Catacombs of San Gaudioso tour in Naples

About this activity

Beneath the lively Sanita district, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso offer a chilling journey through Naples' history. Originally housing Saint Gaudiosus' remains, these crypts expanded over centuries to include nobles and Christian figures. Dating back to Greco-Roman times, they evolved from a necropolis to an early Christian cemetery before being abandoned due to mudslides. Over 1,000 years later, they were repurposed as mass graves during plague and cholera outbreaks. The catacombs' haunting beauty is highlighted by frescoes from Giovanni Balducci, featuring skulls, bones, and a reconstructed skeleton standing guard. For those drawn to macabre history, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso provide an unforgettable, atmospheric glimpse into Naples' past