Discovering the Munaciello: the folktale of the monk dressed imp and his magic tricks

Let's immerse ourselves in the mysterious world of the "Munaciello" ('O Munaciello), one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures of the rich Neapolitan folklore, alongside the Janara. This strange spirit, represented as a deformed boy or a short stature being, wears a habit with silver clasps on his shoes, making him resemble a Dominican friar. But what is behind this magical figure? Let's discover together the theories about his origin, his manifestations and the beliefs revolving around him.

The legend of the Munaciello has its roots in ancient times. According to a version narrated by the Neapolitan journalist Matilde Serao, this bizarre character appeared in 1445, during the reign of Alfonso V of Aragon. The forbidden love story between Caterina Frezza, daughter of a rich merchant of fabrics, and Stefano Mariconda, a poor young man, kept Naples in suspense. The two lovers met secretly at night to escape Caterina's family's watchful eye. Stefano, risking his life, crossed a dangerous path on the rooftops of Naples to reach his beloved. However, one night he fell into the void and lost his life.

A different theory suggests that the Munaciello are actually the so-called "pozzari", skilled professionals in managing the underground cavities of Naples. These able workers, covered by helmets and cloaks similar to friars' clothes, moved skillfully among the tunnels under the city. When they emerged from the depths, they often sneaked into the homes of the historic center, stole valuables and sought women's attention. The population, bewildered, began calling them "Munaciello."

A third hypothesis suggests that the Munaciello are small demons, inclined to mischievous and evil behaviors. Hidden behind the facade of gifts and tricks, their real intent would be to attract living beings to them. It is said that they have shelters among the ruins of ancient abbeys and monasteries in the historic center or in Neapolitan villas, such as Villa Gallo or the Montalto tower in Marina del Cantone.

The Munaciello manifests itself with gestures that can express friendliness or hostility, and an ancient proverb says: "O Munaciello: a chi arricchisce e a chi appezzentisce." According to Neapolitan folklore, revealing its presence would attract bad luck, but it is possible to propitious it by leaving food, which the Munaciello can transform into gold. However, it is essential to keep the secret, otherwise it will disappear instantly. Legend has it that many people have found sudden wealth thanks to its benevolence, so when someone suddenly gets rich, they whisper: "Perhaps he has the Munaciello at home."

According to popular tradition, the Munaciello continues to haunt some areas of Naples, including:

• Sant'Eframo Vecchio: This district in the heart of the historic center hides a house where the Munaciello has been sighted. The testimony became famous thanks to the head of the Naples aqueduct.
• Secondigliano: This outlying district north of Naples is linked to a legend where a luminous trail appeared in a lady's house before an unexpected encounter with the Munaciello.
• Piazza Garibaldi: Near the central station, a widow with children was helped by the Munaciello in times of financial hardship, becoming an important story of fortune.
• Historic center: This area is almost entirely inhabited by Munaciello. In particular, Via dei Tribunali hosts a house frequented by an irritable Munaciello, a feared home that remained untenable until an impoverished philosophy student who agreed to spend the night there made the incredible discovery and saw the Munaciello's spirit but having not revealed its presence to anyone became rich thanks to its help.
• Castellammare di Stabia: This city, between Vesuvius and the Sorrentine Coast, has a long history linked to the Munaciello, and even a street named after this mysterious spirit.

Next to the Munaciello is the figure of the Beautiful 'Mbriana, a benign spirit often considered its opposite. This entity brings well-being and health and is described as a very beautiful and luminous woman. But beware, she is demanding: you must always leave an empty chair in the house for her, otherwise she may leave, bringing misfortune with her. If loved, she brings good luck, but if offended, she can unleash her revenge. The house should never be criticized as too small or dark, nor should plans to move be revealed to her, otherwise the Beautiful 'Mbriana may react negatively.