Naples and The Mysterious Ampoule

In the Naples cathedral, a crypt called “Succorpo” was built for the relics of Saint-Januarius and completed in 1506 in the Renaissance Style. A special altar houses the relics and ampoule containing the Saint’s blood worshipped here since the Vth century.

A special ritual and ceremony display the sealed glass ampoule and take place 3 times a year: – on the Saturday preceding the first Sunday of May, celebrating the anniversary of the transfer of the Saint’s remains at the beginning of the IVth century - on September 19, anniversary of his mardyrdom – and on December 16, anniversary of the eruption of the Vesuvius in 1631, killing 4000 persons but saving the town. The miracle that appeared in the IVth century, consists in the liquefaction of the Saint’s blood. If witnessed, the city will be protected and will find prosperity.

The “Succorpo” housing the relics of Saint-Januarius.

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At the end of the XVIIIth century when Naples was occupied by the troops of the French Directoire, the Neapolitans wished to know if the Saint would approve the new republican government. In the Spring of 1799, French General Mac Donald and his staff came to the cathedral for the traditional ceremony. At 6 in the evening, as the blood obviously did not show any trace of liquefaction, the crowd began to shout. Alexandre Dumas in “Corricolo” tells that the General’s aide-de-camp mingled with the crowd and when he reached the bishop, simply told him: “If within 10 minutes the miracle does not occur, in 15 minutes you will be fired”. General Mac Donald then asked: “So what?” and the aide-de-camp promptly replied: “Don’t worry Sir, in 10 minutes the miracle will be done”. And that was done in the next five minutes. Finally the French troops evacuated Naples only a few days later. Wasn’t Saint-Januarius right?  For a certain period of time though, the Napoleonic troops will come back and Napoleon’s brother-in-law, Joachim Murat, will be King of Naples.   

The ceiling of the Saint-Januarius Chapel.

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Lateral nave of Saint-Januarius chapel.

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Caissons of the vaults in Saint-Januarius chapel.

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Interior of Saint-Januarius Cathedral.

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Saint-Januarius Cathedral in Naples.

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The spire in front of Saint-Januarius Cathedral in Naples by Cosimo Fanzago.

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