Mysterious Inscription in Naples Chapel May Reveal Lost Tomb of Vlad the Impaler

Reported by Kokcha News Agency

A mysterious inscription discovered in a centuries-old tomb in Naples may finally reveal the long-lost burial site of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous 15th-century ruler who inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 vampire novel Dracula. Researchers believe that the tomb, hidden in the Turbolo Chapel of the Santa Maria la Nova church complex, could belong to the real Vlad Tepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler.

A Tomb Lost for Centuries
Vlad, known as “The Impaler,” was a 15th-century ruler infamous for his brutal method of executing enemies by impaling them. His reign of terror earned him his fearsome nickname. After leading a rebellion against the Ottomans in 1461, Vlad was defeated by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1462. He died in 1476, but the exact location of his tomb has remained a mystery—until now.

“Blad” and “Balkan” Found in Inscription
After over a decade of research, a mysterious, Latin-like inscription on the tomb has been deciphered. Researchers found two key words: “Blad” (interpreted as Vlad) and “Balkan,” which point to the region where Vlad once ruled. The marble tomb also features a knight’s helmet and a dragon’s head, symbols associated with the medieval Order of the Dragon, of which Vlad was a member.

Sphinx Statues Hint at His Nickname
Sphinx-like statues on either side of the tomb are believed to have a double meaning. In Italian, they may refer to the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, but researchers suggest they could also be a cryptic reference to Vlad’s Romanian nickname, “Tepeş,” meaning “The Impaler.”

Brought to Italy After Death?
The research began in 2014 with a theory that Vlad’s daughter, Maria Balsa, secretly transported her father’s remains out of Romania after his death. Historical records indicate that Maria was later adopted by the powerful Ferrillo family in Naples, leading to speculation that Vlad’s remains were brought to Italy and buried there. It is believed that Maria may have had her father buried alongside her father-in-law, Matteo Ferrillo, in the Santa Maria la Nova church.

The Search for the Tomb
Previously, it was thought that Vlad’s tomb was located in the Snagov Monastery near Bucharest. However, a 1933 study cast serious doubt on this belief, as excavations at the time revealed only animal bones and no human remains, suggesting the tomb might be empty. This fueled years of speculation, and the newly discovered inscription in Naples strongly suggests that the real tomb of Vlad the Impaler may have been there all along.