Your visit to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso

Delve into underground Naples with entry to one of its most unique attractions — the Catacombs of San Gaudioso. This immersive tour takes you beneath the vibrant Sanità district, offering a rare glimpse into the city's ancient burial traditions, mysterious rituals and legendary tales. Led by a knowledgeable guide, enjoy stories entwined with the region's history and culture as you explore corridors lined with centuries-old remnants and macabre works of art.

Journey through history below the city

Your adventure begins at Piazza Sanità, where you descend into cool, dimly lit tunnels stretching beneath lively streets. The catacombs have grown and evolved over centuries, harbouring burial chambers of bishops, nobles and notable figures from Naples' Christian past, including Bishop San Gaudioso himself. As your guide leads you from chamber to chamber, you'll learn how this labyrinth served as a sacred site and refuge throughout turbulent periods in local history.

Witness extraordinary artwork and rituals

Marvel at the catacombs' most unusual artistic displays: haunting frescoes and mosaics embedded with real bones and skulls. These artistic expressions, common in Neapolitan tradition, were intended as reminders of mortality but also as vehicles for paying respect to those who passed. Your guide will reveal the symbolic meaning and unique techniques behind these works as you stand where ancient craftsmen once worked. The stories of Gennaro and the young girl rumored to haunt the catacombs add to the atmospheric intrigue.

Discover more than burial chambers

Beyond their use as a necropolis, the catacombs reflect a cross-section of Neapolitan society and spirituality. Learn how early Christians, noble families and ordinary citizens were remembered here. Investigate smaller chapels, ancient relics and 17th-century art as the underground passageways reveal Naples' multicultural roots. Optional Artecard upgrades give you access to other monuments and attractions in Campania, helping you extend your cultural adventure across the region.

Practical information for your visit

Guided tours are offered daily in English and Italian, with durations around one hour. The environment remains cool year-round, so a sweater is advisable. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to uneven surfaces. Please note the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges. Book your preferred time slot when purchasing tickets.

Book your Catacombs of San Gaudioso Entry Tickets & Guided Tour tickets now!