NAPLES FASCINATING NEW TOURIST CIRCUIT
A few years ago, the Rione Sanità quarter of Naples was considered disreputable. It was an area that visitors usually avoided, despite the fact that it lies in the very heart of the city, next to some of the most important monuments. Over the past few years, however, the 2 sq. km area (estimated 32,000 residents) has undergone a transformation, thanks to the courage and determination of a group of local young people, who got together in 2006 and created a social cooperative that they courageously called “La Paranza”. The name literally refers to the typical local trawling fishing boat but it has also some negative connections that the cooperative founders were decided to transform into a new positive image).
The primary objective was to introduce specialized guided tours to the Rione's many historic churches, works of art, ancient monuments and the fascinating network of catacombs and tunnels that ran in strata under the little piazzas and narrow streets. The initiative obtained the support of the local city council, as well as the enthusiastic response of archeologists, art historians and restorers who collaborated with the project.
La Paranza's initiative has been so successful that regular visits are now conduced to forgotten gems like the ancient Greek cemetery under the Church of Santa Maria della Maddalena dei Cristallini, the historic Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, the church of Santa Maria della Sanità and the studio-museum of contemporary artist Jago (best known for his controversial bust of Pope Benedict XVI “Habemus Hominem”) in the Church of Sant'Aspreno ai Crocigeri.
Rione Sanità is now a regular part of the tourist circuit of the fascinating city of Naples.
M.STENHOUSE
Info: Tel. +39.081.7443714 www.catacombedinapoli.it
