Via Duomo 147
Tel. + 39 081 44 90 97
Open: 8:30am- 1:30pm,
2:30- 8pm
The Naples Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral
of the Assumption of Mary (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) or
commonly referred to as the Duomo di Napoli and the Cathedral of San
Gennaro, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the principal church of
Naples, Italy. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Naples and is
dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, while also honoring Saint Januarius
(San Gennaro), the city's patron saint. Constructed in the 13th century
in Angevin Gothic style, the cathedral is renowned for its blend of
architectural influences, rich artistic heritage, and the famous
"Miracle of the Blood" of San Gennaro, where a vial of the saint's blood
is said to liquefy three times a year. This phenomenon draws pilgrims
and tourists alike, symbolizing divine favor for the city. The cathedral
incorporates elements from earlier paleo-Christian basilicas and ancient
Greek and Roman structures, reflecting Naples' layered history. As one
of the city's most important religious and cultural landmarks, it
exemplifies the fusion of faith, art, and history in southern Italy.
The Naples Cathedral is centrally located in the historic heart of Naples, at Via Duomo 147, in the Campania region of southern Italy. Its coordinates are approximately 40°51′09″N 14°15′35″E. Situated along the bustling Via Duomo, it is easily accessible from major transport hubs, including Napoli Centrale train station (about 1.5 km away) and the Naples Metro (Lines 1 at Cavour or Museo stations, and Line 2). Nearby landmarks include the National Archaeological Museum to the north and the historic center's Spaccanapoli street. The cathedral's urban placement makes it a focal point for both locals and visitors, with convenient bus access via lines E1, R2, and CS.
The site's religious significance dates back to the 2nd century AD, when a Christian community flourished in Naples, evidenced by the Catacombs of San Gennaro. After Christianity's legalization in 313 AD, the Basilica of Santa Restituta was built in the 330s on the ruins of a temple to Apollo, serving as the city's principal church. In the 5th century, the adjacent Basilica Stefania was added. The current cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou in 1294, with construction beginning under Charles II (1285–1309) and completing in 1313 during Robert of Anjou's reign. It incorporated parts of Santa Restituta while demolishing Stefania. In 1497, Cardinal Oliviero Carafa facilitated the return of San Gennaro's relics, leading to the construction of the Succorpo crypt chapel. The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro was added in the 16th century following a 1527 vow by Neapolitans during a plague. The cathedral endured multiple earthquakes (e.g., 1349, 1456, 1688), fires, and WWII bombings in 1943, prompting restorations in the 1860s (façade by Enrico Alvino), 1905, 1960s, and 1970s. These efforts revealed ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval layers beneath the structure.
The cathedral showcases a fusion of styles: Angevin Gothic (core structure), Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic (façade). Measuring over 100 meters long, 35–48 meters high, and with a transept width of about 50 meters, it features three naves divided by 16 pillars incorporating ancient Roman columns. The exterior façade, rebuilt in 1905 by Enrico Alvino in Neo-Gothic style after earthquake damage, includes three portals (the central 15th-century one with sculptures by Tino da Camaino) and three rose windows. The interior has an asymmetrical layout with side chapels, a gilded coffered ceiling from the 17th century, and access to the paleo-Christian Basilica of Santa Restituta (left aisle) and the Royal Chapel (right aisle). The crypt beneath the high altar is a Renaissance masterpiece by Tommaso Malvito. Archaeological remains in the basement include Greek walls, Roman aqueducts, and a Greek road, highlighting the site's multi-layered past.
The interior is lavishly decorated, blending austerity with opulence. The 17th-century gilded ceiling features five paintings of evangelical scenes. Walls display paintings of the Apostles, Doctors of the Church, and over 50 patron saints of Naples, with depictions of the first 16 bishops between arches. The high altar includes a sculpture of the Assumption inspired by Bernini. The Basilica of Santa Restituta preserves 4th-century mosaics in its baptistery (the oldest in the Western world), early medieval fresco fragments, 15th-century floor tombstones, and a 700-year-old Byzantine-style mosaic of the Madonna enthroned with Child and saints. The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro is a Baroque masterpiece with frescoes by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco (depicting San Gennaro's life and a "Paradise" dome), altarpieces by Domenichino, Massimo Stanzione, and Jusepe Ribera, a high altar by Francesco Solimena, and a bronze railing by Cosimo Fanzago. The Minutolo Chapel contains 14th-century frescoes referenced in Boccaccio's Decameron. Other highlights include an Assumption by Pietro Perugino and canvases by Luca Giordano.
The cathedral's most famous relic is the vial containing the dried blood of Saint Januarius, housed in the Royal Chapel and displayed during the "Miracle of the Blood" on the first Saturday in May, September 19 (feast day), and December 16. The blood's liquefaction is interpreted as a sign of good fortune for Naples; scientific explanations suggest a thixotropic substance like hydrated iron oxide. The Succorpo crypt holds San Gennaro's bones and a statue of Cardinal Carafa. The chapel also features 51 silver busts and sculptures of Naples' co-patron saints, a jeweled necklace and mitre for San Gennaro, and sacred vestments in the adjacent Treasure Museum. Artifacts from excavations include Greek and Roman items visible in the crypt.
The cathedral is a cornerstone of Neapolitan identity, embodying the city's devotion to San Gennaro and its historical resilience. The blood miracle reinforces cultural traditions, blending faith with folklore—failure to liquefy is seen as an omen of disaster. As a UNESCO World Heritage site within Naples' historic center, it attracts pilgrims, scholars, and tourists, highlighting the interplay of religion, art, and history in southern Italian culture.
As of August 25, 2025, the Naples Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction, with ongoing maintenance to preserve its historical layers. It is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, including during Masses (held at 9 AM and 6:30 PM Monday-Saturday; 9 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, and 6:30 PM on Sundays/holidays). Entry to the main cathedral and Basilica of Santa Restituta is free, but the excavations under Santa Restituta require a small cash-only fee (not always open). The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro and Treasure Museum cost a fee (combined ticket with timed slots every 30 minutes, including audio guides in multiple languages). Free guided tours (45 minutes, in Italian/English) are available via registration at the information desk; MUDD project guides are highly recommended for their expertise. Visitors must dress modestly (covering knees, midriff, and shoulders) and respect services—avoid approaching the altar during Mass. The site is moderately accessible, though uneven floors may challenge those with mobility issues. Average visitor rating is 4.5/5 based on thousands of reviews, with praises for its ornate interior and historical depth, though some note restricted access to paid areas. Best visited mid-morning to avoid crowds; combine with nearby sites like the National Archaeological Museum.