The Catacombs of Naples: San Gennaro, San Gaudioso, and San Severo

Naples 's subsoil holds one of Europe's richest early Christian heritages. The catacombs of Naples —San Gennaro, San Gaudioso, and San Severo—are three underground sites that tell the story of the Christian faith in the city from the 2nd to the 9th centuries. Located in the Sanità district , they offer a unique journey through art, archaeology, and spirituality.

This guide contains everything you need to know about visiting the three catacombs: opening hours, tickets, history, and what to see in each.

Why visit the catacombs of Naples?

The Neapolitan catacombs are different from the Roman ones: dug into soft tuff, they have spacious, bright rooms decorated with frescoes that recount the transition from paganism to Christianity. Visiting them, you walk the same corridors traversed by the first Christians, among tombs, underground basilicas, and crypts. Furthermore, since 2009, their management has been entrusted to the La Paranza cooperative , founded in the Rione Sanità district: the ticket directly supports one of Italy's most celebrated urban regeneration projects.

Catacombs of San Gennaro: History and Visit

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the largest and most important in Naples. The original nucleus dates back to the 2nd century AD , when a noble family donated their tomb to the Christian community. Expansion began in the 4th century with the burial of the remains of Saint Agrippinus , the city's first patron saint.

The catacombs extend over two levels. The upper catacomb houses the Bishops' Crypt , where the bishops of Naples were buried, and the majestic three-aisled early Christian basilica built after the translation of the relics of Saint Januarius . The lower catacomb extends in a network of tunnels around the Basilica of Saint Agrippinus , with ceilings up to 6 meters high and the baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II in the 8th century.

The early Christian frescoes are of great value , including the pictorial cycle in the Upper Vestibule, which depicts the transition from paganism to Christianity. Of particular interest are the frescoes depicting San Gennaro between Vesuvius and Mount Somma.

Catacombs of San Gaudioso: Early Christian Art

The Catacombs of San Gaudioso are the second largest catacomb in Naples. They take their name from Saint Gaudioso , bishop of Abitinae (Tunisia), who in the 5th century fled persecution by the Vandals and landed in Naples on a ship without sails or oars, according to tradition.

The catacomb lies beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità and developed between the 4th and 5th centuries around the tomb of the saint. Two souls coexist here: the early Christian frescoes and mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries (with symbols such as fish, lamb, and vine) and the unique 17th-century burials of Neapolitan nobility, where the skulls of the deceased were displayed above a fresco depicting the deceased in the garb of their profession. A unique example of a "cemetery of heads," it has now been restored and can be visited with a guide.

A ticket to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso also includes free entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro , valid for 12 months.

Catacombs of San Severo: the restored basilica

The Catacombs of San Severo are named after the eleventh bishop of Naples, who ruled the diocese between 363 and 409 AD. San Severo had a basilica built outside the walls where he chose to be buried. Like the other catacombs, it was abandoned in the 9th century when the relics were moved within the city walls for protection.

Today, the site can be visited through the Basilica of San Severo Fuori le Mura , rebuilt in 1573 and restored in spring 2017. The basilica houses the Cappella dei Bianchi and is one of the most important gathering places in the Rione Sanità . Access to the catacombs themselves is currently limited due to ongoing restoration work.

Opening hours and tickets

Discounts: under 18 (€6), students and over 65 (€9), under 6 and disabled visitors (free). Guided tours depart every hour with reservations required. The ticket for San Gennaro includes entry to San Gaudioso and vice versa.

The Sacred Mile: a journey through the catacombs

Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday, you can participate in the Miglio Sacro , a guided tour that connects the catacombs of the Rione Sanità district. The route retraces the ancient spiritual path dedicated to San Gennaro and includes visits to the catacombs and the neighborhood's most significant sites. Full ticket price is €19, under 18 €11, departing at 9:00 am.

The Sanità District: Context and Rebirth

The catacombs are an integral part of the Rione Sanità , one of Naples' oldest and most popular neighborhoods. In recent years, the redevelopment project initiated by the La Paranza cooperative has restored this heritage to the city, creating job opportunities and transforming the neighborhood into a premier tourist destination. Today, the Rione Sanità is a model of bottom-up urban redevelopment , with guided tours, events, and a welcoming atmosphere that engages the local community.

Don't miss the Fontanelle Cemetery , another underground site in the Sanità district, and the Bourbon Gallery for a complete tour of underground Naples.

Practical tips for your visit

• Always book online On the official website catacombedinapoli.it or by calling 081 744 3714: visits are limited.
• Bring a light jacket: the temperature in the tunnels is cool even in summer
• Combine visitsSan Gennaro and San Gaudioso on the same day thanks to the single ticket, then the Fontanelle Cemetery (free entry)
• Comfortable shoes: the route includes ancient pavements and some steps
• Photography without flash: the frescoes are delicate, the guide will indicate the permitted areas
• Half a day is sufficient: 60 minutes for each catacomb, plus a walk in the neighborhood

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about the Catacombs of Naples

Which catacombs to visit in Naples?

The three main catacombs that can be visited are San Gennaro , San Gaudioso , and San Severo . The largest and most evocative is San Gennaro, while San Gaudioso is recommended for its early Christian frescoes. For a complete visit, we recommend the Miglio Sacro route.

How much does a ticket to the Catacombs of San Gennaro cost?

A full ticket costs 13 euros . Under 18s pay 6 euros, students and over 65s 9 euros. Under 6s and those with disabilities enter free. The ticket also includes entry to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.

What are the opening hours of the Naples catacombs?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso are open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM (closed Wednesdays, last admission at 17:00 PM). San Severo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM.

How long does a visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro last?

The guided tour lasts approximately 60 minutes . Departures are every hour, with reservations required.

How to book a visit to the catacombs of Naples?

Reservations are required and can be made on the official website catacombedinapoli.it or by calling 081 744 3714. Tickets can also be purchased at tickets.catacombedinapoli.it.

Are the catacombs of Naples suitable for children?

Yes: the guided tours are engaging and the tour isn't too long. Children under 6 get in free, and the guides adapt the story to younger visitors, making the visit a historical adventure.