Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples

Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples

The Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples are subterranean paleo-Christian burial sites built around the tomb of a noble family from the 2nd-3rd century.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples are subterranean paleo-Christian burial sites built around the tomb of a noble family from the 2nd-3rd century. Spread across two levels in a tuff bed, it has a network of tunnels, ambulatories, cubicles, and chapels decorated with works of art. The entrance to the catacombs is near the Basilica dell'Incoronata Madre del Buonconsiglio in Capodimonte, with a staircase leading directly to the Catacombs.

The older lower level dates back to the 3rd - 4th century and became an important religious burial site after the entombment of Saint Agrippinus, the first patron of Naples. The basilica still preserves a bishop's chair carved into the rock and an altar with an opening through which the tomb is visible. The vestibule has four sarcophagi carved into the tuff, Pompeian paintings on the ceiling, and the baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II who took refuge here in the 8th century. The upper level has the oldest known portrait of St. Gennaro, dating from the 5th century. It also has the Crypt of the Bishops with 5th century mosaics featuring portraits of bishops. The iconography in the Catacombs is remarkable, especially San Gennaro and Saint Peter at the Gates of Paradise, Saint Paul and Lawrence, the Peacock Arcosolio, frescoes of Bitalia and Cerula, and a Byzantine ceiling fresco of Christ and a medallion with vines.

Hour long guided tours of the Catacombs are available daily.