Monumental complex Purgatory ad Arco

On Via dei Tribunali in Naples, Purgatorio ad Arco is a 17th-century Baroque church and museum devoted to souls in purgatory. Skull and bone details mark the church, while the underground cemetery holds human remains surrounded by flowers and offerings. The site tells the story of the Neapolitan practice of caring for anonymous dead, known as the anime pezzentelle. Inside, look for marble altars and sculptures, then visit the museum’s collection of liturgical objects from the 16th to 19th centuries.

A church shaped by devotion to the dead

Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco was built in the 17th century. Its skull and bone motifs appear on the facade and continue the church’s focus on souls believed to be in purgatory. Inside, marble altars and sculptures by Dionisio Lazzari are among the details to see.

The church is also home to the Museo dell’Opera Pia Purgatorio ad Arco. Its collection includes liturgical objects from the 16th to the 19th century, giving the visit a museum component alongside the church and underground cemetery.

The anime pezzentelle and the underground cemetery

Neapolitans called souls in purgatory, especially those of people who had been poor or overlooked, anime pezzentelle, or “beggar souls.” In the past, people would care for a particular skull in the city’s ossuary, hoping for protection, help or a miracle in return. This practice is now prohibited by the Vatican’s ecclesiastical court.

The underground cemetery contains human bones and skulls accompanied by flowers and other offerings, including ex-votos and jewels. These objects reflect the relationship people formed with the anonymous dead. Treat this space with care: photography and video are not allowed there.