Rione Sanità: catacombs, baroque palaces and what it's like to stay there
Outside the ancient walls, the Sanità is a working-class neighbourhood full of treasures: early Christian catacombs, baroque staircases, the Fontanelle Cemetery. In recent years it has been reborn thanks to its young people, who now guide visitors to its most beautiful places.
At a glance
- Who it's for
- Those who want an authentic, less touristy Naples, close to the centre
- Pros
- Genuine atmosphere, catacombs and palaces to discover, lower prices
- Cons
- Working-class neighbourhood, fewer bars and restaurants in the evening, some uphill streets
- Metro
- Line 1 Museo, Line 2 Cavour, then a 10-minute walk
What to see
- The Catacombs of San Gennaro and of San Gaudioso, with a single ticket and guided tours led by young people from the neighbourhood.
- The Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, above the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
- Palazzo dello Spagnolo and Palazzo Sanfelice, with their theatrical 18th-century open staircases.
- The Fontanelle Cemetery, an ancient quarry full of skulls linked to the cult of the anime pezzentelle (the souls of the nameless dead).
- The birthplace of Totò, the great Neapolitan actor, who was born in the neighbourhood.
What it's like to stay there
The Sanità is a few minutes' walk from the Archaeological Museum and the Historic Centre, but it has an atmosphere all its own, very much a neighbourhood. It is a choice for those who want to experience the city as Neapolitans do and spend less.
Tip: at weekends the catacombs offer the Miglio Sacro ("Sacred Mile"), a guided walking tour that crosses the whole neighbourhood: it is the best way to discover it.
Sights in the neighbourhood
- Catacombs of San Gennaroat the top of the neighbourhood
- National Archaeological Museum10 minutes on foot
Frequently asked questions
Is Rione Sanità worth visiting?
Yes: catacombs, baroque palaces and the Fontanelle Cemetery, in an authentic neighbourhood a few minutes from the centre.
Where to stay in Rione Sanità
11 places to stay in Rione Sanità on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
