What are the main catacombs to visit and where are they located?

The two main catacombs are the **Catacombs of San Gennaro** and the **Catacombs of San Gaudioso**, both rich in early Christian art, history, and architecture. San Gennaro lies near the Capodimonte area, close to the Basilica of Good Shepherd. San Gaudioso sits beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità in the Sanità district.

How old are the Catacombs of Naples?

The Catacombs date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, with expansions and modifications continuing through the early Christian and medieval periods.

How long does a visit take?

A guided tour typically lasts about 45–60 minutes, after which you can explore by yourself. Depending on your pace and interest, combined tickets for multiple sites may take longer.

What can I expect to see at the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro feature vast open spaces, early Christian frescoes, and the Crypt of the Bishops, making them the largest and most significant underground burial site in Naples.

What is unique about the Catacombs of San Gaudioso?

The San Gaudioso Catacombs combine early Christian burials with unique 17th-century Baroque elements, including skull-and-bones wall decor and frescoes that reflect Neapolitan funerary traditions.

Are the Naples Catacombs safe to visit? Are they suitable for visitors with claustrophobia?

Yes, the catacombs are safe for visitors. Tours are guided, and pathways are well-lit and maintained. While generally suitable due to the wide spaces, those with claustrophobia should be mindful of the enclosed sections.

Are the Catacombs wheelchair accessible?

Due to the number of steps and uneven terrain, the catacombs are not fully accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers.

Are the Catacombs connected to other underground sites in Naples?

Yes, the Catacombs of San Gennaro and the Catacombs of San Gaudioso are part of a larger network of underground sites in the Rione Sanità. This area was once a necropolis and burial ground, called "Sanità" (health) in the 17th century. There are nine catacombs and cave complexes under the Rione Sanità, including San Severo and the Fontanelle ossuary. There are separate entrances for these other sites.

Can I bring my kids to the Catacombs, or is it too intense?

Kids are welcome. However some young children may find the site disturbing, so it is important that their guardian make the judgement and accompany them at all times.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

While you can purchase tickets on-site, it is recommended to book online to avoid long queues and secure your preferred tour time. Tickets often include access to both San Gennaro and San Gaudioso.

Is photography allowed inside the Catacombs of Naples?

Photography is allowed in some areas but restricted in others, so check the rules before snapping. If permitted, a phone or camera with a low-light setting will help capture the beauty of the frescoes and architecture.

Catacombs of Naples Tickets

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of San Gennaro Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Explore one of Naples’ most important early Christian burial sites on a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Everything you get: Entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, a 1-hour guided tour of San Gennaro, and access to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months. Follow your guide through San Gennaro’s underground chambers filled with early Christian art, frescoes, tombs, and burial history.
Why choose this: Discover Naples’ underground heritage with an expert guide, while also getting the flexibility to visit San Gaudioso separately within 12 months.
Options: Choose between English or Italian-guided tours, depending on the option selected.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr

Explore one of Naples’ most important early Christian burial sites on a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Everything you get: Entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, a 1-hour guided tour of San Gennaro, and access to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months. Follow your guide through San Gennaro’s underground chambers filled with early Christian art, frescoes, tombs, and burial history.
Why choose this: Discover Naples’ underground heritage with an expert guide, while also getting the flexibility to visit San Gaudioso separately within 12 months.
Options: Choose between English or Italian-guided tours, depending on the option selected.

Inclusions #

Entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro
1-hour guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Access to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months

What to bring

Wear comfortable footwear as this experience involves walking through underground areas and uneven surfaces.

Accessibility

The Catacombs of San Gennaro have limited wheelchair accessibility due to site conditions, and some areas may not be accessible.
The Catacombs of San Gaudioso are not accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

This experience includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Your ticket also gives you access to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months.
Entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is via Vicoletto San Gennaro dei Poveri 22.

Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of San Gaudioso Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Follow a licensed English or Italian-speaking guide on a captivating 1-hour tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
This guided tour will lead you through winding tunnels under the city to explore the eternal resting places of historic figures like Bishop San Gaudioso.
Marvel at the ornate tombs and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Enter San Gennaro and be amazed by the unique and macabre art collection featuring frescoes made using real bones and skulls
Upgrade your ticket to include the Artecard Campania and avail discounts, 5 free entries and so much more!

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr

Follow a licensed English or Italian-speaking guide on a captivating 1-hour tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
This guided tour will lead you through winding tunnels under the city to explore the eternal resting places of historic figures like Bishop San Gaudioso.
Marvel at the ornate tombs and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Enter San Gennaro and be amazed by the unique and macabre art collection featuring frescoes made using real bones and skulls
Upgrade your ticket to include the Artecard Campania and avail discounts, 5 free entries and so much more!

Inclusions #

1-hour guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
Entrance to Catacombs of San Gennaro
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Tip: Bring along a sweater, even in hot weather, as the temperature in the catacombs varies between 15 and 22°.
Relief plaques along the route make it possible for guests with visual impairment to participate.
Facilities: Free Parking
This tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.

Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

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Guided Tours

Bourbon Tunnel Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Join a guided tour of the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket that takes you on a fascinating expedition through the rich history of Naples' subterranean landscape.
Along the route, learn about the technical solutions adopted by the designer, Errico Alvino, as well as the geological problems encountered through the excavation.
See the bomb bunker astutely utilized during World War II and admire the 3 bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality.
View the remains from the World War era such as fragments of vintage cars, motorcycles, and statues. Select either an English or Italian guided tour.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr

Join a guided tour of the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket that takes you on a fascinating expedition through the rich history of Naples' subterranean landscape.
Along the route, learn about the technical solutions adopted by the designer, Errico Alvino, as well as the geological problems encountered through the excavation.
See the bomb bunker astutely utilized during World War II and admire the 3 bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality.
View the remains from the World War era such as fragments of vintage cars, motorcycles, and statues. Select either an English or Italian guided tour.

Inclusions #

English or Italian guided tour
Admission ticket to Bourbon Tunnel
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Personal expenses

Tip: Don’t forget to raft through a small water tank in the tunnel connected to one of the old subway tunnels.
This tour involves some walking, so make sure you put on comfortable shoes and clothes during your visit.

Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Napoli Sotterranea Guided Tour & Sansevero Chapel Entry Tickets

Explore underground Naples, then admire the iconic Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel Museum.

Bypass 1.5-hour long queues and journey beneath Naples with a skip-the-line guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea, exploring ancient tunnels and hidden passages.
Gain priority entry to the Sansevero Chapel Museum and admire the world-renowned Veiled Christ, a masterpiece of sculpted marble.
Choose between an audio-guided visit or a guided tour at Sansevero Chapel Museum to explore its mysteries in depth.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

Explore underground Naples, then admire the iconic Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel Museum.

Bypass 1.5-hour long queues and journey beneath Naples with a skip-the-line guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea, exploring ancient tunnels and hidden passages.
Gain priority entry to the Sansevero Chapel Museum and admire the world-renowned Veiled Christ, a masterpiece of sculpted marble.
Choose between an audio-guided visit or a guided tour at Sansevero Chapel Museum to explore its mysteries in depth.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Sansevero Chapel and Veiled Christ with audio guide
Skip-the-line entry to Napoli Sotterranea
An expert English or Italian-speaking local guide for Napoli Sotterranea tour

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers and transportation
Meals
Gratuities

Your tickets guarantee priority access but there might be a short wait at the entrance since access is limited.
Napoli Sotterranea can only be accessed through guided tours.
If you’re visiting with infants, consider using a baby carrier since the attractions are not stroller-friendly.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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Walking Tours

Guided Tour of Naples with Underground Ruins Visit

Walk through the SpaccaNapoli, a road that provides access to Naples’ most popular destinations, and the city’s historic center with a guide.
Stroll through the 2000-year-old Underground Ruins which were once used as bomb shelters during WWII.
Revel in the city’s art galleries, markets, and bars to get a taste of daily life.
Visit the Catacombs in the Cathedral of San Gennaro and learn about its historical past.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hrs 30 mins - 4 hrs

Guided tour

Meals included

Walk through the SpaccaNapoli, a road that provides access to Naples’ most popular destinations, and the city’s historic center with a guide.
Stroll through the 2000-year-old Underground Ruins which were once used as bomb shelters during WWII.
Revel in the city’s art galleries, markets, and bars to get a taste of daily life.
Visit the Catacombs in the Cathedral of San Gennaro and learn about its historical past.

Inclusions #

2.5-hr guided tour of Naples
Local English and Italian-speaking guide
Underground Ruins entrance fee
Lunch - Caprese salad, pasta, dessert, and beverages (as per option selected)
Standard, small, or semi-private group tour (up to 40, 18, or 8 people as per option selected)

SpaccaNapoli
San Gregorio Armeno
Underground Ruins
San Gennaro

Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Things to know before booking Catacombs of Naples tours

Booking tickets to one of the Catacombs gives you access to the other one, with tickets valid for 12 months after your first date of visit.

You begin with a one-hour guided tour of the Catacombs, followed by the possibility of exploring the basilicas above by yourself after the tour.

The Catacombs of San Gaudioso feature uneven surfaces and narrow passageways, making them inaccessible by wheelchair. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are more accessible due to wider corridors and open spaces.

What to see inside the Catacombs of San Gaudioso?

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Early Christian frescoes

Admire beautifully preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints, and early Christian symbols. These artworks offer a glimpse into the spiritual life and artistic traditions of the early Christian community.

17th-century skull and bones decor

See unique burial traditions where skulls were embedded in the walls, and bodies were depicted in painted frescos below. This reflects the Baroque era's perspective on mortality and resurrection.

Tombs of prominent figures

Visit burial niches and sarcophagi of notable early Christians and aristocrats, including the resting place of San Gaudioso, a 5th-century Tunisian bishop who gave the catacombs their name.

Ancient underground basilica

Explore the small underground basilica with its altar and intricately carved spaces for prayer, reflecting the early Christian community’s religious practices.

Tuff stone architecture

Observe the impressive use of volcanic tuff stone, which makes up the structure of the catacombs, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient builders.

Symbolic Christian iconography

Discover symbols such as fish, doves, and chi-rho, which were used by early Christians to convey messages of faith in a covert manner during periods of persecution.

What to see inside the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

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The Crypt of the Bishops

A richly decorated space where several early bishops of Naples were buried. It features intricate frescoes and mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, depicting biblical scenes and early Christian art.

The Basilica of Sant'Aggripino

This large underground basilica is a central highlight of the lower layer of the Catacombs, showcasing spacious halls with impressive columns carved directly from volcanic tuff stone. It served as a place of gathering and fellowship, and is still used for mass!

The Tomb of San Gennaro

While the city’s main patron Saint Gennaro’s relics were moved in later centuries, his original burial site remains a focal point, revered for its spiritual and historical significance.

Early Christian frescoes

The walls of the catacombs are full of beautifully preserved frescoes, including depictions of saints like Pascientus, fish (a symbol of Christ), and other Christian motifs dating back to the 2nd century AD.

The Baptismal Font

The grand lower vestibule, with towering 6-meter-high ceilings, features a striking baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II, who sought refuge in the Catacombs of San Gennaro during the 8th-century iconoclastic clashes.

The Lower Catacombs

A labyrinth of burial niches and galleries on another level showcasing the scale and depth of these ancient burial chambers.

The Bishop's Chair

A carved stone chair, likely used by bishops during ceremonies held in the underground basilica, symbolizing the authority of the early Church in Naples.

Frequently asked questions about the Catacombs of Naples

The Catacombs of Naples are ancient underground burial sites carved into volcanic tuff stone. Early Christians used them for burials and as places of worship during periods of persecution.

Catacombs of Naples: San Gaudioso & San Gennaro

Catacombs of San Gennaro Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

What to bring

Accessibility

Additional information

Catacombs of San Gaudioso Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Bourbon Tunnel Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Combo (Save 5%): Napoli Sotterranea Guided Tour & Sansevero Chapel Entry Tickets

Guided Tour of Naples with Underground Ruins Visit

Top things to do in Naples

Why visit the Catacombs of Naples?

🪦Naples' largest underground burial sites

🎨Unique art and architecture

🎟️Two sites in one ticket

📑Educational value

Things to know before booking Catacombs of Naples tours

What to see inside the Catacombs of San Gaudioso?

Early Christian frescoes

17th-century skull and bones decor

Tombs of prominent figures

Ancient underground basilica

Tuff stone architecture

Symbolic Christian iconography

What to see inside the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

The Crypt of the Bishops

The Basilica of Sant'Aggripino

The Tomb of San Gennaro

Early Christian frescoes

The Baptismal Font

The Lower Catacombs

The Bishop's Chair

Plan your visit to Naples' Catacombs

How to reach

Catacombs of San Gennaro

Catacombs of San Gaudioso

Visitor tips

How to enter?

San Gaudioso Catacombs

San Gennaro Catacombs

Frequently asked questions about the Catacombs of Naples

What are the Catacombs of Naples?

What are the main catacombs to visit and where are they located?

How old are the Catacombs of Naples?

How long does a visit take?

What can I expect to see at the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

What is unique about the Catacombs of San Gaudioso?

Are the Naples Catacombs safe to visit? Are they suitable for visitors with claustrophobia?

Are the Catacombs wheelchair accessible?

Are the Catacombs connected to other underground sites in Naples?

Can I bring my kids to the Catacombs, or is it too intense?

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Is photography allowed inside the Catacombs of Naples?

More reads

Napoli Sotterranea

Neapolis Sotterrata

History