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San Gennaro Catacombs
Discover San Gennaro Catacombs
San Gennaro Catacombs tickets allow you access to the oldest portion of the paleo-Christian burial site. As you enter the underground space, a silent yet massive space filled with regular shapes awaits you at the well-arranged Lower Catacombs. Established by a noble family, the Lower Catacomb saw unprecedented expansion after the construction of the Basilica of Sant’Agrippino, which now forms the central attraction of the site. The ceilings rise to a height of six metres, while the spectacular lower vestibule showcases a massive baptismal font which Bishop Paul II commissioned during the eighth-century Iconoclasm. Constructed from tuff stone, the space resembles a dense grid and is the most intriguing portion of the San Gennaro Catacombs.
Renowned as the burial place of bishops, the Upper Catacomb can be visited with the Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets. Originating from an ancient third-century CE tomb that still preserves southern Italy’s earliest Christian paintings, the Upper Catacomb is located above the Lower Catacomb, yet is still underground. The fifth century CE saw the remains of San Gennaro, who was one of the 52 patrons of Naples, being moved into the Upper Catacomb, which led to its expansion. The expansion meant the addition of the Crypt of the Bishops, which has the remains of the city’s bishops, and the Basilica Adjecta, an underground basilica that has three naves.
San Gennaro Catacombs tickets let visitors witness the Tomb of San Gennaro, the main highlight for Christian pilgrims coming to the Catacombs. The moving of the remains of San Gennaro meant the transformation of the Catacombs into a coveted burial site and sacred pilgrimage site, and an expansion of Upper Catacomb. The unmarked tomb was identified through a study of an eighth-century homily and a passage from an ancient chronicle and was found in a cubicle below the Crypt of the Bishops. Known as a martyr who was killed for professing his faith, the tomb has made the San Gennaro Catacombs the oldest and most sacred pilgrimage for Christians across the world.
The History of San Gennaro
Among the most iconic examples of cities where history can be revisited through ‘layers’, Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets provide visitors access to the underground world of Naples. A past that can be traced back to the 2nd century CE, the Catacombs of San Gennaro began as a tomb of a family of nobles who later allowed local Christians to bury their dead in the space. It was in the 4th century CE that the remains of the first patron of Naples, St Agrippinus, were moved to the dedicated underground basilica, leading to the expansion of the Catacombs.
When the remains of San Gennaro were moved into the Upper Catacomb in the fifth century, the site was transformed into a coveted burial and pilgrimage site. From bishops to common people, the Catacombs are the resting place of an estimated 3,000 people and are among the oldest and most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Christian world.
Plan Your Visit
Timings: The San Gennaro Catacombs are open on all days of the year except 25th December from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Location: The entrance of San Gennaro Catacombs is located right next to the Basilica of the Good Council, Via Capodimonte, 13-80136 Naples.
By Bus – The bus routes 168, 178, C63, and R4 can be taken to reach the San Gennaro Catacombs. Hop off at the Basilica Incoronata, which is the nearest bus stop from the Catacombs.
By Car – Take the Naples Capodimonte Ring Road and turn right towards the Via Capodimonte. You would reach the Basilica after a short 200-metre ride. Free parking facilities are provided with San Gennaro Catacombs tickets.
By Subway – The nearest subway stations from San Gennaro Catacombs are the Museum Station 1 line and the Cavour Station 2 line. The remaining distance from either station can be covered by taking bus routes 168, 178, C63, and R4 and hopping off at the Basilica Incoronata stop for San Gennaro Catacombs.
Accessibility:San Gennaro Catacombs are accessible to all visitors and are renowned for being the only site of their kind in the world that have no architectural barriers. Those with disabilities get free San Gennaro Catacombs tickets, while the accompanying person needs a separate entry ticket. While access for disabled visitors has been provided from the entrance in Vicoletto San Gennaro del Poveri 22 by San Gennaro Hospital, plaques written in Braille have been placed along the itinerary for visually impaired visitors.
Practical Tips:Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets provide visitors free access to the parking areas of the attraction. An important tip to remember while visiting San Gennaro Catacombs is that the temperatures at the site range between 15 and 22 degrees. Thus, it is advised that you wear a light woollen item and comfortable walking shoes when visiting the attraction.
FAQs
Is San Gennaro Catacombs worth visiting?
Yes, San Gennaro Catacombs are worth visiting. The underground Christian burial site dates back to the second century CE and is among Naples' most popular tourist attractions. Witness a stunning blend of pagan and Christian beliefs as you experience the unique fascination of the city with the afterlife. Explore Naples underground and revisit a bygone era and its fascinating local cultural traditions with San Gennaro Catacombs tickets.
Should I book tickets for San Gennaro Catacombs in advance?
Yes, visitors should book Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets in advance. Access to the Catacombs is possible only with an hour-long guided tour. Hence, it is highly recommended that you book tickets in advance to ensure you can tour during your preferred time slot and don’t have to wait in long queues.
How do you get to the San Gennaro Catacombs?
San Gennaro Catacombs are located right next to the Basilica of the Good Council in Via Capodimonte and can be reached by bus, car, and subway.
By Bus: Take the bus routes 168, 178, C63, and R4 and hop off at the Basilica Incoronata bus stop.
By Car: Take the Naples Capodimonte Ring Road and turn right towards the Via Capodimonte to reach Basilica Incoronata.
By Subway: Museum Station 1 line and the Cavour Station 2 line are the nearest subway stations from Basilica Incoronata.
Where can I book tickets for San Gennaro Catacombs?
Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets can be booked online and also at the walk-in counters at the Catacombs. However, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets online to avoid long queues at the ticket counters and also to choose a guided tour as per your preferred timings.
What to see inside San Gennaro Catacombs?
The three prominent highlights of the underground attraction that can be explored with Catacombs of San Gennaro tickets are the Crypt of the Bishops, the underground Basilica Adjecta with three naves, and the Tomb of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples whose remains were buried here in the fifth century CE.