A staggering quantity of Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, works of art and artifacts spanning from 1305 to the present day, with a collection of exceptionally beautiful silver, the fruit of the skill of Neapolitan artisans.
The Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, a highly symbolic place in the religious, artistic, and cultural history of Naples, attracts visitors from around the world.
Located next to the Naples Cathedral and the Chapel of the Treasury, it houses one of the most precious collections of sacred artifacts in the world, amassed over seven centuries thanks to donations from Popes, Kings, Emperors, and ordinary Neapolitans.
Precious goldsmiths, silversmiths, textiles, paintings, and statues represent one of the most important and intact artistic and historical heritages in the world.
The visit allows you to take a journey into the history and faith of Neapolitans, who have venerated San Gennaro as the city’s protector for centuries, especially after the plague and other disasters of 1527, which led to the construction of the chapel and the collection of its treasures.
The museum tour spans several rooms, including the restored sacristy of the Chapel of the Treasure.
Key exhibitions include:
– The Necklace of San Gennaro, the museum’s iconic object. It is not a single necklace, but an evolving masterpiece, created between 1679 and 1929, composed of 13 large gold links, 700 precious stones (diamonds, rubies, emeralds), and 13 crosses.
Among the gems, a 47-carat yellow-brown diamond, donated by Joseph Bonaparte, stands out.
It is worn by the reliquary bust of the Saint during the celebrations for the liquefaction of the blood.
– The Goldsmith’s Miter (Precious Miter). Made by Neapolitan goldsmith Michele Dato in 1713. An incredible work of goldsmithing, encrusted with 3,326 diamonds, 198 emeralds, and 168 rubies.
It is perhaps the most precious piece of sacred jewelry in the world.
– The Bust of Saint Januarius in silver and gold (1304-1305) by three French goldsmiths, which contains the reliquary with the skull of the Saint.
– The Bust of Saint Januarius Barbatus (mid-17th century), which is carried in procession.
– The Ampoules of the Miracle. The reliquary containing the two ampoules with the blood of San Gennaro. During the miracle, the solidified blood melts into a liquid. This object is itself the heart of the cult of the “Miracle of San Gennaro” in Naples.
– Silver and Gold Objects: The “Gli Argenti” collection (since 1305), with chalices, altarpieces, and processional statues by Neapolitan artisans.
– Gifts from Popes and Sovereigns, such as the pectoral cross donated by Pope Pius IX
– Paintings and Frescoes: Works by Baroque masters such as Luca Giordano (frescoes), Domenichino, Massimo Stanzione, Giacomo Farelli, and Aniello Falcone, depicting the life and martyrdom of the saint.
– Bronze sculptures, an 18th-century sedan chair for processions, and historical documents on the Deputation of the Royal Chapel (established in the 16th century).
Tours and Activities
Free audio guides included; options for dramatized tours in Neapolitan dialect, children’s workshops, or private events.
Explore the Chapel and the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, interacting with multimedia content: listen to audio clips and watch videos.
The tour also includes access to the Chapel of San Gennaro, a jewel of Neapolitan Baroque with a dome frescoed by Domenichino.
The treasure symbolizes Naples’ profound devotion to San Gennaro, whose blood miraculously liquefies three times a year. A phenomenon tied to the city’s destiny. See Miracle of San Gennaro
Via Duomo 149
Naples
Campania – Italy
What to see places to visit weekend city municipality art culture cultural itineraries religious interest tourist attractions