How Naples reinvented the Catacombs of Rione Sanità into a must-see attraction

Vincenzo Porzio on the work that’s been taken on by the local community

Cooperativa La Paranza was founded in 2006 in the Rione Sanità area of Naples. The cooperative was set up during a time when the neighborhood lacked resources and the community was isolated. Feeling as though opportunity could be unearthed in the area, Cooperativa La Paranza set about changing the perception of the area and it started with reviving the area’s ancient catacombs.

Working with the local government, as well as a whole host of archaeologists, restorers, and art historians, the catacombs have since been precisely and carefully restored by bringing the crumbling frescoes and dulled mosaics back to life.

Here Vincenzo Porzio, communication manager of the Cooperativa La Paranza, explains the impact the work of Cooperativa La Paranza has had and how integral the involvement of the local community has been in strengthening the project.

Remains of baptismal font, Catacombs of San Gennaro (From the collection of Catacombs of Naples, Rione Sanità)

Catacombs of San Gennaro (From the collection of Catacombs of Naples, Rione Sanità)

How do you think the heritage site of the Catacombs of Naples has helped in requalifying the neighborhood of Rione Sanità?

Rione Sanità is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Naples nestled between the hills of Arenella and Capodimonte. Due to its geographic position in a valley between two hills – and particularly because of the construction of a bridge in 1810, which dominates it from above – this area has been through a process of isolation, which in turn has created many socio-economic problems. However, thanks to the great work in restoring and promoting this immense cultural heritage we have been able to increase the flow of tourists in the Rione by tackling the marginality that characterises the territory, and continue to develop the human and social assets of the local community.

What is the relationship between the site and the neighborhood? Is there a sense of ownership and participation?

Our activities have involved many locals from non-profit organizations and businesses and created greater awareness within the community. The process is generating a sense of participation and ownership within the locals, and many more people are working hard to get involved with this so-called “renaissance” of the entire area. Thanks to our "bottom-up" approach, Rione Sanità is slowly reclaiming its title as a place of cultural and social interest.

Catacombs of San Gennaro (From the collection of Catacombs of Naples, Rione Sanità)

How can visitors to the Catacombs get a sense of the work you’re doing with the local community?

The guided tour to the catacombs is mandatory for anyone who wants to discover them, therefore giving our cooperative a distinct competitive advantage. Our passionate, expert staff take you back through thousands of years of history from the Catacombs to the Basilicas and the Rione, as well as highlighting the great work some of the community has done in these years. It’s by weaving together all of the elements that make up the city that helps us start effective and lasting collaborations, as well as raise funds for extraordinary projects. Our tour guides make it clear to our visitors that the part they play continues to make the catacombs one of the best touristic attractions of the city.

Catacombs of San Gennaro (From the collection of Catacombs of Naples, Rione Sanità)

As an organization funded and run by young professionals, do you feel there’s a responsibility to create employment yourself? How do you face this challenge?

We obviously feel the responsibility to create new opportunities for more and more people. Therefore, we decided not to lose our identity as a non-profit organization. We pay salaries to our staff and invest in the growth of the activities. Through the economic activity generated by the flow of visitors to Rione Sanità, it has allowed for the creation of numerous small cooperatives and has brought new hope to local merchants.

Main Gallery of San Gaudioso's Catacombs (From the collection of Catacombs of Naples, Rione Sanità)

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