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Unearthing history: The fascinating Catacombs of San Gennaro

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the largest and most iconic underground burial site in southern Italy, dating back to the 2nd century CE. Carved out of porous tuff stone and spanning two expansive levels, they house early Christian frescoes, bishop's tombs, and the original resting place of Naples’ beloved patron saint. Read on to know more.

Why visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

🎨⛏️Explore early Christian art and architecture

Marvel at frescoes, mosaics, and paintings from the 2nd to 6th centuries CE. The artwork reflects the transition from Roman paganism to early Christianity, offering a rare glimpse into the evolving religious and cultural landscape. Most tunnels were dug out by hand and are supported by impressive arches and columns that have withstood the test of time.

⚰️🪦Witness Naples’ rich burial traditions

The Catacombs showcase the burial practices of early Christians, featuring expansive underground burial chambers for common people, noble families, and bishops. These catacombs also house the original resting place of Saint Gennaro, Naples’ patron saint, whose relics are central to the city's identity.

📍⛰️Experience the largest Catacombs in southern Italy

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the largest in the region, spanning two levels with wide, accessible corridors. Unlike other catacombs in Europe, they are spacious and well-ventilated, allowing visitors to explore their vast, labyrinthine structure comfortably.

Things to know before booking Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets

You will enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Catacombs in either English or Italian, with an expert guide setting context for everything you see.
After the tour, you have the opportunity to explore the Basilica of Buon Consiglio above the Catacombs.
With these tickets, you also get a free ticket to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso – valid for 12 months.
The Catacombs of San Gennaro is the only site in the Naples Underground that is accessible by wheelchair, thanks to the well-adapted wide corridors.
The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro is located over 3 kilometers away from the Catacombs, inside the Cathedral of Naples. You can either choose entry tickets with an audio guide, or an informative guided tour.

Jouw Catacomben tickets uitgelegd

Ervaring	Rondleiding	Audiogids	Locatie	Duur
Catacomben van Napels: Rondleiding San Gaudioso & San Gennaro	✅	❌	Via Capodimonte & Via Sanità	1 uur
Koninklijke Kapel van de Schat van San Gennaro Tickets met audiogids	❌	✅	Via Duomo	Flexibel
Rondleiding met gids door de Koninklijke Kapel van de Schat van San Gennaro	✅	❌	Via Duomo	- 1,5 uur duren.

Explore the Catacombs of San Gennaro

The Tombs

The catacombs contain several tombs that were used to bury early Christian martyrs and other important figures from the period. Visitors can see the sarcophagi and burial niches, as well as the inscriptions and artwork that adorn them.

Frescoes and Mosaics

The catacombs contain several impressive frescoes and mosaics that were created by early Christian artists. These artworks depict scenes from the Bible and early Christian life, and are a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists of the time.

The Crypt of San Gennaro

The catacombs also contain the Crypt of San Gennaro, which is the final resting place of the patron saint of Naples. The crypt contains a silver reliquary that is said to hold the blood of San Gennaro, as well as several other relics and artifacts.

The Basilica of Sant’Agrippino

The Basilica of Sant’Agrippino, around which the lower layer of the Catacombs of San Gennaro extend, features a 4th-century stone altar, ancient frescoes, and early Christian burial sites honoring Naples' first patron saint. It is still used for mass some times.

The Underground Tunnels

One of the most interesting things about the Catacombs of San Gennaro is the underground tunnels themselves. Visitors can walk through the narrow passageways and see the impressive engineering and architecture that went into their construction.

The Chapel of San Gennaro

In addition to the Crypt of San Gennaro, the catacombs also contain the Chapel of San Gennaro, which is a small room that contains a statue of the saint. Visitors can see the intricate artwork and frescoes that adorn the chapel.

Plan your visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro

Open: Thursday to Tuesday

Timings: 10am to 5pm. The last admission is at 5pm.

Closed: Every Wednesday, January 1, and December 25.

Best time to visit: Visit San Gennaro during the low season, from November to February. Avoid weekends and public holidays and visit during the early mornings or after 4pm.

Address

Main entrance: Via Capodimonte, 13, 80100 Napoli NA, Italy

Street-level accessible entrance: Vicoletto S. Gennaro dei Poveri, 22

Getting there

🚌By bus: Take lines 168, 178, C63, or R4 and get off at the Basilica Incoronata - Catacombe San Gennaro stop.

🚇By metro: Take Metro Line 1 to the Materdei station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the catacombs.

🚙By car: Accessible via the Naples' Tangenziale beltline. Simply take exit 5 and turn right onto Via Capodimonte to reach your destination.

Chapel: There is a small chapel within the catacombs that is still used for religious ceremonies.

Gift shop: There is a gift shop at the entrance of the catacombs where visitors can purchase souvenirs.

Restrooms: There are restrooms available for visitors to use at the entrance of the catacombs.

Accessibility: The catacombs are not fully accessible for visitors with mobility impairments, but there are some areas that are accessible.

Parking: There is a parking lot available for visitors to use, but it is small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

Wear comfortable shoes: The catacombs are underground and involve a lot of walking, so it is essential to wear comfortable shoes.
Book a guided tour in advance: It is recommended to book a guided tour in advance to get your preferred time slot, as it is the only way to access the catacombs. There are several tour options available in English or Italian.
Arrive early: The catacombs can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early can help you avoid long lines and crowded conditions.
Avoid touching anything: The catacombs are an ancient burial site, and visitors should refrain from touching anything, including the walls and the artifacts.
Respect the rules: Visitors should follow the rules and regulations set by the catacombs' management to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Naples Cathedral: The Naples Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a beautiful church located in the heart of the city. It features an ornate interior with many works of art and is one of Naples' most important religious sites.
National Archaeological Museum: The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is one of the world's most important museums of ancient art and artifacts. It features an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as ancient Greece and Rome.
Mount Vesuvius: Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano located just outside of Naples. Visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Pompeii: Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii are one of the world's most famous archaeological sites and offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Herculaneum: Herculaneum is another ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is smaller than Pompeii but is better preserved, making it an excellent destination for history buffs.

Frequently asked questions about San Gennaro Catacombs

The ticket for San Gennaro along with San Gaudioso is valid for 12 months.