Rione Sanità

The dramatic situation of the area has attracted volunteer and humanitarian efforts, such as those of the Comboni Missionaries that have been operating for years in support of Rione Sanità's population.

The cult dates back to the 17th Century and involves the ritual burning of candles dedicated to the so-called "pezzentelle" ("little wretches"), i.e., the soul of the "nameless dead" whose bones are preserved in the ossuary.

[2] Probably the most famous person from Rione Sanità was the 20th Century actor, poet, singer, and writer Totò, who was born in Via (street) Santa Maria Antesaecula.

As Rione Sanità is somewhat a symbol of the poorest, most degraded (but also most "picturesque") character of Naples, the place is widely referenced in popular culture.

Movies set in Rione Sanità include Vittorio de Sica's The Gold of Naples (1954) and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963).