Catacombs of Naples Entry Tickets & Guided Tour at Catacombs of San Gennaro
Catacombs of Naples: San Gaudioso & San Gennaro Guided Tour
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Summarised reviews
- Spectacular visuals
- Great for families
Visitors to the Catacombs of San Gennaro have praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who bring the history and significance of the catacombs to life. The catacombs themselves are a fascinating and unique experience, with stunning frescoes and artifacts that provide a glimpse into Naples' rich past. While some visitors have noted that the catacombs can be dimly lit and may be overwhelming for younger children, most have found the experience to be both educational and enjoyable.
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Catacombs of Naples Entry Tickets & Guided Tour
Explore two of Naples' most significant underground burial sites with this combined guided tour of the San Gennaro and San Gaudioso catacombs. Your ticket grants access to both ancient Christian cemeteries, where you'll discover early Christian frescoes, burial chambers carved from volcanic tuff, and centuries of religious history beneath the city streets.
The San Gennaro Catacombs spread across two levels and house the tomb of Naples' patron saint, surrounded by exquisite wall paintings and mosaics that showcase early Christian art in Southern Italy. The San Gaudioso Catacombs, located beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, reveal a unique blend of early Christian and 17th-century burial traditions, including dramatic frescoes by Giovanni Balducci and the oldest known Madonna fresco in Campania.
Your ticket offers flexibility to visit both sites on the same day or return for the second catacomb within 12 months. Each location provides guided tours in English or Italian, giving you detailed insights into the religious and cultural significance of these remarkable underground spaces.
What is Included
- Entry to San Gennaro Catacombs
- Entry to San Gaudioso Catacombs
- Guided tour in English or Italian
- Access to Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità
- 12-month validity for visiting the second catacomb
What to Expect at the Naples Catacombs
At San Gennaro, you'll walk through burial corridors designed to accommodate both worshippers and pilgrims. Your guide will show you the venerated tomb of San Gennaro, early Christian mosaics, and architectural elements that reflect ancient liturgical practices. The broad layout differs from typical Roman catacombs, creating spaces that served as gathering places during periods of persecution.
San Gaudioso reveals arcosolium tombs of early martyrs and distinctive wall niches that highlight centuries-old burial customs. You'll see skulls set into the walls and learn about the unique 'draining ritual' that took place here. The site connects directly to the beautiful Basilica above, which you can also explore as part of your visit.
While exploring Naples' underground heritage, consider adding the Naples Underground tour to discover more of the city's subterranean history, or visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii for another perspective on the region's fascinating past.
Good to Know
Tours are conducted in English or Italian, with confirmation of your preferred language required upon booking. The San Gennaro Catacombs are partially wheelchair accessible, but San Gaudioso is not accessible due to historic features and stairs.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket as underground areas remain cool year-round. Photography is permitted without flash, though tripods and professional equipment require prior approval. You can visit both sites on the same day or use your ticket's 12-month validity to return for the second location at your convenience.
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro. Children between the ages of 8 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Opening times
10:00am - 05:00pm 10:00am - 05:00pm Closed 10:00am - 05:00pm 10:00am - 05:00pm 10:00am - 05:00pm 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Know before you go
Before visiting the Catacombs of San Gennaro, consider the following: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for a 1-hour walking tour. Bring a bottle of water and a small snack, as there are no cafes or restaurants within the catacombs. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for security checks and ticket collection. The catacombs are partially wheelchair accessible, but visitors with mobility issues may find some areas difficult to navigate. It's also a good idea to bring a small flashlight or use a mobile phone's flashlight, as some areas can be dimly lit.
- Visitor guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please follow these guidelines: Photography is allowed for personal use, but tripods and commercial photography require prior permission. Please respect the catacombs' silence and avoid loud conversations or noise-making. Follow the instructions of your guide and stay with the group at all times. For safety reasons, please do not touch or damage any of the catacombs' walls, sculptures, or artifacts.
Frequently asked
How long does it take?
The guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro typically lasts around 1 hour, but you should allow at least recent check-in, security checks, and ticket collection, which can take up to 20 minutes.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are suitable for families with children aged 8 and above. However, please note that the catacombs can be dimly lit and may be overwhelming for younger children.
What's included?
Your ticket includes a 1-hour guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro, as well as access to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso. You can choose to take the tour in English or Italian.
How do I get there?
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are located in the historic center of Naples. You can reach the catacombs by taking the metro (line 1) to the Dante stop and then walking for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the city center.
Where you'll be
Catacombs of San Gennaro, Via Capodimonte, 13
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