Is Count Dracula, the famous undead, really buried in Naples, Italy?
It might sound like a plot twist from a Gothic novel, but this intriguing question leads us to explore not just the legends surrounding Vlad the Impaler but also the rich history of the Kingdom of Naples.
THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA LA NOVA
Located in southern Italy, Naples is home to around a thousand churches, some of which date back centuries. Despite being considerably ancient, most are still in use today. One such church is the Church of Santa Maria la Nova, known for its spectacular late-Renaissance architecture. Every space here is filled with art, following the principle of Horror Vacui, the fear of emptiness. The church is adjacent to a monastery which was used as a Christian burial site. In a time like the fifteenth century, it was common for noblemen to be buried near a holy site rather than in a public cemetery, as their graves were markers of status and legacy. Among these tombs lies one that reads "Massimo Ferrillo". Some claim he was a nobleman while others argue he served the king, enhancing his name in the process. His lineage became influential, yet the body resting within the tomb may not even belong to him.
THE COMPLETE STORY
As we delve deeper into history, we find out that in the fifteenth century, the Christian states of the East faced the growing threat of the Ottoman Empire. The pagan manace put Christianity in Europe at risk. To fight the Turks, an order of chivalry known as the Order of the Dragon was established, uniting powerful monarchies, including the King of Naples and the Voivode of Wallachia, Vlad Dracul. Pledging alliance to the order also commanded mutual protection in times of danger. Decades after, Bulgaria, Serbia, Constantinople, and Bosnia fell under Ottoman control. It is said that Vlad Dracul's son, the Voivode Vlad III Draculea, was beheaded and his head was brought to Constantinople as a trophy. Vlad's life ends with his reign. But how- and why- does the story continue?
MARIA BALSA
During this period, in Lucania- an ancient region of Italy that roughly corresponds to modern-day Basilicata- Massimo Ferrillo was appointed Count of Muro Lucano and Lord of Acerenza by the King of Naples. His family transferred from the capital to its new possessions. His successor, Count Giacomo Alfonso, married a Slavic princess named Maria. There is surprisingly little documentation regarding Maria, which is unusual for someone who became part of such a prominent family. She had fled the Balkans after the Turks conquered her homeland and arrived in Naples at the age of seven. But from which part of the Balkans did she come?
VLAD III AND NAPLES
According to the Order's rules, refuge should be provided to exiled allies, as well as to their widows and orphans. Maria arrived in Naples as part of the Albanian knight Skanderberg's following. Just like Vlad III, Skanderberg distinguished himself in the battle against the Turks and was regarded as a hero. According to historian Raffaello Glinni, Maria may have been the illegitimate daughter of Vlad III. Due to her father's association with the Order of the Dragon, she was welcomed by the King of Naples, who ensured her an education and a favourable marriage. We understand that Maria might have orchestrated the clandestine transfer of her father's remains to Naples. Mysteriously enough, other versions of the story claim that he was alive and spent the rest of his life in Naples (I can't help but admire how life and death hold such a tiny discrepancy in the existence of this man). However, her legacy as the heir to the throne placed Maria in a risky position, which may have led the King to insist on her father's identity to remain secret, solely presenting her as a Slavic noblewoman. Maria, who was given the name Balsa, meaning "dragon", might have concealed her father's body in her father-in-law's tomb.
THE TOMB
Alongside historical evidence, the tomb of Massimo Ferrillo might offer tangible validation to the hypothesis. At first glance, the tomb might appear to be just another resting place, but a closer examination reveals artistic elements that distinguish it from typical Christian burial sites. The central engraving features a peculiar creature that some interpret as either a dragon or a wolf. This enigmatic monster could symbolize the powerful Order or perhaps even Romania itself. The sphinx and the closed scroll might have hidden meanings as well. The sphinx represents the ancient city of Thebes, recalling Vlad's other name "Tepes", meaning "Impaler". The closed roll is thought to represent hidden knowledge, perhaps that of the body's true identity. The tomb presents an epigraph that remains undeciphered to this day. While the characters resemble those of ancient Greece, they fail to form any recognizable words. Some speculate it could be a secret code or a hidden language understood only by members of the Order. If that’s the case, we might stare into an unsolved mystery forever.
UNDEAD UNDEAD?
As Bram Stoker had figured, Vlad III's figure is surrounded by mystery, challenging the boundary between life and death. Naples standing as a remarkable backdrop to this story holds great significance. Often, Italy is celebrated for its sun-drenched streets and pristine sea, but the shadows cast by its historical narratives—much like the shadows in a painting—bring depth to the Italian experience.
Coming soon...
So, what if Dracula returned to life and found himself in the vibrant South of Italy? Join me as I explore the convergence of history and legend in my short story.
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