Catacombs of San Gennaro — Attraction in Naples

Cultural Heritage from early Christian era! The weather forecast for 4th May 2019 was 80% rain. Looking for a rainy-day activity, our family of four adults and two children arrived at the ticket offices of Catacombs of San Genero at about 1045 am. These offices are located next to Madre del Buon Consiglio Church, where we parked our car. (Catacomb is a man-made subterranean passageway used as a religious burial place). One-hour long tours to the Catacombs are conducted hourly from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays. The tickets cost €9 for adults, €5 for under sixteens and €6 for seniors over 65+ years. I believe that tours are led in English, French and of course, Italian. Since the quota for the 11 am tour was already full, we purchased tickets for the 12-noon tour. While waiting for the tour to commence, we had some tea and drinks from the Kiosk next to the ticket offices. At 1200 noon the guide led us for about 100 metres from their offices in drizzling rain, and then down about 100 steps to the entrance. The Catacombs are in two levels. This vast, spacious early Christian burial grounds had been constructed by excavating tuff, a rocky material formed by fusion of volcanic sand and smaller rock fragments. The imposing ceilings of the older, lower catacomb are about 6 metres high dating back to second century AD. In addition to the burial spaces, it holds a functioning church, Basilica of San Agrippino, and a baptismal font (bowl used during baptism). On both floors are many burial sites, some on the floor, others one above the other on the side walls, depending probably on the person's social status. The patron saint of Naples, San Genero had been initially buried here, though his remains had been moved later. Being a place of religious worship, many other bishops and priests too had been buried here. Several early Christian paintings too can be seen here, preserved for posterity. It is advisable to wear warm clothing (sweater) and comfortable shoes as it is quite cold and slippery in some areas. The guide was very familiar with the history of the catacombs and was quite emotive and expressive during her explanations. I was very happy with the tour that lasted an hour and was especially pleased to see the conservation efforts and work carried out within so that this cultural heritage could...

Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples are a fascinating and recommended attraction for visitors. You can choose the tour in Italian or English. Although not a large complex, the tour is accompanied by a full and detailed explanation in very good English, making it accessible and interesting for those looking for something different from the city atmosphere. The story behind the catacombs is really interesting. The tour is an enchanting dive into history with highly trained guides and a good explanation of the place. The relics and remains of bodies are not there, you cannot see them.

Visitors can get free access to another catacomb with the same ticket, which is valid for a year.

The ticket from San Gennaro is also valid for San Gaudioso without additional costs, it is valid for a year. Both catacombs are recommended for those interested in learning about ancient burial methods. Visitors with the Naples 3-day card can get a discount on the ticket.

The catacombs are run by the group of skilled young people, who are praised for their efforts in restoring and reopening the site to tourists. The catacombs were reopened in 2006.

The temperature underground is pleasant during the hot summer months. Visitors can choose to exit from the Sanità district or return...

I had the chance to explore the Catacombe di San Gennaro in Naples and it was such an amazing experience! These ancient underground burial sites are filled with history and intrigue. As you descend into the catacombs, you're surrounded by rows of tombs and beautifully preserved frescoes that date back centuries. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past and a unique way to learn about the early Christian community in Naples.

The guided tour was informative and engaging, providing insights into the lives and traditions of the people buried there. I was particularly struck by the sheer scale of the catacombs and the intricate details of the artwork. It's truly awe-inspiring to see how these underground chambers were used as sacred spaces for worship and remembrance.

One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the Chapel of the Bishops, where you can see the remains of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. It's a humbling experience to be in the presence of such an important figure in the city's history.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Catacombe di San Gennaro if you're in Naples. It's a unique and educational experience that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage...