Palazzo Spinelli and the Phantom of Via dei Tribunali
In the heart of the historical centre of Naples, along the decumanus major, at number 362, is one of the city’s most fascinating and mysterious buildings: Palazzo Spinelli di Laurino. Dating back to the 15th century, this palace bears witness to centuries of history, tradition and legends that are inextricably intertwined. Palazzo Spinelli di Laurino is best known for being the home of the humanist poet Giovanni Pontano, one of the most illustrious figures of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The palace, renovated in 1767 by the Duke of Laurino Troiano Spinelli, after whom it is named, is distinguished by its historical architecture and the aura of mystery that surrounds it. Like many other historical buildings in Naples, the Palazzo Spinelli has witnessed events that mix reality and legend.
The Legend of the Ghost of via dei Tribunali
Among the most famous legends revolving around Palazzo Spinelli in Laurino is the one that tells the story of the ghost of Bianca, an orphan girl who was adopted by Duke Troiano Spinelli. Bianca, known for her rare beauty and sweetness, had a special bond with the duke, who considered her almost like a daughter. However, this affection was frowned upon by the duke’s wife, Marquise Lorenza. The marchioness, a jealous, cruel and cynical woman, harboured a deep envy for the attention her husband paid to the child, and so decided to take her into her service, making her one of her bridesmaids.
Bianca’s story, unfortunately, is tinged with drama. The story goes that, shortly before leaving for a military campaign, Duke Troiano Spinelli went to his wife to say goodbye, but the latter, overcome by a feeling of contempt, made no gesture of affection towards him. The Duke, enraged, left the room angrily, and as he walked away, he met the gaze of Bianca, who was there to comb the marquise’s hair. The innocent and compassionate face of the girl infuriated the marquise even more, who decided to punish the young Bianca in a terrible way: she had her walled up alive in her room, abandoning her to her fate. Before her death, Bianca is said to have uttered the following words: ‘Famme me mura’ viva, ma in allegrezza o in grannezza tu me vidarraje’, which in Neapolitan dialect means “Let me be walled up alive, but in happiness or in grandeur you will see me”.
From that moment on, Bianca’s tragic end became the core of a legend that has never been extinguished. It is said that the spirit of the little girl – still today – roams the rooms of Palazzo Spinelli in Laurino. Bianca’s ghost is an omen of happy or unfortunate events, depending on the circumstances. Her spirit usually manifests itself wearing a white robe, but in the presence of impending misfortune, her face is covered by a black veil, a sign of misfortune. Some say they have seen her weeping on the palace stairs, others claim to have heard her cries coming from some dark corner of the building.
The Timeless Charm of Palazzo Spinelli
The legend of Bianca has fuelled numerous tales of sightings and mysterious apparitions, giving Palazzo Spinelli in Laurino a special fascination for both visitors and fans of ghost stories. The palace, once an aristocratic residence, is today a place steeped in history, art and, above all, mystery. Despite its beauty and historical value, Palazzo Spinelli di Laurino remains one of the most evocative and eerie destinations in the historical centre of Naples, where reality and legend merge into a single, fascinating narrative.
Today, Palazzo Spinelli in Laurino is a living testimony of historical Naples, a place where past and present intertwine through the rumours and legends that have made it famous. Thus, for those interested in discovering not only the beauty of the city, but also its most mysterious and legendary corners, Palazzo Spinelli di Laurino is a must-see. A journey into the heart of Neapolitan mystery, where history and legend are inextricably intertwined.