Basiliche Paleocristiane di Cimitile

The Early Christian Basilica Complex of Cimitile, near Nola, is one of the oldest and most fascinating religious and archaeological sites in Campania, southern Italy. This extraordinary complex preserves the origins of Christianity in southern Italy, telling a story that spans more than seventeen centuries of history, art, and spirituality.

Originally a Roman necropolis dating back to the 3rd century AD, the site developed in the 4th century around the tomb of Saint Felix of Nola, becoming one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of the early Christian West. Here, Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop and scholar, promoted the construction of new basilicas and the artistic transformation of the area, turning it into a sacred place of memory and devotion.

The Basilicas of Saint Felix, the Holy Martyrs, and Saint Thomas stand as remarkable examples of early Christian architecture. Their frescoes, mosaics, and inscriptions reflect the faith, artistry, and cultural richness of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Today, the Museum of the Early Christian Basilicas of Cimitile offers visitors an immersive experience that combines art, archaeology, and spirituality, inviting them to explore the deep roots of Christian Campania and its enduring cultural heritage.