Can I take photos in the Catacombs of San Gennaro?
This is not a rule invented by the guide to rush things. It applies throughout the site, and discussing it in front of the group only takes minutes away from the visit, which lasts about an hour in total.
Why it is not allowed
They are galleries with frescoes dating from the 2nd to the 10th century, and the protection of those surfaces takes priority over the memory of those who pass through. Anyone who wants to know what they are looking at can read about it beforehand: I have described the route, with the names in the right places, in what you see underground.
Where it’s worth taking out your phone
In the Rione Sanità, just below. The open 'falcon-wing' staircases of Palazzo dello Spagnuolo and Palazzo San Felice can be seen from the street and are the most photographed feature in the neighbourhood. Those taking the three-hour route will come across both along the way. I describe the neighbourhood in the Rione Sanità.
Before going down
The entry conditions, from mandatory booking to arriving fifteen minutes early, are outlined in hours and tickets. Knowing in advance that your phone stays in your pocket helps you enjoy the guide’s narration, which is the best part here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take photographs inside the Catacombs of San Gennaro?
No: photography is not allowed inside, as the site is a protected heritage asset. The rule is also listed among the visit’s exclusions, as you can read in hours and tickets.
Does this also apply to phones without flash?
Yes, it applies to any device. Outside the site, in the neighbourhood, there are no restrictions.
What can I photograph in the area?
The open staircases of Palazzo dello Spagnuolo and Palazzo San Felice, the streets of the neighbourhood, and the climb to Capodimonte: the stages are described in the Rione Sanità.