Catacombe di San Gaudioso

The Catacombe di San Gaudioso lie beneath the Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità on Piazza Sanità in the Rione Sanità district of Naples, in Italy's Campania region. The catacomb dates from the 5th century and takes its name from Saint Gaudiosus, a North African bishop who was buried here. Visitors enter through the basilica, a domed church of the early 17th century, and descend with a guide into tuff galleries where early Christian burials are mixed with a later and stranger tradition. From the 17th century, wealthy Neapolitans were buried here in a particular way: the body was left to dry in a niche, and the skull was then fixed to the wall and surrounded by a fresco of the person's torso and clothing, painted in plaster. These painted skeleton portraits are the highlight of the tour. The visit takes about one hour and is guided, with tours in English and Italian running at regular intervals. The temperature underground is mild and constant, so a light layer is useful. Mornings are quietest. The catacomb is included in the combined catacombs ticket, together with the Catacombs of San Gennaro and the basilica, so it is easy to add to a day in the Sanità district. It is a ten-minute walk from Metro Line 1 at Materdei. The area has been revitalised in recent years by local social cooperatives, and visitors can combine the catacombs with a walk through the neighbourhood's markets and churches. Photography rules are explained by the guide.