Have you ever heard of a church named after a star and some nuns? Right here in Naples stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle. This charming church has a rather peculiar name. It combines the celestial with the earthly. “Santa Maria della Stella” translates to “Saint Mary of the Star,” referring to a title given to the Virgin Mary, “Stella Maris” or “Star of the Sea.” This title speaks to her role as a guiding light for sailors. The “Paparelle” part is a bit more down-to-earth. It’s a nickname given to the nuns who resided in a convent next door. Apparently, it playfully stems from the last name of the convent’s founder, Lucia Paparo. Now let’s delve a bit deeper into the history of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle. The church dates back to the 16th century, designed in the Renaissance style by Giovanni Francesco Mormando. He intended it as his family chapel. You can still sense that personal touch in the elegant simplicity of its facade, adorned with piperno, a local volcanic stone. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella alle Paparelle is no longer a functioning church, but it continues to captivate with its history and charm.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938