‘O Munaciello: Naples’ Most Mysterious Houseguest

Naples, that ancient volcanic cradle of chaos and charm, has never lacked for spirits—of the human, divine, or fermented kind. But among the many phantoms said to drift through Neapolitan alleys and boudoirs, none is more beloved (or more blamed) than ‘O Munaciello—the Little Monk.

But beware, gentle readers: he is no cloistered friar. ‘O Munaciello is a creature of contradiction. He may leave gold coins in your sock drawer... or toss your favorite earring into the toilet. He is at once prankster and patron, thief and benefactor, poltergeist and protector.

Small in Stature, Large in Lore

‘O Munaciello is said to be a squat little figure in a monk’s robe, face half-hidden beneath a hood, feet barely making a sound on the old stone tiles of Naples’ baroque apartments. He slips through keyholes and shadowed corridors, appearing suddenly and disappearing just as quickly. Some say he giggles like a child. Others say he sighs like a widower.

While you might be tempted to call an exorcist, not every ghost is a nuisance. In Naples, they’ll tell you that if the Little Monk visits your home, it’s a sign of good fortune—so long as you treat him with respect. He is known to gift the struggling with unexpected money (left under pillows or behind loose bricks), to hide valuables during robberies, or to knock things over when danger is near.

That is, if he likes you.

The Origins Story

The House of Good Fortune must, of course, remind you that folklore is a kaleidoscope, not a camera. Some say ‘O Munaciello was once a real person: a disfigured boy in the 15th century whose mother dressed him in monk’s robes to protect him from ridicule as he wandered the city via secret passageways. Others say he’s the ghost of a monk murdered for love. Still others suggest he is a folkloric cousin of household spirits found all over Europe—like the Slavic Domovoi or the Scottish Brownie—adapted to the alleyways of Napoli.

One thing is certain: ‘O Munaciello is deeply Neapolitan—moody, generous, superstitious, stylishly shabby, and never where you last left him.

How to Keep Him Sweet

If you suspect Munaciello is in your home, The House advises the following:

  • Don’t mock or challenge him. He hates being seen or spoken of with disrespect.

  • Leave him small offerings. A coin in the corner, a bit of bread, a pinch of sugar.

  • Hide valuables with care. If they go missing, he may be “borrowing” them. Or hiding them to keep you from misfortune. Pray to St. Anthony and they will turn up eventually.

  • Speak kindly. Thank him aloud for any good fortune, no matter how small.

Above all: never forget that the line between blessing and mischief is very thin—and often walked by a giggling spirit in a monk’s robe.

Do you have a Munaciello story to share? Write. The House of Good Fortune always keeps a candle lit for Neapolitan ghosts.

AI Rendering of ‘O Munaciello in the style of a traditional oil painting (created by Sora)

Street art depicting ‘O Munaciello; Naples, Italy; 2025. The caption reads: “ ‘O Munaciello porta ‘a sciorta a chi arricchisce e a chi appezzentisce.”

Terracotta figurine of ‘O Munaciello holding a bag of gold coins and a cornicello; Naples; Italy. House of Good Fortune Collection.

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