Dominating the landscape before you, the Chiesa Santa Maria delle Periclitanti whispers tales of resilience and transformation. The Chiesa Santa Maria delle Periclitanti wasn’t always bathed in the golden glow of Naples. It remembers a time when this hillside was a rugged promontory, cut off from the city’s embrace by a deep ravine. Imagine a time before the bustling streets, before the grand palazzi, when only a rough path, carved by rainwater, dared to traverse this wild terrain. By the 16th century, the city began to stretch its fingers towards this forgotten corner. The Chiesa Santa Maria delle Periclitanti witnessed the transformation: humble dwellings, impressive mansions, places of worship, and even five convents, sprouted along the path. This path, christened Salita Pontecorvo, became a tapestry of faith and ambition. The Chiesa Santa Maria delle Periclitanti, however, holds a special place in this tapestry. Founded in 1674 by the compassionate missionary Carlo de Mari, it served as a sanctuary for vulnerable young women, offering them refuge and a chance at a different life. The name “Periclitanti,” meaning “those in peril,” speaks volumes about their plight. Originally housed near Santa Maria del Rifugio, these women, facing a society rife with dangers, eventually found a permanent home here on Salita Pontecorvo. The Chiesa Santa Maria delle Periclitanti stands as a testament to their fortitude, a beacon of hope in a sometimes- unforgiving world.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938