Basilica di Sant'Angelo in Formis - Image 1
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Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis

4.7
·1k reviews·Sant'Angelo In Formis, Italy

A medieval gem with breathtaking frescoes and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Italy's rich artistic and historical past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Basilica di Sant'Angelo in Formis - Image 1

Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A medieval gem with breathtaking frescoes and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Italy's rich artistic and historical past.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"It’s a unique experience: a masterpiece of art and a mystical atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Frescoes

Medieval Frescoes

Nave and aisles

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

TikTok
Scenic Valley Views

Scenic Valley Views

Gardens

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley from the basilica's tranquil gardens.

Reddit
Longobard Artistry

Longobard Artistry

Basilica interior

Experience the rich, colorful paintings characteristic of Longobard art, a unique historical and artistic treasure.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Your Visit

Getting to Sant'Angelo in Formis can be tricky. While it's a beautiful destination, public transport can be unreliable due to road repairs or infrequent service. Consider checking E.A.V. train schedules in advance, as they offer a direct route from Naples. Reddit

Timing is Everything

The Basilica is a popular spot for weddings, which can affect public access. While it might be closed for general visits, it's often open for ceremonies. Check local schedules or be prepared for a potentially shorter visit if attending a wedding. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight illuminates frescoes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La Abadía de Sant'Angelo in Formis (Capua - Italia 🇮🇹) conserva uno de los mejores ciclos de pintura mural del medievo italiano. Datadas entre 1072 y 1087, quedan patentes esas influencias bizantinas que también irradiaron en nuestra Península Ibérica #Románico #Romanesque #Roman #Iglesia #Church #Chiesa #Eglise #MonumentalItaly #Heritage #Medieval #MoyenAge #MiddleAges #Patrimonio #Turismo #Via...
romanicoespana
1.7K likes • 0 views

🚗 E.A.V. Train is Key

Take the E.A.V. train from Napoli Centrale for a direct and convenient journey. Reddit :train_2:

📅 Check Wedding Schedules

The basilica is often booked for weddings, which can impact public access. Reddit :wedding:

#santangeloinformis #capua #campania
adsophoto.new
213 likes • 0 views
❤️🧡💚💛💙🩵💜🩷 #santangeloinformis#basilica#capua#parconaturalistico#park#adventure#viafrancigena#cloud#campaniadavivevere#turistipercaso#insolitaitalia#yallersitalia#costadeglidei#napolidavivere#italy_vacations#photogroupalleys#loves_campania#igersitalia#landscape#sky#light#instatraveling#ig_italy#ig_campaniaa#instaitalia#italia_places#italian_trips#loves_italia#italia_places
7ornella7
96 likes • 0 views

🥾 Explore the Gardens

Don't miss the beautiful gardens offering stunning valley views and a peaceful escape. Reddit :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. Reddit :train_2:

📅 Check Wedding Schedules

The basilica is often booked for weddings, which can impact public access. Reddit :wedding:

🥾 Explore the Gardens

Don't miss the beautiful gardens offering stunning valley views and a peaceful escape. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the basilica and its surrounding grounds. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

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

Amazing medieval frescoes
Beautiful valley views
Mystical atmosphere

What People Dislike

Difficult public transport
Variable opening hours

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. Reddit Alternatively, if you're visiting the Amphitheatre in Capua, there's an E.A.V. train stop nearby that connects to Naples. Reddit Be aware that bus services can be unreliable due to road repairs. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Naples, especially if you utilize the E.A.V. train for efficient travel. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the area around Sant'Angelo in Formis is known for its hiking opportunities, with many trails available for exploration. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

A visit to the Basilica itself can be around 25 minutes to take in the art and atmosphere. Reddit However, factor in travel time and time spent enjoying the gardens. Reddit

🎫 🎨 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

The frescoes are considered remarkably well-preserved, offering a vivid glimpse into medieval religious art and storytelling. TikTok

The art primarily represents the Romanesque period, with strong Byzantine influences, dating from between 1072 and 1087. TikTok

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. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The frescoes inside the basilica are a primary subject. The gardens also offer beautiful panoramic shots of the valley, especially during golden hour. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Natural light filters in through the windows, illuminating the frescoes. The gardens offer ample natural light, with beautiful conditions during sunrise and sunset. Instagram

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. Instagram

The late afternoon or early morning 'golden hours' provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the valley views from the gardens. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis offers a unique educational experience for families. The vibrant frescoes can captivate children's imaginations, serving as a visual storybook of biblical tales. TikTok The gardens provide a safe and open space for kids to explore and enjoy the scenic views, offering a break from the indoor art. Reddit Consider making the journey part of the adventure by using the E.A.V. train, which can be an exciting experience for younger travelers. Reddit Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the E.A.V. train is an economical way to reach Sant' Angelo in Formis from Naples, often more affordable than taxis or private tours. Reddit While there might be an entry fee or donation requested for the basilica, it's generally a modest expense for the historical and artistic value. Reddit The main cost to manage will be transportation. Pack your own food and drinks to save on dining expenses, as options near the basilica might be limited or pricier. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Sant' Angelo in Formis a rewarding destination. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the 11th-century frescoes offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning shots. TikTokInstagram Pay attention to the natural light filtering into the basilica, as it can beautifully illuminate the artwork. Instagram The surrounding gardens provide a picturesque backdrop with panoramic valley views, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. InstagramReddit Remember to be respectful of the site and inquire about any photography restrictions, particularly regarding flash. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Sant'Angelo in Formis

The Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis is renowned for its exceptional cycle of medieval frescoes, dating from the late 11th century. These vibrant murals cover the upper walls of the nave and aisles, depicting a comprehensive narrative of biblical stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The style is a fascinating blend of Romanesque and Byzantine influences, showcasing the artistic exchanges of the era. TikTok Visitors are often struck by the vivid colors and the detailed storytelling, which served as a visual Bible for a largely illiterate population. The preservation of these frescoes is remarkable, offering a rare and immersive experience into medieval art. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. InstagramReddit

Navigating Public Transport

Reaching the Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis via public transport requires some planning, as it's not as straightforward as major tourist hubs. The most reliable option mentioned by travelers is the E.A.V. (Ente Autonomo Volturno) train service. This single-car train operates from Napoli Centrale and offers a direct route to the Sant' Angelo in Formis station. Reddit It's noted to be well-maintained and air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable. Reddit

Travelers have encountered issues with bus services, citing infrequent schedules and disruptions due to road repairs, which can make relying on buses a gamble. Reddit 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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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