The Treasure of San Gennaro is often valued higher than the British Crown Jewels or the Russian Imperial Jewels.
The Deputation of the Chapel of the Treasure is a unique civil institution in Naples that has managed the treasure since the 17th century.
The Mitre of San Gennaro contains 3,326 diamonds, 164 rubies, and 198 emeralds.
The 'Necklace of San Gennaro' continues to be enlarged today with new gems donated by devotees.
The museum contains a portrait of San Gennaro painted by Luca Giordano.
Many of the items were donated by European royalty including the Bourbons of Naples, the House of Savoy, and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The museum uses advanced lighting systems specifically designed to highlight the intricate detail of the gemstones without damaging them.
The Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro houses one of the world's most valuable collections of gold, silver, and gemstones, accumulated over eight centuries through donations from popes, monarchs, and nobility. It is located adjacent to the Naples Cathedral and specifically protects the relics of Naples' patron saint, San Gennaro. The collection includes the Mitre of San Gennaro, created in 1713, which is adorned with 3,694 precious stones. Visitors can view the Neapolitan yellow gold jewelry, unique in its composition and craftsmanship. The museum operates under the administration of the Deputation of the Chapel of the Treasure, a secular institution founded in 1601. The exhibits showcase votive offerings and liturgical objects of immense historical and artistic significance. The museum maintains its independence from the Catholic Church hierarchy in terms of property ownership.
The central display case housing the Mitre of San Gennaro offers the most striking visual contrast and detail.
Combine your visit with the adjoining Naples Cathedral to see where the saint's blood liquefaction miracle occurs.
Take advantage of the provided audio guides, which offer deep context on the provenance of the individual jewels.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions that display items rarely brought out of the vaults.
Do not mistake the museum entrance for the main Cathedral entrance; they are separate buildings connected by the cloister area.
Open daily; closed on certain public holidays and occasionally during private religious functions in the cathedral.
Maintain a quiet tone appropriate for a site housing religious relics; photography without flash is permitted.
