Donna Regina, Donn'Albina and Donna Romita

This story tells of three young sisters, proud and courageous, who became famous in the tales of the past. Their lives were entwined by a forbidden love for the same man, but instead of giving in to jealousy and grief, they chose to preserve their affection and embark on a spiritual life, each founding a monastery.

The protagonists of this fascinating legend are Donna Albina, Donna Romita and Donna Regina, three noble-hearted women who entered the history of Naples through the centuries. Their story has been passed down from generation to generation, above all thanks to the pen of Matilde Serao, author of "Le Leggende Napoletane" (The Legends of Naples).

It all began back in 1320, when Naples was governed by the wise King Roberto D'Angiò, who gave the city a great creative and cultural boost. Against this lively backdrop unfolds the story of the Toraldo family, an ancient noble house of Swabian origin that held high positions in civil, military and ecclesiastical society. That same year, the wife of Baron Toraldo, Donna Gaetana Scauro, died, leaving the three young daughters with the task of preserving the family's legacy. Left orphans, the sisters committed themselves to honouring their father's wishes.

Regina, the eldest, was 19 when she became head of the family. She was a woman of great beauty, with a regal bearing and a stern countenance. Her dark, piercing eyes reflected the responsibilities weighing on her shoulders. Regina embodied a maturity beyond her young age and was admired and respected as an influential, charismatic figure. Albina, the second-born, was 17 and was kind and gentle. Her name had been given to her for her porcelain skin. With her ash-blonde hair and shining blue eyes, Albina radiated sweetness and warmth.

She cared about others and looked after the household chores, taking care of the family and offering help to those in need. Romita, the youngest of the three, was only 15.

She was a lively, carefree teenager, but the loss of her parents had shaken her soul. Her honey-blonde curls and emerald green eyes reflected the tenderness and fragility of her years. Her character was changeable, at times capricious and hot-tempered, yet it took very little to restore her emotional balance. The three sisters spent their lives together, immersed in family duties, prayer and noble occupations. But everything changed when news arrived of Regina's marriage to a noble knight of the court, Don Filippo Capece. Regina felt confused and disheartened by this news. At that moment, Albina interrupted Regina in her room and revealed her worry over Romita's health, for she had fallen hopelessly in love with Don Filippo. This revelation broke Regina's heart. Albina also confessed to having feelings for Filippo, though she tried to push him from her thoughts. Romita, for her part, loved Filippo deeply but had accepted her fate of seeing him marry Regina, as decreed by the king. All three sisters had fallen in love with the same man, thereby breaking their late father's wishes. From that moment on, the house filled with tension and anger. The palace that had once been a place of peace and family love turned into a cold, loveless tower, where only animosity and grief reigned. During Easter, the two younger sisters asked to speak with Regina to set out their decision. They were received, and it was Albina who spoke on behalf of both. They announced to Regina their firm intention to leave the house and take vows, each founding a monastery with her share of the inheritance. Regina listened without saying a word. She was still shaken and hurt, but she tried to persuade her sisters to reconsider such a risky choice. Yet Albina and Romita were determined to follow their desire to devote themselves entirely to a spiritual life, giving up the married life that, according to their father's will, belonged to Regina. At that point, Regina rose and embraced her sisters affectionately, announcing her own wish to take the veil and found a monastery in her name. All rancour and family discord was forgotten. Regina knelt before her father's portrait, took up the ebony sceptre and broke it in two, saying: "Salute, mio padre, la nobile stirpe dei Toraldo è morta" (Farewell, my father, the noble line of the Toraldo is no more). Legend has it that the ghosts of the three sisters still wander the streets of Naples' historic centre, tormented by the passion that marked their lives. It is said they search for the eyes of Filippo Capece, lost for centuries in restless memories with no peace. They are said to linger around the Statue of the Nile, symbol of the Seggio di Nilo (Nile District) to which the Toraldo family belonged, seeking to embrace one another in an attempt to end their tragic sorrow of love, which drags them into the abyss of Naples' restless souls.

Districts and alleys named after them

Largo Donnaregina: between via Donnaregina and via SS. Apostoli, towards the Diocesan Museum of Naples (Church of Donnaregina Vecchia and Nuova)
Via Donnaregina: from largo Donnaregina to via Duomo, opposite the Church of San Giuseppe dei Ruffi
Vico Donnaregina: from largo Settembrini to via Donnaregina, towards the MADRE Museum
Vicoletto Donnaregina: from largo Donnaregina to via Duomo
District: San Lorenzo

Via Donnalbina: from via Monteoliveto to via Ecce Homo, where the Church of Santa Maria Donnalbina stands.
Vicoletto Donnalbina: from via Santa Maria la Nova to via Donnalbina. A little alley named after our great musician Pino Daniele
District: San Giuseppe

Vico Donnaromita: from piazzetta Nilo to via Giovanni Paladino. A church dedicated to Santa Maria Donnaromita.
District: Porto