Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella

How many churches boast two names? The Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella in Naples does just that. Known formally as Chiesa di Santa Maria della Speranza, this historical church reflects the strong Spanish presence that once graced Naples, and the Quartieri Spagnoli in particular. Its story begins in 1540. Francisco Cuevas, a Spanish surgeon, founded the church, donating his own home to become a convent. Over the centuries, the Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella passed through various hands, leaving behind intriguing traces of history. The Spanish Carmelite brothers, Fernando and Francisco Segura, took over in 1585, their tombs still present within the church, eternally facing each other. Later, Spanish Augustinians added their mark, undertaking significant restorations. Their legacy includes the holy water font, still bearing their symbol: a heart pierced by a fiery dart. Step inside the Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella, and you’ll be greeted by a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The main altar and presbytery, masterful works of Cosimo Fanzago, embody the grandeur of the Baroque. Look up and you’ll discover the church’s namesake, Santa Rita, in stunning frescoes depicting her life story. The Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella houses a unique piece reflecting Spanish heritage: the “Cristo di Burbos flagellato.” This life-size representation of the scourged Christ is believed to have been built by Nicodemus using ox hides from Lebanon, a fascinating tale passed down through Spanish Augustinian tradition. Although the church’s official name honors Santa Maria della Speranza, the city embraced the devotion to Santa Rita from 1610 onwards. This devotion is palpable even today, making the Chiesa di Santa Rita alla Speranzella a place of pilgrimage and a beacon of history and faith.