We had only one day in Naples before we travelled to Malta. We decided to use it to see the Catacombs. The Catacombs of San Gennaro were the highlight of our stay in Naples, although Dwayne was a little disappointed that no skeletons remained in the tombs.
The Catacombs extend underground for nearly 5800 square metres and consist of two levels. It all began in the 2nd century CE* when the site was used for Pagan burials before Christianity came to the area. Christians arrived in the 3rd century, and the excavations continued until the 6th century.
Between 413 and 431, the Bishop of Naples, John the First, moved the relics of Saint Gennaro to the Catacombs, thereby elevating the site to a pilgrim destination. During the subsequent centuries, many changes occurred at the site, including the removal of St Gennaro’s remains to the Basilica of Stefania. Moreover, the catacombs, hit by looters between the 13th and 18th century, also became a place of shelter during WWII.
The Catacombs were reopened in 1969 by the Archbishop of Naples, and modern excavations started in 1971. Now open for tours, the Catacombs are a thought-provoking discovery of Naples’ ancient history.
The tour, which is available in several languages, leads you through the vast underground cavity. Learn what the different types of tombs indicate regarding the social status of the deceased. Visit the ritual spaces, including baptismal font, an altar and a bishop’s chair carved into the rock. Furthermore, many mosaics and frescoes are still visible at some tombs.
The Catacombs are carved in tuff; a porous stone made of volcanic ash ejected from a volcanic eruption. The lighting lends itself to the mystery as it, along with the shadows it casts, at once conceals and unveils the contours of this archaeological site.
There is more to see than just holes in the walls. Yes, the skeleton remains now reside in another cemetery. But if you can do without bones as a grisly reminder of our mortality, you will find much to see, including an underground Basilica. In fact, Mass is still celebrated in the underground Basilica of Sant’Agrippino. Also, you will find that because you can only visit the catacombs with a guide this tour is crammed full of interesting facts.
More Information
Currency
Euro – EUR – written here as €
Catacombs of San Gennaro
Cost – € 13.00 / Adult [Updated Oct 2024]
Location – Madre del Buon Consiglio Basilica, Via Capodimonte 13
Opening hours – 10:00 – 17:00.
For more information, including prices for children & students – click here
Other tours – click here
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in Naples, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
Pros – €22.50 (AUD 36.27 or USD 25.35) per night.
Cons – Good value, friendly hosts, very, very helpful. We like the patio and seating. The room was good, with our own bathroom, we also had a small table and two chairs in the room to use. There are shelves in the room and a hanging rack. The small kitchenette is very basic but was fine for our needs. We were able to heat a quiche for breakfast in the microwave and enjoy our breakfast on the patio with tea and coffee. Tea, coffee, biscuits provided. Location was good with public transport nearby.
Cost – For the price we paid, I don’t think I could complain about anything. It is basic accommodation for the budget traveller.
Our Verdict – Good value and location. Lovely hosts. We would stay again!
Pros – €56.00 (AUD 90.00 or USD 63.00) per night.
Cons – Large room, clean, ours had a sofa, 2 x wardrobes, 2 x desk, 2 x chair, very plain. Location is ok, close to shops and cafes. Kitchen clean but basic could probably cook simple meals.
Cost – We only found one power point in the room. The wifi didn’t work. Kitchen is fundamental, no kettle, coffee, tea or sugar etc. The room was on the 4th or 5th floor, and there was no lift. It was a tough climb with luggage. I didn’t like the stuffed toys in the room as I am allergic to dust mite and the toys are unnecessary.
Our Verdict – Inferior value, NOT worth what we paid. I think you can definitely find better. Staying here was a costly mistake.
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* CE is common era i.e. BCE/CE instead of AD/BC (BCE = before common era)
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