Street art tour: the neapolitan votive kioks
Neapolitan folklore
The cult of the dead is a secular tradition that has roots in ancient history. Over the centuries, the tradition has evolved in different ways depending on the regions and cultures. In Naples, the tradition is alive and felt in the neighborhoods of the city, where families still celebrate their loved ones disappeared with various rituals. In Naples, the cult of the dead is a practice that dates back to the time of the ancient Romans, who celebrated their dead with rituals such as offerings to the gods. Later, tradition was influenced by Christian culture, with the celebration of the feast of the dead, that is, the day of the dead. Today, the districts of Naples are still permeated by this tradition, which is still strong and visible through the votive kiosks in the alleys of the Neapolitan neighborhoods.
The votive kiosks in the Neapolitan neighbourhoods are an important part of Neapolitan culture and architecture. They are small chapels built to commemorate the deceased and honor living people. The votive shrines in the Neapolitan neighborhoods were built in the 18th century, when people began to build chapels in their homes to commemorate their deceased loved ones. These chapels have become increasingly common and have spread throughout Naples, becoming an important part of Neapolitan culture and architecture. The votive shrines are built in marble and are decorated with statues of saints and religious figures. Inside the votive shrines there are often altars, candles and photos of the dead. Most of the votive shrines are placed outside the houses and are crowned by an iron cross. Votive shrines are often considered as a way to honor the dead, but also as a means to keep alive the memory of people still alive. For example, families can build votive shrines in memory of their deceased loved ones and, once they have been built, they can also invite their friends and relatives to visit them and pray for them. The votive kiosks in the Neapolitan neighbourhoods are an important part of Neapolitan culture and architecture. They are a unique way to commemorate and honor the deceased loved ones and to keep alive the memory of people still alive.
What are votive newsstands in Naples?
The votive shrines in Naples are small architectural structures that contain statues and images of the saints and the Madonna. They are often decorated with baroque ornaments and are used as places of prayer and commemoration. They are located in various parts of the city and represent an important part of Neapolitan culture.
Where to find them in the city?
The votive shrines of Naples are generally located near a church or a sacred place. Most of the votive shrines are scattered around the city, but there are some areas richer than these precious architectural treasures. One of the most famous places is Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, where there are three votive shrines. Another area very rich in votive shrines is the Chiaia area, where you can see many votive shrines scattered throughout the streets. Other places to find votive shrines are Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, Piazza del Plebiscito, Piazza del Carmine and Piazza dei Martiri.
Discover more about the history of the Neapolitan votive kiosks with our street art tour that will show you the different forms of representation of Neapolitan culture and especially will immerse you in the folklore of the city and its inhabitants.
Street art tour in Naples
The tour will start at Piazza Municipio, meeting point Pharmacy London.
A tour of art and tradition in the heart of Naples: you will discover the most famous district of Naples.
The first stop of the tour is via Toledo, one of the most famous streets of Naples, full of shops. Afterwards, we will go to the Spanish neighborhoods, in the historic center of Naples and climb the alleys up to the top of the neighborhoods, where there are the most beautiful works of Neapolitan street art, murals of Maradona and the football club Naples.
We will descend all the districts and visit the ancient Neapolitan craft shops, in the heart of naples from ancient buildings, religious images to the latest artistic interventions such as #CUOREDINAPOLI.
This tour will end by returning from the end of the Spanish districts to via Toledo, where we will expect a tasting of the typical Neapolitan coffee, made with a traditional process thanks to an ancient tool used in Naples, since 1800, a unique and not replicable experience.
