San Gaudioso Catacombs’ entry fee is €13 for adults as of 2025, which includes a guided tour of the underground site. This ticket also grants access to the larger Catacombs of San Gennaro at no extra charge, valid for up to 12 months – effectively two catacomb visits for the price of one. Discounted rates are available: children aged 6–17 pay €6, while students and seniors (65+) pay €9; kids under 6 enter for free. The catacombs are open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day except Wednesday (last guided tour at 1 p.m., and closed on major holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Tours start every hour, and visiting is only possible with these guided tours. You can buy tickets on-site or online in advance – we recommend booking ahead, especially in peak season, to secure your spot. We visited on 02 September 2025, and all the details were accurate as of that date.
Inside the Catacomb: A Closer Look
Stepping into the Catacombs of San Gaudioso feels like entering a time capsule beneath the bustling streets of Naples. This underground burial complex dates back to the 5th century AD, when Gaudioso – a North African bishop exiled to Naples – was laid to rest here just outside the city’s ancient walls. His tomb quickly became a venerated site, spurring the creation of a larger catacomb around it. In fact, these are the second-largest paleochristian catacombs in Naples (after the San Gennaro catacombs), and every corner whispers a bit of that 1,500-year history. Over the centuries, additional chambers, corridors, and artwork were added, reflecting the evolving religious and cultural significance of the site. As we descended the steps into the dimly lit passages, we could definitely sense how sacred and old this place is – it’s like walking through layers of history carved in stone.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità, catacombs entrance
Our guided tour led us through a labyrinth of tuff (volcanic stone) tunnels and chambers lined with arched tomb niches. Even in the low light, we marveled at the faded but beautiful frescoes and mosaics adorning the walls – many of them created in the 5th and 6th centuries. We saw symbolic early Christian images, like a mosaic of a fish and painted figures of lambs and vines, still visible after all these years. It’s astounding to realize these artworks were made when the Roman Empire was falling, yet here they remain for visitors to admire. The guide’s flashlight played over these ancient designs as he explained their meaning, and we suggest bringing a small flashlight of your own (or using your phone light) to fully appreciate the details in the darker corners. The air underground was cool and slightly humid, so we advise wearing a light jacket or sweater and comfortable shoes – the ground can be uneven in spots, and you’ll be standing for about an hour during the tour. We noticed that photography without flash was allowed, so we took a few discreet photos of the most striking mosaics to remember them by. If you’re wondering how it feels down there – are you gonna get spooked in the dark tunnels? – we actually found the atmosphere more fascinating than frightening. The space is surprisingly open and airy in parts, and the knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging rather than scary.
What truly sets the San Gaudioso Catacombs apart (even compared to other catacombs we’ve visited) is a macabre artistic twist from the 17th century. In the 1600s, long after the catacomb’s early Christian era, this underground cemetery became the exclusive resting place for Naples’ aristocrats and clergymen. The Dominican monks overseeing the site practiced a unique burial ritual: bodies of the wealthy dead were drained of fluids in special niches (a process the guide described in morbid detail), and then the skulls were preserved and placed into the walls. Beneath each skull, an artist painted a fresco of the person’s body, often depicting them in the clothing of their profession or social rank. The effect is startling and fascinating – essentially, you’re looking at a portrait of a 17th-century noble or bishop where the actual skull forms the head and a painting represents the body. We had never seen anything quite like it. One fresco showed a regal figure in flowing robes with a real skull set above it, staring hollowly out from the wall. Far from being horrific, these displays struck us as poignant reminders of mortality and the blending of art and death in Baroque Naples. Our guide shared the story of the painter Giovanni Balducci, who created many of these frescoes; he was so devoted to the project that he purportedly refused payment in exchange for the right to be buried here himself. Standing in that chamber, surrounded by centuries-old skulls and artwork, we could almost imagine the secretive midnight burials and the reverence the living once had for being interred in this hallowed ground. This part of the tour really brought history to life (in a very literal way) and was the highlight of our visit. We’d recommend taking a moment in that section of the catacombs to absorb the scene – it’s a powerful glimpse into how people of the past viewed death and legacy.
Skull set above painted Baroque body
Throughout the tour, our guide also pointed out other intriguing details. We saw the tomb of San Gaudioso himself, marked by an ancient mosaic in a small chapel area. Nearby lay the burial of San Severo, another early bishop, illustrating that this site was a who’s who of early Neapolitan Christianity. In one alcove, we noticed stone “draining chairs” (called cantarelle in Neapolitan dialect) where bodies were once propped up to dehydrate – an eerie practice, yet our guide explained it as a normal part of 17th-century funerary customs in Naples. We learned quirky facts about old Neapolitan undertakers (locally nicknamed schiattamuorti, or “death squashers”) and their role in tending to these remains. It might sound grim, but hearing these stories was genuinely fascinating and added a human dimension to the piles of bones and artwork around us. By the time we climbed back up into the daylight, we not only had a deeper understanding of Naples’ unique relationship with death, but we also felt a profound appreciation for the art and devotion that went into this underground world. We spent about an hour exploring the catacombs, but we easily could have spent longer asking questions and soaking up the atmosphere. In our opinion, taking your time is key – we suggest not rushing through. Pause to look closely at the mosaics and frescoes, and listen to the anecdotes the guides share. This is one of those places where the more you look, the more you discover. After resurfacing, we also took a few minutes to wander inside the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità (the church above the catacombs). In the first chapel on the right, we found a beautiful 5th-century fresco of the Madonna – said to be the oldest image of the Virgin Mary in Naples – a piece of art often missed by visitors who head straight out. It was a serene way to end our tour, bridging the gap between the dark, silent world below and the vibrant everyday life of the city above.
Around the Area
One of the great things about visiting the San Gaudioso Catacombs is that you’re right in the heart of Rione Sanità, a historic and lively district filled with other points of interest. If you’re eager to continue exploring Naples’ underground heritage, we recommend visiting the Catacombs of San Gennaro next – and luckily, your ticket from San Gaudioso already covers it. The San Gennaro catacombs are about a 15-minute walk (or a quick bus ride) up the hill, near the Capodimonte area. They are larger in scale, with grand hallways and a rich collection of early Christian tombs and frescoes. We toured San Gennaro on the same day and found that seeing both catacombs gave us a more complete picture of the city’s ancient past. (If you do plan to see both in one day, doing San Gaudioso first and San Gennaro second is a good route, since the latter stays open later into the afternoon.) Another nearby gem is the Cimitero delle Fontanelle – an enormous underground ossuary located just a short stroll from San Gaudioso. This former paupers’ cemetery is essentially a cave filled with thousands of skulls and bones, arranged in a haunting yet oddly reverent manner. Entrance to Fontanelle is free, and while it’s not a guided experience, informational signs explain the unique Neapolitan rituals of caring for these anonymous remains. We wandered through its vast cavernous rooms, genuinely moved by the sight of locals still leaving flowers and praying by certain skulls (each of which has a nickname and story in local folklore). Visiting Fontanelle right after the catacombs felt fitting – both places shine a light on Naples’ distinctive approach to honoring the dead, but from different social perspectives.
Skulls stacked in Fontanelle ossuary, Naples
In case you need a break between these sites, the Piazza Sanità (the main square outside the basilica) has a few benches and is perfect for a short rest while you take in the neighborhood’s atmosphere. We sat there for a moment, watching everyday life go by in this working-class quarter, and it struck us how seamlessly layers of history and modern life coexist in Naples.
After an immersive journey through crypts and tunnels, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite – we sure did! Fortunately, Rione Sanità is also known for its amazing local food. We followed a local friend’s tip and headed to Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi, just a few blocks from the catacomb site. This unassuming neighborhood pizzeria turned out to serve one of the best pizzas we’ve had in Naples (which is saying a lot in the pizza capital of the world). We arrived in the late afternoon after our tours and managed to snag a table; the place is popular, so expect a crowd during typical meal times. We’d recommend trying their classic Margherita or perhaps the seasonal special – the crust was perfectly charred and chewy, and the flavors were spot on. Relaxing over pizza and a cold drink was the perfect way to refuel and reflect on all the history we’d just absorbed. For dessert, we suggest stopping by Pasticceria Poppella, a famous bakery in the area (also within walking distance). They’re known for a pastry called the fiocco di neve (“snowflake”), a soft cream-filled bun that is light, not too sweet, and absolutely delightful. We each devoured one and definitely considered getting seconds! If you’re more in the mood for gelato or coffee, there are a handful of small cafés and gelato shops around Via Sanità where you can grab a treat and enjoy it on the go.
With your stomach satisfied, you might still have time to squeeze in a bit more sightseeing in the vicinity. If you have the energy, we recommend strolling towards the Capodimonte hill – at the top you’ll find the Capodimonte Museum and Park. The museum, housed in a former royal palace, contains a world-class art collection (including works by Caravaggio and Raphael) and offers a change of scenery from the underground vibes, with its airy galleries and royal apartments. Even if you’re not up for a museum visit, the park grounds provide a lovely view over the city and a peaceful place to walk off your meal. Alternatively, heading back down toward the city center, the Naples National Archaeological Museum is only a short ride or a 20-minute walk from Rione Sanità. We decided to end our day there, since it felt fitting after exploring the catacombs – the museum houses incredible artifacts from ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Greek and Roman times, putting much of what we saw underground into broader context. Standing in front of marble statues and mosaics in the museum, we could connect them to the early Christian art and burial traditions we’d learned about earlier. It was the perfect capstone to a history-filled day. Of course, if you’re too tired for another major attraction, simply enjoy the neighborhood: Rione Sanità itself is full of life, with vibrant street art, produce vendors, and locals going about their day. We ended our adventure by wandering back through the narrow streets, feeling perfectly content. Ultimately, visiting the San Gaudioso Catacombs gave us a profound appreciation for Naples’s rich history and a peek into its soul. It’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend – equal parts educational and enthralling – and it left us with memories (and stories) we’ll be talking about long after the trip.