Tesoro di San Gennaro
Naples
Tesoro di San Gennaro: The treasure of Naples' patron saint
Discover one of the world's most valuable treasuries with the magnificent Baroque chapel and precious votive offerings in gold, silver and precious stones.
Highlights
Why you shouldn't miss this attraction
One of the world's most valuable treasuries with gold, silver, pearls and precious stones
The magnificent Cappella del Tesoro – a masterpiece of Neapolitan Baroque
The legendary mitre with 3,326 diamonds, 198 emeralds and 168 rubies
53 silver reliquary busts of Naples' patron saints and the sacred relics of San Gennaro
Gallery
What awaits you on site
Tesoro di San Gennaro: Where history, faith and craftsmanship merge
Who was Gennaro? This question leads you straight to the heart of Naples and to one of the world's most extraordinary treasuries. Gennaro, also known as San Gennaro or Saint Januarius, was an early Christian martyr and Bishop of Benevento who was beheaded in 305 AD during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. His blood and bones were brought to Naples, where he became the city's patron saint – a connection that remains alive to this day.
Where is Naples Cathedral? The magnificent cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Napoli or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the historic old town at Via Duomo 149. Right here, at the heart of Naples' religious and cultural life, lies the Tesoro di San Gennaro – the Treasury of San Gennaro. This extraordinary place uniquely combines 500 years of history, art and faith.
The Tesoro di San Gennaro developed around two sacred relics: the saint's skull, which is kept in a magnificent 14th-century Gothic reliquary bust, and his legendary blood, which is stored in a safe behind the altar. The blood plays a central role in Naples' religious life: three times a year, the ceremony of the liquefaction of the blood takes place, an event that attracts thousands of believers and is considered a good omen for the city.
Around these two relics, one of the world's most valuable collections of religious art developed over the centuries. Kings, queens, nobles and ordinary believers donated precious gifts: magnificent goldsmith works, silver objects, precious stones, pearls and elaborate paintings. The absolute highlight is the mitre from 1713, created by the Neapolitan goldsmith Matteo Treglia. With 3,326 diamonds, 198 emeralds and 168 rubies, it weighs 18 kilograms and is a masterpiece of goldsmithing.
Other highlights include the famous Collana di San Gennaro, a necklace that tells 250 years of European history, and 53 silver reliquary busts of Naples' patron saints. The magnificent Cappella del Tesoro, built from 1527 as a votive offering, is a jewel of Neapolitan Baroque with frescoes by Domenichino, Jusepe de Ribera and the impressive dome by Giovanni Lanfranco.
With your Naples City Pass, you get direct access to this unique treasure – including a theatrical audio guide with voices like Toni Servillo and musical accompaniment by Raiz. Immerse yourself in a world where faith, art and history are fascinatingly intertwined.
Where is Naples Cathedral? The magnificent cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Napoli or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the historic old town at Via Duomo 149. Right here, at the heart of Naples' religious and cultural life, lies the Tesoro di San Gennaro – the Treasury of San Gennaro. This extraordinary place uniquely combines 500 years of history, art and faith.
The Tesoro di San Gennaro developed around two sacred relics: the saint's skull, which is kept in a magnificent 14th-century Gothic reliquary bust, and his legendary blood, which is stored in a safe behind the altar. The blood plays a central role in Naples' religious life: three times a year, the ceremony of the liquefaction of the blood takes place, an event that attracts thousands of believers and is considered a good omen for the city.
Around these two relics, one of the world's most valuable collections of religious art developed over the centuries. Kings, queens, nobles and ordinary believers donated precious gifts: magnificent goldsmith works, silver objects, precious stones, pearls and elaborate paintings. The absolute highlight is the mitre from 1713, created by the Neapolitan goldsmith Matteo Treglia. With 3,326 diamonds, 198 emeralds and 168 rubies, it weighs 18 kilograms and is a masterpiece of goldsmithing.
Other highlights include the famous Collana di San Gennaro, a necklace that tells 250 years of European history, and 53 silver reliquary busts of Naples' patron saints. The magnificent Cappella del Tesoro, built from 1527 as a votive offering, is a jewel of Neapolitan Baroque with frescoes by Domenichino, Jusepe de Ribera and the impressive dome by Giovanni Lanfranco.
With your Naples City Pass, you get direct access to this unique treasure – including a theatrical audio guide with voices like Toni Servillo and musical accompaniment by Raiz. Immerse yourself in a world where faith, art and history are fascinatingly intertwined.
The Cappella del Tesoro and the treasury
Your visit to the Tesoro di San Gennaro begins in the magnificent Cappella del Tesoro, which was built between 1608 and 1637. This chapel is a masterpiece of Neapolitan Baroque and was built as thanks for the city's salvation from plague, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The elaborate frescoes by Domenichino and the monumental dome by Giovanni Lanfranco take you on a visual journey through biblical scenes and the saint's history.
In the chapel itself is the 14th-century Gothic reliquary bust of San Gennaro, which contains the saint's skull bones. Surrounded by 53 silver busts of Naples' patron saints, it creates an impressive sight that demonstrates the city's deep connection with its heavenly protectors.
The treasury presents the extraordinary collection of votive offerings donated over centuries by kings, nobles and believers. Here you can admire elaborate goldsmith works, including the famous mitre with its thousands of precious stones, the magnificent Collana di San Gennaro and a gilded 18th-century sedan chair. Each object tells its own story of piety, hope and gratitude.
Particularly impressive is the theatrical audio guide, which is included in the admission price. With the voices of well-known Italian actors such as Toni Servillo, Patrizio Rispo and Nunzia Schiano, as well as original music by Antonio Fresa and contributions from artists such as Raiz and Eugenio Bennato, the story comes alive. The audio guide is available in 11 languages, including Neapolitan, and offers both an adult and a children's version.
The museum is designed to be accessible and inclusive. It offers special tours, including tours in Braille and theatricalised visits that bring the history of the treasure to life in a particularly vivid way. The Tesoro di San Gennaro was awarded the Travellers' Choice Award by Tripadvisor in 2024 and is among the top 10% of the world's best attractions.
In the chapel itself is the 14th-century Gothic reliquary bust of San Gennaro, which contains the saint's skull bones. Surrounded by 53 silver busts of Naples' patron saints, it creates an impressive sight that demonstrates the city's deep connection with its heavenly protectors.
The treasury presents the extraordinary collection of votive offerings donated over centuries by kings, nobles and believers. Here you can admire elaborate goldsmith works, including the famous mitre with its thousands of precious stones, the magnificent Collana di San Gennaro and a gilded 18th-century sedan chair. Each object tells its own story of piety, hope and gratitude.
Particularly impressive is the theatrical audio guide, which is included in the admission price. With the voices of well-known Italian actors such as Toni Servillo, Patrizio Rispo and Nunzia Schiano, as well as original music by Antonio Fresa and contributions from artists such as Raiz and Eugenio Bennato, the story comes alive. The audio guide is available in 11 languages, including Neapolitan, and offers both an adult and a children's version.
The museum is designed to be accessible and inclusive. It offers special tours, including tours in Braille and theatricalised visits that bring the history of the treasure to life in a particularly vivid way. The Tesoro di San Gennaro was awarded the Travellers' Choice Award by Tripadvisor in 2024 and is among the top 10% of the world's best attractions.
Visitor information
Daily: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
Meeting Point:
Via Duomo, 149
80138 Naples
80138 Naples
Good to know
Last admission daily at 5:00 PM.
Note: Closed every Wednesday until 11 March 2026.
The admission price includes a theatrical audio guide in 11 languages (including Neapolitan), featuring voices of Toni Servillo and music by Raiz.
The museum is accessible and offers special inclusive tours, including tours in Braille.
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