
Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis
A medieval gem with breathtaking frescoes and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Italy's rich artistic and historical past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval gem with breathtaking frescoes and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Italy's rich artistic and historical past.
"It’s a unique experience: a masterpiece of art and a mystical atmosphere."

🚗 E.A.V. Train is Key
Take the E.A.V. train from Napoli Centrale for a direct and convenient journey. :train_2:
📅 Check Wedding Schedules
The basilica is often booked for weddings, which can impact public access. :wedding:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Frescoes
Nave and aisles
Marvel at one of Italy's finest medieval mural cycles, showcasing Byzantine influences and biblical scenes.

Scenic Valley Views
Gardens
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley from the basilica's tranquil gardens.

Longobard Artistry
Basilica interior
Experience the rich, colorful paintings characteristic of Longobard art, a unique historical and artistic treasure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 E.A.V. Train is Key
Take the E.A.V. train from Napoli Centrale for a direct and convenient journey. :train_2:
📅 Check Wedding Schedules
The basilica is often booked for weddings, which can impact public access. :wedding:
🥾 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful gardens offering stunning valley views and a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the basilica and its surrounding grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 E.A.V. Train is Key
Take the E.A.V. train from Napoli Centrale for a direct and convenient journey. :train_2:
📅 Check Wedding Schedules
The basilica is often booked for weddings, which can impact public access. :wedding:
🥾 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful gardens offering stunning valley views and a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the basilica and its surrounding grounds. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis for its stunning medieval frescoes and the serene beauty of its gardens, offering breathtaking valley views. The unique Longobard art and mystical atmosphere create a memorable experience. However, reaching the site can be challenging due to public transport limitations and potential closures for weddings.
"Amazing location from where you can enjoy a spacious view of the valley. Gardens full of fruit trees. The basil is rich in colorful paintings typical of Longobard art. On the upper part of the aisles and nave are paintings of religious scenes subdivided in new and old testament."
Leonella Ferrarini (lefe)
"I went today from Naples. It was an arduous journey, but it needn't have been. First, I had conflicting information. Google said the site was closed. According to the woman selling tickets at the Amphitheatre in Santa Maria Capua Vettere (Old Capua), it was open. I do not know what the basis of her information was, but there is another online site that said the same. I decided to gamble and go. The only thing I had to lose was time and a gallon of sweat.
I was referred to a bus. She did not know the details, and there signs for bus stops are very rare. Google indicated there would be a bus from the main train station, but there was no bus; and as I found out once I reached the church, there would be no bus because of road repairs.
I walked for more than an hour, and I found the church open. It was decorated for a wedding. It turns out that when it is not "open," it is indeed open for weddings. The church has to make money somehow.
The young women who were working at the church tried helping me find my way back to Naples; they were perfectly charming. One knew that there was a station just down the hill called S. Angelo in Formis and that I could find a train there back to Naples.
What I later found out at the station was that you can take a train from Naples to and from Sant' Angelo in Formis, but it's not a TrenItalia train. It's a single car train, and it goes by E.A.V.; and it's well maintained and air-conditioned.
Let's say you want to visit the Amphitheatre in Capua where Spartacus trained and fought. Well, there is apparently a stop on this EVA train, and it takes only another 8 minutes to reach the stop for Sant' Angelo in Formis; and they are all connected to Napoli Centrale.
I am not going to attach other pictures of the church, itself. What matters is getting there and back quickly and conveniently, and I hope to make your lives easier. The schedule for the EAV trains is attached. The trains arrive (for sure) and probably depart from Napoli Centrale's lowest-numbered platforms, like 1 or 2. Try Rome2Rio, or find the E.V.A. site."
Brendan Crowe
"Impressive old basilica with some ancient art work."
Tim Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to take the E.A.V. train from Napoli Centrale directly to Sant' Angelo in Formis. This single-car train is well-maintained and air-conditioned. Alternatively, if you're visiting the Amphitheatre in Capua, there's an E.A.V. train stop nearby that connects to Naples. Be aware that bus services can be unreliable due to road repairs.
While specific parking details are scarce, visitors have mentioned driving to the location. It's advisable to look for street parking or designated areas near the basilica.
Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Naples, especially if you utilize the E.A.V. train for efficient travel.
If you are in Capua, you can take the E.A.V. train which has a stop for Sant' Angelo in Formis, making it easily accessible from the city.
Yes, the area around Sant'Angelo in Formis is known for its hiking opportunities, with many trails available for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can be variable, as the basilica is often used for weddings. While it may appear closed, it's frequently open for ceremonies. It's best to check locally or be prepared for potential limited access.
Information on ticket prices is not readily available, but it's implied that there might be an entry fee or donation requested, especially when it's open for general visits.
Generally, if the basilica is booked for a wedding, public access might be restricted. However, some visitors have noted it remains open for ceremonies, which is how it generates income.
The gardens are part of the basilica complex. While specific fees for the gardens are not detailed, it's likely included with general entry or a small additional charge.
A visit to the Basilica itself can be around 25 minutes to take in the art and atmosphere. However, factor in travel time and time spent enjoying the gardens.
🎫 🎨 Art & History
The basilica houses one of the most important cycles of medieval mural paintings in Italy, dating back to the 11th century. These frescoes display strong Byzantine influences and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Longobard art refers to the artistic style of the Lombards, a Germanic people who ruled much of Italy from the 6th to 8th centuries. It's characterized by intricate metalwork, sculpture, and manuscript illumination, often with a blend of Germanic and Roman traditions. The frescoes at Sant'Angelo in Formis showcase later influences of this style.
The frescoes are considered remarkably well-preserved, offering a vivid glimpse into medieval religious art and storytelling.
The art primarily represents the Romanesque period, with strong Byzantine influences, dating from between 1072 and 1087.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check for signage or ask permission before taking extensive photos, especially with flash, to protect the delicate artwork.
📸 📸 Photography
The frescoes inside the basilica are a primary subject. The gardens also offer beautiful panoramic shots of the valley, especially during golden hour.
It's best to avoid using flash photography inside the basilica to protect the ancient frescoes. Always check for specific rules or ask for guidance.
Natural light filters in through the windows, illuminating the frescoes. The gardens offer ample natural light, with beautiful conditions during sunrise and sunset.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always wise to be mindful of local regulations and respect the sanctity of the site.
The late afternoon or early morning 'golden hours' provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the valley views from the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Sant'Angelo in Formis
Beyond the biblical scenes, the basilica itself is a testament to the architectural styles of its time. The structure, though modified over centuries, retains elements that speak to its historical significance. The presence of Longobard art, even in later periods, highlights the enduring cultural impact of this early medieval kingdom in Italy. Exploring the basilica is like stepping back in time, with each fresco telling a story and contributing to the mystical atmosphere that many visitors describe.
Navigating Public Transport
Travelers have encountered issues with bus services, citing infrequent schedules and disruptions due to road repairs, which can make relying on buses a gamble. If you're visiting the Roman Amphitheatre in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, there's a convenient connection via the E.A.V. train, with a stop just 8 minutes away from the Sant' Angelo in Formis station. It's highly recommended to check the E.A.V. train schedules in advance, as they are crucial for a smooth trip. Websites like Rome2Rio or the official E.V.A. site can be helpful resources.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit