Treasure of San Gennaro

The Treasure Museum of San Gennaro, located in Naples, is one of the most important and fascinating religious museums in the world. Founded in 2003, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of sacred art objects, including relics, liturgical vestments, silver busts, paintings, jewelry, and votive objects offered by the faithful over the centuries. This collection is closely linked to the figure of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, and represents a treasure of invaluable artistic and historical value. The origins of the treasure date back to the Angevin period, when the first objects were donated as ex-votos to thank the saint for his miraculous intercessions. Over the centuries, the collection has grown thanks to donations from sovereigns, popes, and devout citizens, becoming one of the richest collections of sacred art in the world. The museum is located next to the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, a sumptuous Baroque chapel built between 1608 and 1646 to house the saint’s relics. One of the most important works in the collection is the Mitre of San Gennaro, an episcopal headdress made in 1713 by Matteo Treglia. The mitre is studded with 3326 diamonds, 164 rubies, 198 emeralds, and other precious gems, making it one of the most valuable sacred objects in the world. Another significant work is the Collar of San Gennaro, made in 1679 by Michele Dato. This collar is made up of 13 links in gold and silver, each representing a miracle attributed to the saint. The museum also houses a collection of silver reliquary busts depicting the patrons of the city of Naples. Among these, the bust of San Gennaro, made in 1305 by an unknown French artist, is one of the oldest and most venerated. This bust has been used during processions for centuries and is still carried around the city during the festivities in honor of the saint. The architecture of the museum is as fascinating as its collection. The Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, designed by some of the greatest architects and artists of the Baroque period, is a masterpiece of decoration and splendor. The walls and ceilings are covered with frescoes, golden stuccoes, and precious marbles, creating an environment of extraordinary beauty. The chapel is connected to the Naples Cathedral, one of the main churches in the city, through a passage that allows visitors easy access to the different sacred spaces. An interesting episode related to the treasure is that of the “blood ampoules” of San Gennaro. According to tradition, the saint’s blood, preserved in two ampoules, miraculously liquefies three times a year. This event, known as the “miracle of San Gennaro,” attracts thousands of faithful and tourists from around the world. The phenomenon is seen as a sign of the saint’s protection over the city of Naples, and any failure to liquefy is considered a bad omen.