The headquarters of the Beati Paoli secret society was the network of tunnels and caves that were part of an ancient Christian necropolis, under the Capo district. Behind a crypt in the church of Santa Maria di Gesù al Capo located in Piazza Beati Paoli, is a passage, currently walled up, which led to a cave generally thought to be the meeting place of the sect. Another access is located in the Vicolo degli Orfani (Alley of the Orphans). The underground space has a well, a semi-circular seat and two narrow tunnels which lead to other caves. This was probably a “Sirocco room” where you could find refreshments and shelter during the hot summer days. The Catacombs of Porta d’Ossuna, burial place of the first Christian communities, were another legendary meeting place of the sect of the Beati Paoli. One of the most important places in the history of the Beati Paoli is the church of San Matteo al Cassaro. Among the wooden cabinets of the Sacristy, a kneeler masks a door that hides the secret passage of the Beati Paoli described by Luigi Natoli.
walking tour