Discover one of Naples' most fascinating underground archaeological sites with a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Located beneath the Capodimonte area, these vast early Christian catacombs contain ancient tombs, underground basilicas, frescoes and mosaics connected with the history of Christianity in Naples and the city's patron saint, San Gennaro.
The guided visit lasts approximately 50–60 minutes and is currently available in English and Italian.
Book your guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro
What's included?
The current Tiqets ticket includes:
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admission to the Catacombs of San Gennaro;
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guided visit of the catacombs;
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visit to the Basilica of San Gennaro;
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professional live guide.
The tour is currently available in:
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English;
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Italian.
The maximum group size is approximately 30 participants.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Although the visit is relatively short, the underground complex is extensive and the guide explains the most important archaeological, historical and religious features along the route.
Where are the Catacombs of San Gennaro?
The entrance is located at:
Via Capodimonte 13
80136 Naples
The entrance is next to the Basilica dell'Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio, close to the Capodimonte area.
Show your smartphone voucher at the ticket office and exchange it for the admission ticket when requested.
Arrive on time for the departure selected during booking.
What are the Catacombs of San Gennaro?
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are among the most important early Christian burial complexes in southern Italy.
Their oldest nucleus dates back to approximately the 2nd century AD and probably originated as the burial place of a wealthy Roman family.
The complex expanded considerably as Christianity developed in Naples.
The catacombs are arranged on two levels that are not directly superimposed, creating unusually large underground spaces compared with many other Roman catacombs.
San Gennaro and the catacombs
The history of the site is closely connected with San Gennaro – Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples.
His remains were transferred to the catacombs during Late Antiquity, transforming the complex into an important pilgrimage destination.
Although the saint's relics were later moved elsewhere, the ancient tomb associated with San Gennaro remains one of the most historically significant parts of the catacombs.
The connection between San Gennaro and Naples has continued for centuries and remains an important part of the city's religious and cultural identity.
The Basilica of Sant'Agrippino
The lower catacomb developed around the underground Basilica of Sant'Agrippino.
Saint Agrippinus was one of the earliest patrons of Naples.
The basilica was carved directly into the volcanic tuff and still preserves architectural elements connected with early Christian worship.
Mass is still celebrated in this extraordinary underground space on special occasions.
What can you see during the visit?
The guided itinerary can include:
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early Christian tombs;
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underground basilicas;
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ancient frescoes;
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mosaics;
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burial chambers;
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tombs of bishops;
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the area traditionally associated with San Gennaro;
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the Basilica of Sant'Agrippino;
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the Basilica of San Gennaro Extra Moenia.
The precise route may vary according to conservation requirements and operational conditions.
Check dates and availability for the Catacombs of San Gennaro
Frescoes and mosaics
One of the most remarkable features of the catacombs is their collection of early Christian paintings and mosaics.
Several ancient tombs preserve portraits and religious imagery connected with the first Christian communities of Naples.
The upper catacomb also includes the Crypt of the Bishops, where important members of the early Neapolitan Church were buried.
The guided tour helps visitors recognize details that could easily be missed during an independent visit.
Why are the Catacombs of San Gennaro unusual?
Unlike many Roman catacombs, which often consist of narrow corridors, the Catacombs of San Gennaro contain unusually large and open underground spaces.
This was possible because the local volcanic tuff is relatively easy to excavate while remaining structurally strong.
Some ceilings reach several metres in height, creating spaces that feel more like underground churches than narrow burial tunnels.
Basilica of San Gennaro Extra Moenia
The tour also includes the Basilica of San Gennaro Extra Moenia, an early Christian church connected directly with the catacombs.
The basilica was originally built in the 5th century and was modified several times over the centuries.
After periods of abandonment and different uses, it was restored and returned to the life of the local community.
Can you also visit the Catacombs of San Gaudioso?
According to the current information from the official Catacombs of Naples organization, a ticket for the Catacombs of San Gennaro also allows a visit to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months.
San Gaudioso is located beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità and offers a very different underground experience.
Keep your ticket and check the current conditions supplied with your booking before planning the second visit.
San Gennaro or San Gaudioso?
The two catacombs complement each other.
Catacombs of San Gennaro
They are characterized by:
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large underground spaces;
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early Christian burials;
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mosaics and frescoes;
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tombs of bishops;
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the historical connection with the patron saint of Naples.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso
They are located deeper in the Rione Sanità and are particularly known for later burial traditions and unusual funerary practices.
If your ticket allows both visits, it is worth seeing the two sites separately.
Which languages are available?
The current guided tours are available in:
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English
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Italian
Select your preferred language when booking.
Is a live guide included?
Yes.
This is a guided experience, not simply an entrance ticket.
The guide explains the history of the catacombs, the archaeological remains and their relationship with early Christianity in Naples.
How to reach the Catacombs of San Gennaro
The catacombs are in the Capodimonte area, above the Rione Sanità.
Public transport options include buses serving the area around the Basilica dell'Incoronata and Capodimonte.
Another possibility is to take Metro Line 1 to Museo and continue by bus or on foot.
Because the route from central Naples includes an uphill section, allow enough time before the scheduled tour.
What is the temperature underground?
The catacombs remain considerably cooler than the streets outside.
Temperatures generally range between approximately 15°C and 22°C.
Even in summer, it can therefore be useful to bring:
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a light sweater;
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a jacket;
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comfortable closed shoes.
What should you wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on underground archaeological surfaces.
A light extra layer is recommended throughout the year because of the lower underground temperature.
Is the site accessible?
The Catacombs of San Gennaro were designed with accessible routes and are generally among the most accessible underground archaeological sites of their kind.
However, temporary restrictions can occur.
Visitors with specific mobility requirements should check the latest access conditions before booking.
Can you combine the visit with other attractions?
Yes.
The catacombs are close to the Capodimonte Museum and the historic Rione Sanità.
If you are interested in underground Naples, another very different experience is:
Naples Underground: Skip-the-Line Ticket + Guided Tour
Naples Underground focuses more on ancient aqueducts, tunnels and Roman structures beneath the historic centre, while the Catacombs of San Gennaro are primarily an early Christian burial complex.
Cancellation and rescheduling
The current booking conditions allow:
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free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit for a full refund;
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rescheduling up to 24 hours before the visit.
Always check the final booking conditions before completing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission included?
Yes. Admission to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is included.
Is there a live guide?
Yes.
How long does the guided tour last?
Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Which languages are available?
English and Italian.
How many people can join the tour?
The current maximum group size is approximately 30 participants.
Where is the entrance?
At Via Capodimonte 13 in Naples, near the Basilica dell'Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio.
Are the catacombs connected with San Gennaro?
Yes. The complex contains the historical burial area associated with San Gennaro and became an important pilgrimage site after his remains were transferred there.
How old are the catacombs?
The oldest sections date back to approximately the 2nd century AD.
Is the Basilica of San Gennaro included?
Yes. The current guided experience includes the Basilica of San Gennaro.
Can I also visit San Gaudioso?
The official Catacombs of Naples currently states that the ticket is valid for a visit to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso within 12 months. Keep your ticket and check the current conditions.
Is it cold underground?
The temperature is generally between approximately 15°C and 22°C, so a light sweater is useful even during summer.
Can I show my voucher on my smartphone?
Yes. Follow the instructions at the ticket office to exchange the smartphone voucher when required.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Free cancellation is currently possible up to 24 hours before the visit.
Can I change the date?
Yes. Rescheduling is currently possible up to 24 hours before the visit.
