Rione Sanità: a neighborhood reborn between art and community

Il Rione Sanità It is one of the most authentic and surprising neighborhoods of NaplesJust a few steps from the historic center, this neighborhood has experienced an extraordinary cultural and social renaissance that has transformed it from a run-down area into a center of attraction for tourists and Neapolitans. Today, Sanità is an open-air laboratory of art, community and tradition.

In this guide, we'll take you on a discovery of the Rione Sanità: what to see, the catacombs, the street food, the murals, and the stories of redemption that make it unique.

The history of the Sanità district

The Sanità district is located on the hill of the same name, north of the historic center of Naples. The name "Sanità" derives from the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, so called because of the presence of an ancient image of the Virgin to which thaumaturgical powers were attributed.

The area was already frequented in the era Greco-Roman as a burial area, as evidenced by the Hellenistic hypogea and the early Christian catacombs which are still the heart of the neighborhood today. Starting in the 16th century, some of the most important Neapolitan noble families built their palaces there, such as Palazzo Sanfelice e Spanish Palace.

In the twentieth century, however, the neighborhood experienced progressive degradation, becoming a symbol of Naples' social hardship. The turning point came in the early 2000s, thanks to the redevelopment project promoted by the Association Sanità Nuova and the Comboni Fathers, who have given the neighborhood back its most authentic soul.

What to see in the Sanità district

Catacombs of San Gennaro

Le Catacombs of San Gennaro They are the jewel of the Sanità district and one of the most important early Christian sites in Europe. They are spread over two levels: the upper catacomb, with the suggestive Crypt of the Bishops and the frescoes depicting San Gennaro between the Vesuvio and Monte Somma, and the lower catacomb, With the Basilica of Sant'AgrippinoThe entrance is located on Via Capodimonte and guided tours depart every hour. Learn more in our dedicated guide. catacombs of Naples.

Catacombs of San Gaudioso

Under the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità they extend Catacombs of San Gaudioso, second in size after those of San Gennaro. The route is fascinating for the dual soul of the site: the early Christian frescoes The 5th-6th century tombs intertwine with the unique 17th-century burials, where the souls of the deceased were frescoed above their own tombs wearing the clothing of their professions. The ticket to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso also includes free admission to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, valid for 12 months.

Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità

La Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità (also called San Vincenzo) dominates the square of the same name in the district. Built between 1602 and 1613 based on a design by Brother Giuseppe Nuvolo, architect and Dominican friar, is one of the finest examples of Neapolitan Baroque architecture. Inside it houses paintings by Luca Giordano e Andrea Vaccaro, and its evocative cloister hosts events and temporary exhibitions.

Spanish Palace

In Via Vergini it is located Spanish Palace, one of the most spectacular noble palaces in Naples. Built in 1738 and designed by Ferdinando Sanfelice, is famous for its double-flight staircase with baroque frescoes of Francesco RussoThe two internal courtyards, the piperno stone portals and the eighteenth-century stuccoes make it an unmissable stop for architecture enthusiasts.

Street art and murals in the Sanità district

The Sanità district is also an open-air museum of street art.Murals appear among the alleys and squares, telling the story of the neighborhood's social redemption. The tribute to San Gennaro made by Jorit (Ciro Cerullo) in Via San Gennaro dei Poveri: the hyper-realistic face with the iconic two red stripes on the cheeks watches over the residents of the neighborhood. Also not to be missed are the murals of Maradona, those dedicated to victims of the Camorra and the artist's works Cyrstalynne in Via Vergini. Find out more in our complete guide to street art in Naples.

Fontanelle Cemetery and the Cult of the "Pezzentelle Souls"

One of the most evocative and mysterious places in the Sanità district is the Cemetery of the FontanelleThis ancient tuff cave, used as a mass grave during the plague epidemics of the 17th century and cholera epidemics of the 19th century, preserves thousands of skulls and bones. The popular cult of the "Pezzentelle souls" (poor souls): the faithful "adopt" a forgotten skull, care for it, and clean it, asking for protection and grace in return. A syncretic ritual blending Catholicism and pagan beliefs, still practiced by Neapolitans today.

Street food and flavors of Sanità

The Sanità district is also a paradise for lovers of Neapolitan street food. Via Sanità and the surrounding streets are home to some of the best. fry shops of the city, where to taste croquettes, pasta frittatas, arancini and meatballs. You absolutely have to try it. Fernanda's Fry Shop and taralli of the artisan workshop in Via Vergini. The neighborhood is also famous for the wallet pizza, the quintessential Neapolitan street food.

The Sanità District rebirth project

The rebirth of the Sanità district is a story of collective redemption.New Health Association, together with Comboni Fathers, promoted an integrated recovery project that combined the enhancement of the historical and artistic heritage (with the restoration of the catacombs) with the creation of job opportunities for the neighborhood's young people.

The turning point came in 2006 with the founding of the La Paranza Social Cooperative by a group of young people from the neighborhood together with Don Antonio Loffredo, parish priest of the neighborhood. In 2008 the cooperative won a tender from the Foundation WITH THE SOUTH from 500.000 euros for the recovery of Catacombs of San Gennaro, which had been abandoned until then. The funds were used to clean the premises, redo the electrical system, and train the guides.

Today the cooperative manages visits to the catacombs, providing stable employment to about twenty young people from the neighborhood. Visitor numbers have increased from 5.000 to over 150.000 a year In ten years, and for over 60% of tourists, the catacombs have been one of the main reasons for visiting Naples. The success has generated new activities: the recovery of Casa del Monacone (accommodation structure obtained from a convent) and of Tolentino house.

In 2014 the San Gennaro Onlus Community Foundation, which brought together all the entities operating in the area to give stability to projects and promote new ones based on Culture, Growth and Community. A model of sustainable and inclusive tourism which became an example for all of Italy.

How to get to the Sanità district

The Sanità district is easily reachable from the center of Naples. Take the Metro 1 Line maximum Museum o Materdei, or the Line 2 maximum CavourFrom Piazza Cavour you can walk up Via Sanità (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, buses C63 e 184 They stop in Piazza Sanità. If you arrive by car, the nearest parking lot is Capodimonte Street or of National Museum.

Curiosities about the Sanità district

The Sanità district has been the set of numerous films and TV series, including “The Mayor of the Sanità District” by Mario Martone (based on the work by Eduardo De Filippo) and “Gomorrah – The Series”In 2025 the fiction aired on Rai 1 “We from the Sanità District” with Carmine Recano, inspired by the true story of Don Antonio Loffredo and the La Paranza Cooperative. Every year, in May, the neighborhood hosts the Feast of St. Vincent, with processions, concerts and stalls that enliven the squares of the district. Holy Stairs In Via Sanità, however, there is a place of popular devotion: a staircase of 24 steps that the faithful climb on their knees to obtain indulgences.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sanità District

Is the Sanità district safe for tourists?

Yes, the Rione Sanità is a safe neighborhood and is frequented by tourists throughout the day. As in every area of ​​Naples, it's advisable to be careful with your belongings, but the area is quiet and well-supervised. Guided tours of the catacombs are organized daily with qualified staff.

How much does it cost to visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

The full ticket for the Catacombs of San Gennaro costs €13 (Reduced €9 for students and over 65s, €6 for under 18s). The ticket for the Catacombs of San Gaudioso (€13) includes free admission to San Gennaro for 12 months. Both tickets include a guided tour.

What are the visiting hours of the catacombs?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are open every day from 10: 00 to 17: 00 (last entry), except the Wednesday (closed)The Catacombs of San Gaudioso have the same opening hours. Online reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

What to eat in Rione Sanità?

The neighborhood is home to excellent fried food shops where you can try croquettes, pasta frittatas, and fried pizza. Also worth trying are the artisanal taralli and pizza a portafoglio. Recommended spots include the street stalls in Piazza Sanità and the fried food shops on Via Sanità.