Catacombs of Naples

There are but few ancient remains in Naples, though the immediate vicinity is covered with ruins of temples, theaters and villa, and the Museum is filled with works of Roman Art.

The Catacombs of Naples underlie the northern heights of Capodimonte. They burrow through the volcanic tufa in corridors and chambers, arranged in three stories and communicating with one another by flights of steps. In one part is a chapel with three arches, supported by columns cut out of the solid tufa, with an altar and baptistry, and nearby a fountain, which was probably used for baptismal purposes. Along the walls are excavated the loculi, or burial niches, in which may be still seen the skeletons of those who lived in Naples perhaps two thousand years ago. These niches were formerly enclosed with marble slabs, but these have been removed to the Epigraphic Collection in the Museum. Antiquarians have expended much time in discussing the origin of these Catacombs. They are now generally ascribed to the Greek period, though appropriated by the Romans and early Christians for the use of sepulture, and by the latter for religious worship during the age of persecution. In the year 1656 the victims of the plague were buried in these catacombs, and when explored in 1814 several bodies were found entire, clothed in the dresses they had worn in life. This part has since been walled up.

These Catacombs in the Middle Ages were regarded with peculiar sanctity, so many of the martyrs having been buried there. The clergy of the city were enjoined to visit them at least once a year. They are now open to the public on All Saints' Day.