Naples Attractions
San Gennaro © Gennarous
Duomo San Gennaro
The Chapel of San Gennaro is accessed from the south aisle of
the Cathedral of Naples and this 13th-century Gothic building is
dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Tradition tells the
story of how two phials of San Gennaro's blood liquefied in the
bishop's hand after his martyred body was transported to the
church. Legend has it that disaster will strike if the blood fails
to liquefy on specific festival days - the first Saturday in May,
on September 19 and December 16. The liquefaction ceremony takes
place during a special Mass in full view of the congregation. The
first chapel on the right on entry into the cathedral is dedicated
to San Gennaro and holds the famous phials of blood and a silver
reliquary containing his skull. Beneath the Duomo are the
excavations of well-preserved Greek and Roman roads that stretch
beneath the modern city. Special tours of the excavations can be
arranged.
Address: Via del Duomo 147;
Website: www.duomodinapoli.it;
Telephone: 081 449 097;
Opening time: Monday to Friday between 9am and 12pm and 4.30pm to 7pm;
Admission: Cathedral: free; archaeological site: €3
