Catacombs of San Gennaro: Tickets and Tours

Catacombs of San Gennaro: Tickets and Tours

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Catacombs of San Gennaro: Tickets and Tours

How Much Do San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples Tickets Cost?

Tickets for the San Gennaro Catacombs typically start at €13 per person for a standard guided tour. Prices may vary depending on the type of ticket package and whether visitors choose single or combination entry options.

What Types Of San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples Tickets Are Available?

Visitors can choose from several ticket options when planning their visit to the San Gennaro Catacombs. The standard guided tour starts at approximately €13-€15 per person and includes a one-hour exploration of the catacombs with an expert guide.

Combination tickets offer access to both the San Gennaro and San Gaudioso catacombs, providing flexibility to visit each site within a 12-month period. These combo packages allow guests to decide which catacomb to explore first and return for the second visit at their convenience.

Some ticket packages include additional benefits such as entrance to nearby basilicas and discount vouchers for other Naples attractions like the Cloister of Santa Chiara. Tours are conducted in multiple languages, primarily English and Italian, and operate daily throughout the year.

Most tickets come with free cancellation policies, allowing visitors to receive full refunds if they cancel at least 24 hours before their scheduled tour time.

Who Is Eligible For Discounts?

Several visitor categories qualify for reduced admission prices at the Catacombs of San Gennaro. Young visitors between 6 and 17 years old pay €6.00, offering families a more affordable option when traveling with children.

Senior citizens aged 65 and above receive a discounted rate of €9.00. This reduction makes the historical site more accessible to older travelers interested in Naples' ancient Christian heritage.

Children under 5 years old enter free of charge. Visitors with disabilities also have free admission.

Group visitors benefit from special pricing when traveling together. A minimum of 20 participants qualifies the group for the €9.00 per person rate, making it ideal for tour operators and large travel parties.

School groups receive educational pricing at €6.00 per student. This rate encourages educational visits and helps teachers bring history to life for their students. The discount applies to organized school excursions visiting the catacombs as part of their curriculum.

Standard adult admission for visitors aged 18-64 is €13.00, which includes a guided tour of this remarkable underground archaeological site.

Can You Visit San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples For Free?

The San Gennaro Catacombs are not free to visit and require a paid admission ticket. Unlike some Naples museums that offer free entry on specific Sundays, these catacombs are managed by a cooperative and maintain regular admission fees throughout the year.

Standard ticket prices include:

  • One catacomb: €13 per person
  • Two catacombs (San Gennaro and San Gaudioso): €15 per person
  • Children under 6 and disabled visitors: Free admission
  • Students and visitors over 65: Reduced rates available

Several discount options can help reduce the cost. Visitors holding an ArteCard pay only €9, while Touring Club or FAI members receive discounted rates at €10.40. Groups of 20 or more participants can book at reduced rates of €9 for one catacomb or €11 for two catacombs.

School groups benefit from special educational rates starting at €6 per person for one catacomb. The catacombs also participate in the Rete Extramann Obvia circuit for the National Archaeological Museum, offering additional discount opportunities.

Tickets purchased for these sites include a one-hour guided tour, which is the only way to explore the underground burial sites. Visitors can choose to start at either catacomb location, with the flexibility to visit the second site within 12 months of the first visit.

Reservations are recommended for groups and required for special tours. Both catacomb sites operate from 10:00 to 17:00 Monday through Sunday, with closures on Wednesdays.

Can You Visit San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples With A Guided Tour?

Visitors can only explore the San Gennaro Catacombs through guided tours, as independent exploration is not permitted. Tours run hourly from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00, with the site closed on Wednesdays.

Are Tours Worth It?

The guided tours provide essential context that brings the ancient burial site to life. Expert guides explain the significance of the early Christian mosaics, frescoes, and architectural features that visitors would otherwise miss. They detail the connection between Naples and its patron saint San Gennaro, whose remains were once housed in these underground chambers.

Tours last approximately one hour and cover the main galleries, vestibules, and bishops' crypts. The guides share information about the burial practices spanning thousands of years and point out artistic details in the dimly lit corridors. Since the catacombs contain complex networks of passages and historical artifacts without explanatory signage, having a knowledgeable guide ensures visitors understand what they're seeing. The tours are conducted in multiple languages, with English tours available to accommodate international visitors.

Are There Any Combo Tickets That Include San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples And Other Attractions?

Yes, combo tickets are available that pair the San Gennaro Catacombs with other notable sites in Naples. The most common combination includes both the San Gennaro and San Gaudioso Catacombs, two of the city's most significant early Christian burial sites.

These combo tickets typically offer flexible entry options. Visitors can choose which catacomb to explore first, then have up to 12 months to visit the second location. Both tours are guided and last approximately one hour each.

The main ticket office is located at the Madre del Buon Consiglio Basilica on Via Capodimonte 13. Tours begin with the San Gennaro Catacombs, though the order can be arranged based on availability and preference.

Some providers also offer discount cards that bundle the catacombs with other Naples attractions. These passes may include museums, archaeological sites, or other historical landmarks throughout the city. The exact combinations vary by season and provider.

Here's what typical combo packages include:

  • Guided tours of both San Gennaro and San Gaudioso Catacombs
  • Expert commentary on early Christian history and art
  • 12-month validity period for the second catacomb visit
  • Skip-the-line access at participating sites

Travelers should book combo tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures availability and often provides savings compared to purchasing separate admission tickets. The flexible validity period makes these combos particularly useful for visitors planning multiple trips to Naples or those with limited time during a single visit.

How Do You Get To San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are located at Via Capodimonte 13, with the entrance next to the Basilica Madre del Buon Consiglio. Visitors can reach this historic site through several transportation options.

By Public Bus

Taking the bus is a straightforward option for most visitors. From the National Museum bus stop (no. 1246), travelers can board lines 650, C63, 3M, 168, 178, or 204. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes to reach stop no. 3250 at Basilica dell'Incoronata, which is the closest stop to the catacombs.

Bus tickets are available in several formats:

  • ANM single trip: €1.10 (ANM vehicles only)
  • TIC 90 minutes: €1.60 (valid on all companies)
  • TIC daily: €4.50 (valid on all companies)
  • TIC weekly: €16.00 (valid on all buses)

The TIC integrated ticket allows travel on all buses and metropolitan trains regardless of company. Visitors can download the Moovit or GiraNapoli apps for easier navigation through Naples' public transport system.

By Car

Those driving to the catacombs will find free parking available on-site. This makes visiting by car a convenient option for travelers with vehicles.

The catacombs are situated beneath the city of Naples in the Rione Sanità district, making them accessible from various points throughout the city.

What Are The Opening Hours Of San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples?

The San Gennaro Catacombs maintain consistent visiting hours throughout most of the week. The site is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Sunday hours running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Visitors should note that the catacombs are closed on Wednesdays, with the exception of special occasions like December 31st when they may open for holiday visitors. The site also closes on Christmas Day.

Last admission times are worth noting for planning purposes. The final entry to the San Gennaro Catacombs is at 5:00 PM on regular operating days.

Reservations are mandatory for visiting the catacombs. This requirement helps manage visitor flow through the underground tunnels and ensures everyone receives proper attention during the guided tours.

Tours depart hourly from the ticket window located at Via Capodimonte 13, which is housed within the Madre del Buon Consiglio Basilica. This serves as both the main entrance and ticket office for the catacombs.

The hourly tour schedule allows visitors flexibility in planning their visit while ensuring adequate time to explore the extensive network of burial chambers and frescoes. Each tour includes English and Italian language options.

Travelers should confirm current opening hours before their visit, as special days or holidays may feature adjusted schedules. The standard hours provide ample opportunity for both morning and afternoon visits throughout the week.

Is San Gennaro Catacombs Of Naples Wheelchair Friendly?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro stand out as the only site in Naples Underground that offers full wheelchair accessibility. The corridors throughout the ancient burial site are wide and well-adapted, making it possible for wheelchair users to navigate the space comfortably.

The site has been specifically designed to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility. Wide pathways allow wheelchair users to explore both levels of the catacombs that are open to the public without encountering significant barriers.

Accessibility Features:

  • Wide, well-maintained corridors throughout the complex
  • Adapted pathways suitable for wheelchairs
  • Professional guides available for accessible tours
  • Specialized transportation options can be arranged for disabled visitors

However, visitors should note that some ancient sections may have limitations due to the historical nature of the site. The upper and lower catacombs that are accessible contain the most significant features, including the tombs of the first Neapolitan bishops and impressive frescoes.

The main entrance is located at the Madre del Buon Consiglio Basilica on Via Capodimonte 13. Visitors access the catacombs through guided tours that run on a regular schedule throughout the day.

Those requiring wheelchair-accessible transportation to the site can arrange adapted van services through specialized tour operators. The catacombs are situated in the Sanità district at the foot of Capodimonte hill, a short distance from Naples' historic center.

Which Other Attractions Can Be Visited In Naples?

Naples offers numerous attractions beyond the catacombs that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. The National Archaeological Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of Greco-Roman artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The Museo di Capodimonte sits near the San Gennaro Catacombs and features masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. The palace itself is surrounded by expansive gardens with panoramic city views.

In the historic center, visitors can explore the Duomo di Napoli, which houses relics of San Gennaro. The nearby San Gregorio Armeno street is famous for its artisan workshops producing traditional nativity scenes.

Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites are accessible as day trips from Naples. These ancient Roman cities, preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius, provide remarkable insights into daily life during the Roman Empire.

The Rione Sanità neighborhood, where both catacomb sites are located, deserves exploration beyond the underground attractions. The area features the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità and the Cimitero delle Fontanelle, an ossuary chapel containing thousands of ancient skulls and bones.

Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Nuovo represent Naples' medieval and Renaissance periods. The waterfront Lungomare promenade offers views across the Bay of Naples toward Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Capri and Ischia.

For authentic Neapolitan pizza, the Sanità district has renowned pizzerias like Starita and Concettina a tre Santi near the catacombs. The Spanish Quarter and Spaccanapoli street provide additional dining and shopping opportunities.

Travel Tips

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces throughout the underground chambers. The temperature inside stays between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius year-round, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is recommended even during summer months.

Booking tickets online in advance helps travelers avoid waiting in lines at the entrance. The catacombs offer guided tours every hour, and visitors can choose to start at either the San Gennaro entrance on Via Capodimonte 13 or the San Gaudioso entrance on Via Sanità 123.

Getting There:

  • Bus lines 650, C63, 3M, 168, 178, and 204 run from the National Museum stop
  • Alight at Basilica dell'Incoronata stop
  • Journey takes approximately 15 minutes
  • Free parking is available on-site for those driving

The catacombs close on Wednesdays, with last admission at 17:00 on operating days. Tours are conducted in multiple languages, and travelers can use apps like Moovit or GiraNapoli to navigate public transportation more easily.

Important Notes:

  • Photography policies vary, so visitors should check current guidelines
  • Groups of 20 or more require advance reservations
  • Special discount cards like ArteCard, FAI, and Touring Club memberships provide reduced admission rates

The site is generally accessible, though temporary restrictions may affect visitors with mobility challenges due to hydrogeological conditions. Embossed plaques along the route assist visually impaired guests in experiencing the historical significance of the location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors planning their trip to the Catacombs of San Gennaro often have questions about ticket prices, purchasing options, combo deals, tour duration, operating hours, and which catacombs to prioritize during their Naples visit.

What is the entry fee for the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

Standard admission to the Catacombs of San Gennaro costs €10 for adults. Students and visitors over 65 can purchase tickets for €8, while children under 18 pay €5.

Children under 6 and disabled visitors receive free admission. Accompanying persons for disabled visitors can purchase tickets at the reduced rate of €8.

Special discounted rates are available for certain cardholders. ArteCard holders pay €9, while Touring Club and FAI members pay €10.40. Visitors presenting tickets from the Jago Museum, Figlio Velato, or ExtraMann receive admission for €11.

Group rates require a minimum of 20 participants. These organized groups pay €9 per person for access to one catacomb. School groups receive even more favorable pricing at €6 per student.

How can I purchase tickets for the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

Tickets can be purchased directly at the main entrance and ticket office located in the Madre del Buon Consiglio Basilica at Via Capodimonte 13. The ticket office operates during the same hours as the catacombs themselves.

Visitors can also contact the site directly by phone at +39 081 744 3714 or via email at info@catacombedinapoli.it. Tours are guided and depart every hour throughout the day.

Reservations are required for groups of at least 20 participants. Individual visitors typically do not need advance reservations, though contacting ahead can help ensure availability during peak tourist seasons.

Are there any combo tickets available for the Catacombs of San Gennaro and other Naples attractions?

Combo tickets are available for visitors who want to explore both the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso. A standard adult combo ticket for both catacombs costs €13, while students and seniors pay €11, and children under 18 pay €8.

The Catacombs of Naples participate in several tourist pass programs. The site is part of the Rete Extramann Obvia network, which connects with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, and the Naples Pass circuit.

Groups of 20 or more participants can purchase combo tickets at a reduced rate of €11 per person. School groups receive the most economical combo pricing at €8 per student.

Visitors holding certain museum tickets and tourist cards receive discounted admission. This includes holders of ArteCard, FAI memberships, and Touring Club memberships.

How much time should I allocate for a tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

A guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro typically lasts approximately one hour. Tours are conducted every hour and visitors must be accompanied by a guide throughout the underground site.

Visitors should arrive at least 10-15 minutes before their preferred tour time to allow for ticket purchase and preparation. The site offers tours throughout the day during operating hours.

Those planning to visit both the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso should allocate at least 2.5 to 3 hours total. This includes time for both guided tours plus travel between the two locations.

What are the operating hours for the Catacombs of San Gennaro?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The last admission is at 17:00, and the site is closed on Wednesdays.

Guided tours depart every hour during operating hours. The entrance is located at Via Capodimonte 13, next to the Basilica Madre del Buon Consiglio.

Special reserved tours can be arranged for those with different scheduling needs. These include afternoon tours, night visits, and private tours available by contacting the site directly.

Between the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, which one should I visit?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the larger and more extensive of the two burial sites. They feature grand underground basilicas, stunning 5th-century mosaics, an 8th-century baptismal font, and frescoes and Byzantine paintings dating from the 9th to 10th centuries.

San Gennaro is also more accessible to visitors with disabilities, as it's designated an architectural barrier-free site. The entrance includes embossed plaques along the itinerary for visually impaired visitors.

The Catacombs of San Gaudioso offer a different but equally fascinating underground experience. Located beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità at Via Sanità 123, these catacombs provide insight into another important burial site in Naples.

Visitors with limited time should prioritize San Gennaro due to its size and historical significance. Those with more time can benefit from seeing both sites through the combo ticket option to gain a comprehensive understanding of Naples' underground heritage.