Who was San Gennaro?
According to tradition, San Gennaro (Saint Januarius) was bishop of Benevento between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, in a period marked by the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.
His witness of faith led him to martyrdom in 305 AD near the Solfatara of Pozzuoli. Tradition says that, after several failed attempts at execution, he was beheaded.
He soon became the object of deep veneration, and was eventually recognized as the principal patron saint of the city of Naples.
The miracle of the blood
The event that made San Gennaro famous around the world is the so-called miracle of the liquefaction of the blood.
The Cathedral of Naples holds two ancient vials containing the Saint's blood, collected, according to tradition, after his martyrdom.
On certain feast days of the year, the blood, normally solid, turns liquid again in front of the faithful. The event is welcomed as a good omen and is one of the most heartfelt moments of Neapolitan devotion.
When does the liquefaction of the blood take place?
Tradition sets three main dates during the year:
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The Saturday before the first Sunday in May, in memory of the transfer of the relics.
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September 19, the day dedicated to San Gennaro's martyrdom and the main feast of the patron saint.
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December 16, the anniversary of the Saint's so-called "patronage," linked to the protection of the city during an eruption of Vesuvius in 1631.
On these occasions thousands of the faithful gather in the Cathedral of Naples to witness the rite of the liquefaction of the blood.
A symbol for the city of Naples
For Neapolitans, San Gennaro is much more than a religious figure.
Over the centuries his name has been tied to the most important moments in the city's history: epidemics, wars, volcanic eruptions and shared hardships have strengthened the bond between the Saint and the people of Naples.
His image appears in churches, in street shrines, in works of art, in nativity scenes and in the craft workshops of San Gregorio Armeno, the Naples street of nativity makers, making him one of the most representative symbols of Neapolitan culture.
San Gennaro in Neapolitan art
Over the centuries the figure of San Gennaro has inspired painters, sculptors and artisans.
He is often shown with his most characteristic attributes: the miter, the crosier and the vials of blood.
Each interpretation tells not only the story of the Saint, but also of the deep bond between art, faith and tradition that defines Naples.
Still today, in the workshops of San Gregorio Armeno, San Gennaro remains one of the most requested and beloved figures, a symbol of protection, hope and belonging.
San Gennaro and the Bottega Capuano tradition
Since 1840, Bottega Capuano has created works inspired by the most authentic symbols of Neapolitan tradition. Among them, San Gennaro holds a special place: each figure is born from handcrafted terracotta work, with the aim of preserving and honoring one of the deepest devotions in Neapolitan culture.
