Catacombs of San Gaudioso tour review
What the tour is like
This catacomb is stranger and more intimate. The unforgettable sights are the 17th-century seditoi — the “draining seats” where Neapolitan nobles were laid out — and the burials where a real skull is set into the wall above a fresco of the body the deceased once had. It’s a vivid, slightly eerie hour, and the guides handle it with care.
What works
- A completely different mood to San Gennaro
- The famous skull-and-fresco ‘portraits’
- Includes the Sanità basilica above
- Small groups, strong guides
Worth knowing
- Smaller and a little darker than San Gennaro
- Some steps inside (less accessible than San Gennaro)
- Best value only as part of the combo
Do this one second, after San Gennaro — the contrast between the grand frescoed galleries and the macabre ‘draining seats’ is the whole point.
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants the full story of how Naples buried its dead, and visitors drawn to the macabre side of the city. Pair it with San Gennaro via the combo ticket.
Other tours to consider
Most bookedNaples: Catacombs of San Gennaro Entry Ticket & Guided Tour
Rione SanitàNaples: The Holy Mile (Miglio Sacro) 3-Hour Guided Tour
PrivateNaples: Private Tour of the Sanità District & Catacombs
Frequently asked questions
What makes San Gaudioso different from San Gennaro?
San Gaudioso is smaller, darker and more macabre — famous for the 17th-century ‘draining seats’ and skull-and-fresco burials — while San Gennaro is grand and frescoed. They make an ideal pair.
Is San Gaudioso included in the combo ticket?
Yes — the combo ticket covers both catacombs and stays valid for 12 months.
Is San Gaudioso wheelchair accessible?
It’s less accessible than San Gennaro, with some steps inside. If step-free access is essential, San Gennaro is the better choice.