Naples, Ipogeo dei Cristallini reopens to the public after restoration, in Rione Sanità

From July 1, 2022, theHypogeum of the Crystallines, the most famous of the Hellenistic hypogea, will reopen to the public in Naples, in the heart of the Rione Sanità. It is an ancient Greek burial ground that leads anyone who visits it back in time 2300 years ago.

Accessible by a small staircase inside a building on Via dei Cristallini, the Hypogeum’s four spaces will lead visitors to a place rich in decoration and exquisite trompe l’oeil effects. The complex is in fact made up of four sepulchres, carved out of the tufa, each with an independent entrance. Each is then made up of two overlapping chambers: the vestibule was used to fulfill the funeral rites, and from here there was access via a staircase to the lower floor, that is, the tomb intended to house the bodies of the deceased. The four hypogea are carved into the rock side by side. At the structural level they have the same scheme, but they have very different features among them. The decorative apparatus is developed with very bright colors and refined trompe l’oeil effects imitating architectural parties and luxurious furnishings. The first tomb was ornamented with eight bas-reliefs; the second holds a treasure trove of amphorae, artifacts, urns, altars and frescoes; the third is decorated with garlands, a head of Medusa, the group of Dionysus and Ariadne and depictions of a patera, a pitcher and two candelabra; and finally, the fourth has numerous loculi on the walls. In each of the hypogea one can see beds-sarcophagi carved out of the tufa, which are shaped like klinai on the outside, with mattresses and double pillows carved and painted in yellow, purple, blue and red.

Also on display is the rich collection of ancient artifacts and vessels still beautifully preserved.

The restoration project began in September 2020 and was partly financed with European/Regione Campania funds; it was carried out under the high supervision and scientific coordination of the Soprintendenza Archeologica, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the City of Naples, in collaboration with the Central Institute for Restoration.

To celebrate the opening of the Crystal Hypogeum, visits will be free for all from July 1 to 10. It will be open daily with rounds of visits from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a maximum number of eight people at a time, a number necessary to ensure a safe visit for everyone and to continue to preserve the precious paintings (visit duration 60 minutes). From July 11 onward, admission will be charged (full 25 euros, reduced 12 euros).

Photos by Luciano and Marco Pedicini

Naples, Ipogeo dei Cristallini reopens to the public after restoration, in Rione SanitÃ

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