It is located in the Rione Sanita on the large road that leads up to the Capodimonte museum and is an example of so-called paleo-Christian architecture in the city.

The foundation of the church is connected with the Catacombs of San Gennaro, the largest Christian catacomb complex in southern Italy.

The first structure was probably the result of the fusion of two ancient burial sites, one from the 2nd century CE that contained the remains of Saint Agrippinus of Naples, the first patron saint of Naples, and the site from the 4th century CE that contained the remains of San Gennaro, the now traditional patron saint of the city.

The church is still contained within the complex of the larger hospital structure.

The premises provide access to the extensive catacombs themselves.