The worship of souls

Concetta is also known as 'a capa che suda (the sweating head), because of her perpetually shiny skull. According to tradition, rubbing her skull is a way of asking for a favour: if your hand becomes damp, the request has been granted; otherwise, it means that the soul cannot grant the request.

Over time, Concetta has become the confidante of many women who entrust her with their hopes and prayers concerning motherhood. Women who wish to have a child turn to her.

His skull is distinguished by a black eye.
Among the legends associated with the Captain is one recounted by theatre director Roberto De Simone, which tells of a womanising, blasphemous member of the Camorra who made love to a woman in the cemetery. In the silence, the Captain’s voice was heard reproaching the young man for his actions, but the latter mocked him, inviting him to his wedding, convinced that the day would never come.

Some time later, however, the young man did indeed get married. Among the guests was a mysterious man dressed in black. When asked who he was, he replied that he had a gift for the bride and groom. The couple led him into their room, and the guest revealed himself: it was the Captain, who reduced them to ashes with a handshake.

Among the thousands of bones organised by don Barbati, the only two skeletons that were not anonymous were those of Filippo Carafa, Count of Cerreto, and his wife, Donna Margherita Petrucci, in glass-covered coffins.

Donna Margherita’s body is mummified and her mouth is wide open, which is why it is said that she died after choking on a gnocco.