Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are an early Christian burial site under the Basilica of Sant'Agrippino. They were active from the 2nd to the 5th century, and have preserved some of the earliest Christian paintings in southern Italy.
About this building
The catacombs began to be excavated in the 2nd century, probably to expand the tomb of a noble family to other Christians. The tunnel system continued to be dug and extended in the 3rd century.
In the 4th century, the catacombs became the resting place of Sant'Agrippino, the first patron saint of Naples. In the 5th century they would also become the burial place of San Gennaro, the current patron saint of the city, after whom the catacombs are named.
In 2009 a plan was approved to rehabilitate the catacombs and open them to the public. The project provided jobs for young people from Rione Sanita, breathing new life into the neighbourhood.
