Around 200 A.D., the main entrance to the lower level of the catacomb was an independent, pagan hypogeum. The original paintings show a multicolored frame system dividing the surface in geometrical motives, in which vessels, flowers, birds, 4-legged animals and hippocamps are placed. In the 8th century, the area was an episcopal residence; preserved are a baptismal font and a fresco of Christ’s baptism. From the Middle Ages are the decorations of 2 niches at the back wall (mosaics and a painting of Christ and 5 female saints) and a chamber, the “confessio”, painted several times with depictions of San Gennaro, at last with his 6 co-martyrs.
The descriptions were provided by Seniorprofessor Dr. Dieter Korol, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
