Catacombe di San Gennaro

About the museum

The Catacombs of San Gennaro extend over two levels in the tufa of the Rione Sanità in Naples. The oldest nucleus dates from the 2nd century AD and was probably the tomb of a noble family, which later gave up the spaces to the Christian community. The upper catacomb originates from a 3rd-century tomb and preserves some of the earliest Christian paintings in southern Italy.

The enlargement began in the 4th century, when Sant'Agrippino, the first patron saint of Naples, was buried in a hypogeal basilica carved into the rock. In the 5th century the remains of Saint Gennaro were brought to the site, which became a place of pilgrimage and a coveted burial place for bishops, with the Crypt of the Bishops and the basilica adjecta.

The catacombs are distinguished by their very large spaces, made possible by the workability of the tufa. Today they are managed as part of a project to enhance the Rione Sanità and are visited with guides, starting from the entrance on via Capodimonte next to the Basilica del Buon Consiglio.

Highlights

• Hypogeal basilica of Sant'Agrippino in the lower catacomb
• Crypt of the Bishops and basilica adjecta in the upper catacomb
• Tomb of Saint Gennaro
• Early Christian paintings of the 3rd century
• Guided visit along the Miglio Sacro route in the Rione Sanità

Permanent exhibitions

• Catacomba inferiore e Basilica di Sant'Agrippino – Network of galleries dug into the tufa around the hypogeal basilica of Sant'Agrippino, with the large baptismal font.
• Catacomba superiore e Cripta dei Vescovi – Burial place of the bishops, with the tomb of Saint Gennaro and the basilica adjecta.

Founded

300

Visitors per year

approx. 207,000

Admission & discounts

The ticket for the Catacombe di San Gennaro is valid for 12 months also for the Catacombe di San Gaudioso. Reduced rate of €11 for holders of the ticket of the Cimitero delle Fontanelle or of the Figlio Velato and Jago Museum. The catacombs are part of the Extramann circuit for the MANN and the Naples Pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is described as free of architectural barriers, but because of hydrogeological instability access for people with motor disabilities is currently prohibited. Raised plaques along the route allow blind visitors to take the tour, with entrance from via Capodimonte 13. Guides in LIS are available on request.

Kids & families

Children under 6 enter free; for schools there are guided visits with educational activities.

Getting there & parking

By car from the ring road, take exit 5 Capodimonte, then turn right into via Capodimonte; the basilica is about 200 m away on the right.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Social Store with products from the neighbourhood's social projects.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit