Cimitile and its Early Christian Sanctuary

Cimitile combines an early Christian sanctuary with an unusually dense succession of sacred buildings and artworks. The early Christian basilica complex of Cimitile preserves mosaics, paintings and sculptural furnishings. It comprises seven sacred buildings that were constructed from the 4th century onwards around the tomb of Saint Felix. Under Paulinus of Nola, the sanctuary developed around this tomb into a destination for uninterrupted pilgrimages; they continued even after a severe flood at the beginning of the 6th century.

The Basilicas and Their Artworks

The Basilica di S. Felice preserves the tomb of Saint Felix beneath the altar. It also contains a funerary aedicule built at the beginning of the 6th century, with mosaics on a gold background and an inscription in large letters. In the Basilica di S. Stefano, part of the original apse and the remains of a vestibule that connected it with the Basilica Nova have been preserved. Two superimposed layers of frescoes date from the 6th century and from the 12th to 13th centuries.

Tommaso was built for funerary purposes after the flood at the beginning of the 6th century. Its paintings belong to three different campaigns: from the 14th century, the second half of the 17th century and the late 19th century. The Cappella dei Ss. Martiri was created between the late 9th and early 10th centuries by transforming a funerary mausoleum built in the 3rd century. Its paintings are considered the first examples of Christian art outside Rome.

Antiquarium and Further Historical Traces

The Antiquarium di Cimitile displays Roman, early Christian, medieval and post-medieval finds that illustrate the development of the sanctuary. They include a marble sarcophagus from the 3rd century depicting the myth of Endymion. The preserved three-part apse of the Basilica Nova was incorporated into the later church of San Giovanni. The Basilica di San Calionio was created in the second half of the 4th century by transforming a funerary mausoleum and preserves a painted velarium associated with the restoration work commissioned by Bishop Leone III.

The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli preserves the only part of its chapel that survived the demolitions of 1934, as well as a fresco of the Virgin Mary with the Child between two angels. The Arco Santo preserves two superimposed layers of frescoes; one of them dates from the 14th century and is divided into three pictorial panels. It is considered the original entrance to the basilica complex and can complement a visit as a brief stop.

Plan Your Visit at Leisure

For a guided tour of the early Christian basilica complex, you should allow at least around two hours. The variety of buildings, periods and artworks makes Cimitile particularly interesting if you want to experience history not only through individual exhibits, but through the interplay of sacred architecture, places of remembrance and art. When choosing your hotel, the planned length of your stay is therefore a useful guideline: this gives the site the time it deserves without turning the visit into a mere stopover.

Further destinations for your trip to Italy: Massa Lubrense, Calvizzano, Anacapri, Quarto, Agerola, Vico Equense, Sant'antonio Abate, Piano Di Sorrento

For the higher-level travel overview: Naples.