Naples Cathedral and the Treasure of San Gennaro: what to see and the miracle of the blood
Naples Cathedral is the home of San Gennaro (Saint Januarius): this is where the vials of his blood are kept, and three times a year Neapolitans wait for it to liquefy. Inside is also one of the richest Baroque chapels anywhere, and next door the museum holding the treasure given to the saint over seven centuries.
At a glance
- Address
- Via Duomo 147
- Cathedral
- Free entry; it is a church: dress appropriately and keep silent during services
- Treasure Museum
- Ticketed, entrance at Via Duomo 149: opening hours and prices on the museum's official website
- The miracle
- Three dates a year: the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, 19 September and 16 December
- Metro
- Line 1 Duomo, Line 2 Cavour, then a few minutes on foot
What to see
The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro
Off the right-hand aisle of the cathedral opens the chapel built by the people of Naples in the 17th century as a vow to the saint: marble, frescoes, silver and the statues of the city's patron saints. This is where the vials containing the blood of San Gennaro are kept, together with the bust holding his relics.
Santa Restituta and the baptistery
From the left-hand aisle you enter the basilica of Santa Restituta, the oldest early Christian church in Naples, incorporated into the cathedral, and the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, with mosaics from the 4th–5th century: it is considered the oldest baptistery in the Western world.
The Treasure Museum
Next to the cathedral, the museum displays the treasure given to the saint over the centuries by kings, nobles and ordinary people: the mitre studded with precious stones and the necklace of San Gennaro, along with silverware, busts and vestments.
The miracle of the blood
Three times a year the blood of San Gennaro, kept in two vials, is shown to the faithful: the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, 19 September, the saint's feast day, and 16 December. When the blood liquefies it is considered a good omen for the city. On 19 September the cathedral is packed from early morning.
Tip: if you happen to be in Naples on 16 December, it is usually the least crowded of the three miracle dates. Arrive early.
How to get there
The cathedral is on Via Duomo, at the end of Spaccanapoli and a few steps from Via dei Tribunali. Metro Line 1 Duomo or Line 2 Cavour.
Nearby
- Spaccanapoli and San Gregorio Armeno3 minutes on foot
- Naples Underground5 minutes on foot
- Catacombs of San Gennarowhere the saint was buried
Frequently asked questions
When does the miracle of San Gennaro happen?
Three times a year: the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, 19 September and 16 December.
Do you have to pay to enter Naples Cathedral?
No, the cathedral is free. You pay for the Treasure of San Gennaro Museum and some areas such as the baptistery.
Where is the Treasure of San Gennaro?
The chapel is inside the cathedral; the museum with the jewels is next door, with its entrance at Via Duomo 149.
Where to stay near the Cathedral
202 places to stay in the Historic Centre on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
