Naples, Italy — historic centre (folk tale)

The Munaciello of Naples

Folklore — not a documented case

In the homes of Naples, a little monk-like spirit in a hooded robe is believed to come and go, sometimes leaving coins and sometimes hiding things.

The narrow streets of Naples and the vast underground tunnels beneath them are home to one of the city's best-loved folk figures: the “Munaciello”, meaning “little monk” in Neapolitan. This short, stocky being, dressed in a long robe with a wide hood, is believed to come and go from people's homes.

The stories in this section are folk tales and legends; they are not verified, real events and should not be confused with the rest of the archive.

From the same region