Napoli: Tour Guidato tra i tesori del Rione Sanità, Borgo dei Vergini e Catacombe

Accompanied by our Local Authorized Guide, you'll explore the Rione Sanità step by step. We will start from Porta San Gennaro, the ancient city gate (mentioned already in 928) adorned with a seventeenth-century fresco by Mattia Preti wanted as an ex-vota after the plague of 1656. Crossing the arch of the door, you will immerse yourself in the picturesque Borgo dei Vergini, among stalls selling fruit, spices and typical products: a riot of voices and colors that embodies the truest Naples. Along Via Vergini we will stop in front of the church of Santa Maria della Misericordia ai Vergini, affectionately called 'a Misericordiella: an underground treasure chest of art and history, now reborn as a contemporary artistic laboratory thanks to the works of the master Christian Leperino. We will also discover the church of Santa Maria Succurre Miseris, with its medieval origins buried by time and the 18th century upper structure designed by the famous architect Ferdinando Sanfelice.

We will continue the journey admiring two jewels of Baroque civil architecture: Palazzo dello Spagnolo and Palazzo Sanfelice, noble residences embellished with spectacular double-ramp staircases. The elegant curves and stucco of the “falcon wings” staircase in Palazzo dello Spagnolo will leave you breathless — not surprisingly, these shorts were the sets of iconic films and photos. We will then reach the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, the spiritual heart of the neighborhood: we will enter the lively Baroque church, admiring the decorated dome and the raised altar, under which there is access to an underground world. Accompanied by a guide, we will descend into the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, just below the basilica: among ancient frescoes and skulls embedded in plaster, we will relive the early Christian atmosphere of this sacred and mysterious place.

After the ascent, we will give ourselves a refreshment break: we will stop in a historic café for an espresso, and for those who wish, it will be an opportunity to taste the legendary “Snowflake” of the Poppella Pastry Shop (an exquisite cream dessert, a local specialty now famous all over the world). Regenerated by the sweetness, we will continue through the alleys of healthcare, until we reach Totò's birthplace, at the number of Via Santa Maria Antesaecula: from the outside we will pay homage to the great artist, perhaps in front of the mural that portrays him, symbol of the pride of this district. Nearby, we'll also see the Alley of Culture, a recent initiative that brought colorful murals and urban bookcases to these streets, demonstrating vibrant local creativity.

Finally, with a short walk, we will arrive at the entrance of the Catacombs of San Gennaro on the slope of Capodimonte. Here, another exciting guided tour awaits us in the surreal silence of the subsoil: we will explore the vast ambulacles and mosaics of the largest catacombs in Southern Italy, the original burial place of the patron saint Gennaro. It will be a journey back 1700 years, between early Christian tombs and ancient basilicas dug out of the tuff. After discovering this hidden treasure as well, we will re-emerge in the sunlight and conclude the tour. To close with a flourish, you can decide to taste a real Neapolitan pizza at the nearby and renowned Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi (not included) — the perfect way to crown this unique and unforgettable day.

An intense and exciting experience, discovering a secret Naples full of contrasts. Four to five hours of wonder await you: from the bright colors of the market and the alleys of the Rione Sanità to the solemn silence of the ancient underground catacombs. You will experience first-hand the embrace between the sacred and the profane typical of Naples — seeing how devotion to the saints and the dead coexists with the daily joy of life in the neighborhood. Let yourself be surprised by art and history at every turn: seventeenth-century frescoes, gold-adorned baroque churches, scenic noble palaces and humble folk altars. All accompanied by the passionate stories of our local guide, who will make you feel part of the big healthcare “family”. It will be a private walking tour at a relaxed pace, with time to savor a coffee and a sweet local specialty. You will return home with a heart full of the stories, flavors and authentic smiles of this corner of Naples, happy to have lived an unrepeatable experience.

- Private Authorized Expert Guide Service (in Italian or other language on request, subject to availability).

- Guided tour inside the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso (including specialized local guide of the catacombs). Note: any entrance tickets to the catacombs are not included in the cost of the tour and must be purchased on site before the visit (see “What's not included” section).

- Entrance tickets to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso (to be purchased on site, about €11 per person for both, subject to change).

- Transportation from/to the meeting point (the tour takes place entirely on foot).

- Food and drink: coffee, pastries or pizza are not included in the price (optional extra expenses during stops).

- Tips for driving (optional) and anything not specifically indicated under “What's included”.

- The indicated cost refers to the total private tour (up to 15 participants), not per person.

- It is recommended to book in advance. Reservations made within 48 hours from the date of the tour are subject to confirmation of availability, especially during busy periods. In the event of unavailability, we will offer an alternative time or date, or a full refund.

- Cancellation policy: for cancellations notified more than 48 hours before the start time, a 100% refund is provided. For cancellations within 48 hours prior to the tour, a 30% penalty will be withheld.

- For requests in a language other than Italian (English, French, German, etc.), please specify it when booking: we will try to satisfy them compatible with the availability of guides in the requested language.

- Wear comfortable shoes — the route runs along cobblestones and stairs, including even wet underground sections.

- Bring clothing appropriate to the season and maybe a light wrap for entering the church or for the cooler temperature of the catacombs.

- Don't forget a bottle of water to quench your thirst while walking and the inevitable camera (or smartphone) to capture the views, artistic details and special moments of this experience. You will find yourself in front of scenes and views that you want to immortalize!