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Top things to do in Naples

Catacombs of San Gaudioso

Dating back to the 4th-5th centuries AD, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso blend early Christian burial practices with Renaissance art. Highlights include the striking painted skeleton frescoes, the Madonna della Sanità fresco, and the tomb of Saint Gaudiosus, a North African bishop.

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Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Catacombs of San Gennaro, ancient underground burial site with illuminated arches and passageways.
Ancient tomb with religious artifacts in Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples.
Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanita facade with clock tower in Naples, Italy.
Interior of Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanita, featuring ornate altar and pulpit near Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
Tomb of San Gaudioso in the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, Italy.
Ancient catacombs with burial niches in San Gennaro, Naples.
Ancient frescos at Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples on a guided tour.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso corridor with ancient frescoes and burial niches.
Skeletons in Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, with painted clothing on walls.
Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples with ancient burial niches and arches.
Mosaic artwork in Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples, depicting a figure holding a book.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso interior at Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, Naples.
Nativity scene display in the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, featuring detailed figurines.
Catacombs of San Gennaro frescoes and burial niches in Naples, Italy.
Exploring the ancient Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples, Italy, with illuminated arches and tombs.
Skeleton mural in Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • Explore at your own pace! Start with a full-day ticket and guided tour of San Gennaro, then visit San Gaudioso within 12 months—or flip the order.

  • Explore the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, home to stunning frescoes and arcosolium burial chambers of early martyrs.

  • See the wide crypt that houses San Gaudioso's relics, a significant site of early Christian worship.

  • The Catacombs of San Gennaro hold the tomb of Naples' patron saint, surrounded by beautiful frescoes.

  • Experience the underground basilica of San Gennaro, an ancient church with fascinating Christian art and historical significance.

More details

  • Explore at your own pace! Start with a full-day ticket and guided tour of San Gennaro, then visit San Gaudioso within 12 months—or flip the order.

  • Explore the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, home to stunning frescoes and arcosolium burial chambers of early martyrs.

  • See the wide crypt that houses San Gaudioso's relics, a significant site of early Christian worship.

  • The Catacombs of San Gennaro hold the tomb of Naples' patron saint, surrounded by beautiful frescoes.

  • Experience the underground basilica of San Gennaro, an ancient church with fascinating Christian art and historical significance.

from
€13
Visitors touring the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, Italy, with ancient frescoes.
Skeleton mural in Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, Italy.
Exploring the Catacombs of San Gaudioso in Naples with ancient tombs and inscriptions.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso ornate interior with altar and intricate architecture.
Skeletons embedded in the wall at Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples.
Ancient burial niches in Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples.
Ancient burial niches in the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples.
Visitors viewing skeletal remains in the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, Naples, Italy.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • Experience an unforgettable guided underground tour of Naples with an experienced English or Italian-speaking guide.

  • Explore the resting place of Bishop San Gaudioso and more, all under the bustling Sanità district.

  • Step into the world of Gennaro too and discover hidden churches, catacombs, historic neighborhoods, and local markets.

  • Experience the eerie beauty of frescoes made from real bones and skulls as they honor the dead in a uniquely macabre way.

  • With a ticket upgrade, access a plethora of other monuments and perks in the Campania region. Entry to the first 5 sites will be completely free!

  • Fun fact: The catacombs are said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was buried there. Legend has it that if you leave a gift for the girl, she will grant you a wish.

More details

  • Experience an unforgettable guided underground tour of Naples with an experienced English or Italian-speaking guide.

  • Explore the resting place of Bishop San Gaudioso and more, all under the bustling Sanità district.

  • Step into the world of Gennaro too and discover hidden churches, catacombs, historic neighborhoods, and local markets.

  • Experience the eerie beauty of frescoes made from real bones and skulls as they honor the dead in a uniquely macabre way.

  • With a ticket upgrade, access a plethora of other monuments and perks in the Campania region. Entry to the first 5 sites will be completely free!

  • Fun fact: The catacombs are said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was buried there. Legend has it that if you leave a gift for the girl, she will grant you a wish.

from
€13

About Catacombs of San Gaudioso

Hidden beneath Naples' Rione Sanità, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso blend early Christian burial practices with Renaissance art. Highlights include the striking painted skeleton frescoes, the Madonna della Sanità fresco, and the tomb of Saint Gaudiosus, a North African bishop. Dating back to the 4th-5th centuries AD, they offer a rare insight into Naples’ shifting funeral traditions and its timeless reflection on life and mortality. Read on to uncover more about this fascinating site.

Millions love heading out with us

Nicole Kawecka
PL

Nicole

Poland
Aug 2025
5/5
It's a wonderful experience, but we feel a bit dissatisfied that we only saw so little of the catacombs. But we still recommend it.
Verzelli Emanuela
IT

Verzelli

Italy
Nov 2024
5/5
Beautiful experience, definitely worth the visit. 10 and praise to our guide, Emmanuel, he was able to make us appreciate the history of the catacombs and the neighborhood! Well done everyone!!!
Caitlin Wilson
GB

Caitlin

United Kingdom
Aug 2024
4/5
The Publix transport to get there was slow but the experience itself was fantastic, very interesting, learnt a lot about the area and the development of the catacombs.
Anita Carina Santo Bernardo
PT

Anita

Portugal
Jul 2024
5/5
I think that the visit to catacumbs was greate, and the place and the history is really impressive, I'm glad they are restauring the place and open it to the public in general.
Concetta Galvagna

Concetta

Apr 2024
5/5
Very interesting from a cultural point of view. Outstanding guide who explained the history to us. I don't remember the name but she was a girl who was in group 2 on April 27 at 2:30 pm. Really good and knowledgeable. We had 2kids who were not bored at all. Congratulations. Very good organization. CG of Catania
Francisco Máñez Máñez
ES

Francisco

Spain
Apr 2024
5/5
Although there was no guide in Spanish we took it in Italian and we understood almost everything. The guides were very friendly and the explanations were very clear. A very recommendable experience.
Beau DeBard
US

Beau

United States
Sep 2023
5/5
The history of everything is so intresting the guides really knew so much about the place and you can tell they love to do what they do
James Thompson
GB

James

United Kingdom
Jun 2023
5/5
The guide Emanuele was awesome. His English was great, his knowledge was impressive and his passion for the job was genuine. The catacombs were unforgettable. We also had a great guide, Eduardo, was also amazing for the tour of the San Gaudioso catacombs. He was equally impressive and passionate about his job. These tours are a must-see in Naples. Thank you to both guides.
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