation of emergency signage and fire protection equipment
- Restoration of accessibility equipment for disabled visitors
The “La Paranza” cooperative managed the requalification of services, guardianship, and other necessary interventions for environmental safety, thanks to funding from Fondazione con il Sud and Fondazione San Gennaro. Further enhancing the valorization process is the “G124” project by architect Renzo Piano, which identified the Fontanelle area, specifically the space in front of the church of Maria Santissima del Carmine – an area of approximately 300 square meters that includes the cemetery entrance, the adjacent churchyard, a small garden, and four small squares leading to the cemetery.
Panoramic Rooftop Tours of the Duomo to Launch March 30
Additionally, on March 30, the panoramic rooftop tour of the Cathedral is scheduled to be inaugurated. This project was first initiated in 2016 but was interrupted due to safety concerns. Now, this idea will finally become a reality, offering a unique panoramic experience. From the Duomo’s roof, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view, looking down from approximately 50 meters onto the city’s alleys, with the domes of San Gennaro and Santa Chiara seemingly within reach. The gaze then extends to the hilly area of the city, the port, and the islands of the Gulf.
Access to the rooftop will be via elevator, and an information point will be available at the entrance. The works were carried out thanks to 4 million euros from European funds 2014-2020. Access will be free for Neapolitans, constituting 10% of daily admissions, while others will require an entrance ticket.
Source: Corriere del Mezzogiorno
