Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

The Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus form an underground burial complex beneath the Basilica Santa Maria della Sanità with multiple chambers, stone tombs, and ancient frescoes lining the passageways. The entire site was carved from volcanic stone by hand, creating an intricate network of corridors and burial spaces.

Saint Gaudiosus, a bishop, arrived in Naples during the fifth century and established these burial grounds that became a major cemetery for early Christian communities. The site grew over successive generations as more believers used it for their dead, expanding into the complex we see today.

The frescoes show a distinctive art form where skulls of departed nobles were incorporated directly into painted portraits as part of their memorials. This merged painting and human remains into a unique commemorative approach that reflected the high social standing of those buried there.

Entry to this site happens through Piazza Sanità and requires a guided tour to safely navigate the underground passages. Visitors should be prepared for uneven floors, tight spaces, and cool temperatures at depth.

The site employed a burial system where bodies were first positioned in wall niches to naturally decompose before bones were collected and relocated for final storage elsewhere. This space-saving method allowed the community to use the burial chambers more efficiently over time.