In the heart of Naples, nestled on a street bearing its name, stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria Avvocata dei Peccatori. Its name, meaning “Advocate of Sinners,” hints at a layered past. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Avvocata dei Peccatori emerged from humble beginnings. In 1631, the Theatines, a Catholic order, established a presence here. They started with a convent, generously hosted in a palazzo owned by Diomede Carafa Bozzuto. Their ambition soon grew, and they embarked on the construction of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Avvocata dei Peccatori. Over time, the church faced structural challenges. By the 18th century, it was on the verge of collapse, demanding extensive restoration and rebuilding. But fate had other plans for the Chiesa di Santa Maria Avvocata dei Peccatori and its associated convent. Following the upheaval of the French Revolution and the subsequent suppression of religious orders, the convent found a new purpose in 1816. It became home to the Pia Opera del Ritiro di Santa Maria del Gran Trionfo, a compassionate organization dedicated to rehabilitating women caught in the web of prostitution. This shift in purpose earned the convent the moniker “Convent of the Penitent Women”, and even saw the church briefly known as Santa Maria del Gran Trionfo. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Avvocata dei Peccatori stands as a testament to the city’s complex relationship with faith and redemption.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938