Heroines, Saints and Ladies: the women of Naples

Through this “female-centred” itinerary, you will travel across time and neighbourhoods, encountering powerful queens, passionate lovers, enlightened intellectuals, devoted saints, talented artists, rebellious common women and intriguing noblewomen.
Along the way, you will also encounter the femminielli, strong and resourceful figures who animated the city’s popular life, as well as the legends of Donna Romita, Donna Albina and Donna Regina, passed down through the writings of Matilde Serao.
This itinerary is an immersion into the passion, courage and beauty of the women who shaped the history of Naples.

Starting point: San Giovanni a Carbonara
Estimated duration: about 6 hours

• San Giovanni a Carbonara

14th century
Here, the monumental tomb of Ladislaus of Durazzo provides the opportunity to recall the story of his sister, Joanna of Anjou, Queen of Naples, depicted in one of the seated statues of the loggia.

• Via del Carmine

17th century
Walk through the vibrant heart of the Mercato district, where the revolt of Masaniello broke out, supported by the courage of his wife Bernardina Pisa, a symbol of popular solidarity and determination.

• Church of San Giovanni a Mare

12th–13th century
A remarkable place of worship linked to the story of Saint Candida, venerated as the protector of women in childbirth.

• Church of San Gregorio Armeno

16th century
A church connected to the beloved Saint Patrizia, patron saint of Naples, around whom many legends have developed over time.

• Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

15th century
The perfect setting to discover the romantic and controversial love story between Lorenza d’Alagno and King Alfonso V of Aragon, which challenged royal conventions.

• Murals of Eleonora Pimentel Fonseca – Spanish Quarters

A tribute to a renowned intellectual, patriot and martyr of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799, embodying courage and the struggle for freedom.

• Church of Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe

18th century
In this unique place of worship, you will find the famous “chair” of Saint Maria Francesca, associated with fertility rites and popular devotion.

• Vico Tre Re a Toledo

Let yourself be enveloped by the legends of Donna Romita, Donna Albina and Donna Regina, enigmatic figures linked to the history of the Toraldo family, narrated by Matilde Serao.

• Murals of “La Tarantina” and Vico della Tofa

An opportunity to reflect on La Tarantina, a popular figure and symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, and on the historical role of the femminielli in Neapolitan society.

• Piazzetta Montecalvario

17th century
In this area lived Artemisia Gentileschi, the extraordinary Baroque painter who challenged the limits of her time with her talent.

• Palazzo Filomarino

16th–17th century
Conclude your journey by recalling the stories of Adriana Carafa della Spina and Maria d’Avalos, figures at the centre of passion, intrigue and legend.

Flavours

• Coffee in the Spanish Quarters
• Sfogliatella (riccia or frolla) in Via Toledo
• Fried pizza near Piazza del Carmine or in the Spanish Quarters
• Octopus broth near Porta Capuana

Craft traditions

• Coral jewellery and cameos near Borgo Orefici
• Leather goods and handcrafted umbrellas in the Spanish Quarters
• Nativity workshops in San Gregorio Armeno