In Naples, miraculous events are often gauged by the presence of blood. Periodically, large crowds gather at the main cathedral in the ancient southern Italian city to witness the desiccated blood of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, hoping for its liquefaction. Many view this ritual as a symbol of safeguarding a city marked by invasions, plagues, and earthquakes.
However, in the Rione Sanità, a secluded and neglected neighborhood in Naples, a different kind of miracle associated with San Gennaro has been evolving. This transformation involves leveraging cultural heritage to create local employment opportunities, develop skills, and attract tourists to the area.
In a café near the entrance to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, Antonio Aveta, 22, and Giada Colasurdo, 20, were engaged in studying and reciting historical texts about the saint. They were preparing to lead visitors through the extensive underground network of ancient burial chambers that were once hidden from view for centuries.
The revitalization of the catacombs marked the inception of La Paranza, a social cooperative established in 2006 by parish priest Antonio Alfredo. Initially focused on the catacombs, the cooperative has since expanded its initiatives to include after-school programs and locally managed cooperative enterprises.
Aveta, who participated in La Paranza’s after-school programs during his childhood, never expected to become a historical guide. However, after veering off course in high school and realizing the need for a change, he found motivation in the unexpected nature of his newfound role.
The positive changes in the neighborhood, once associated with crime and poverty, have been evident to Aveta, who now guides tours in the catacombs and also oversees after-school programs.
Colasurdo, who comes from the wealthier Capodimonte neighborhood overlooking the Sanità, initially considered leaving Naples but has since discovered the neighborhood’s beauty through her work as a guide.
The division between the Sanità and Capodimonte by a bridge constructed in 1810 symbolizes the disparity between the two areas. La Paranza’s activities extend beyond the catacombs to include ventures like Locanda del Monacone, a restaurant that provides training and employment to local youth.
While Naples experiences a surge in tourism, there are concerns about the negative effects of overtourism, such as displacing locals due to rising rents and an influx of short-term rentals. La Paranza’s model of sustainable tourism development is seen as a potential solution, emphasizing the importance of regulating short-term rentals to maintain the city’s authenticity.
Della Corte, a longtime resident and member of the cooperative, acknowledges the risks associated with uncontrolled growth but remains optimistic about preserving Naples’ unique character. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among residents to ensure the sustainability of the community amid tourism growth.
La Paranza’s success has prompted its expansion beyond the Sanità, with initiatives like Napoli Centro and the Mood project collaborating with the Archdiocese of Naples to restore churches in the historic center, managed by young people from the surrounding neighborhoods. The ongoing transformation of the Sanità serves as a testament to the potential of community-driven initiatives in preserving the city’s heritage and fostering local prosperity.