Il Giardino di Babuk | Naples
THE SECRET CAT-GARDEN IN RIONE SANITA, NAPOLI
People who have lived in Rione Sanita their whole lives have often not heard of this hidden gem. Through a hefty wooden door, a courtyard, and down some stairs lies the Garden of Babuk.
A temple of feline mystery. An homage to four-legged friends. An enclosure where cats can run freely, and the legendary Babuks' ashes are stored for a solemn moment.
Flushed with mandarin, lemon, even banana plants, fountains, a stage for outdoor theater and music performances, and a litter of over 20 cats, this quiet idyll is operated and cared for by the caretaker Gennaro Oliveiro.
An impeccably dressed man in the approaching dusk of his life, eager to communicate despite the canyon of language differences, he guides you around with pride and intense satisfaction.
Through the generous gardens, stopping to showcase the cat Babuk's ashes and various plaques that date back 500 years.
Most importantly, guests can visit the hypogeum.
Descending six flights of dark stairs, visitors are transported far beneath the city lights and into the dark, damp caverns beneath. Water drips from above, small Roman statues line the corridors, and at the bottom, a rope warns of further movement, allowing visitors to stand for a moment and take in the large underground room.
For 10 euros, visitors can also view the conservatory, which features walls adorned with cat memorabilia. All that's left to do is take some photographs and bid Gennaro Oliveiro farewell.
To book an appointment you need to call Gennaro directly, his number is: +39-338-625-5810.
He speaks limited English, fluent Italian of course, and decent French and Spanish.
Parts of this originally appeared in the https://www.atlasobscura.com article, by the same author.
