Coemeterium in origin, due to the presence of graveyards and especially of San felice's grave, the history of Cimitile is strictly linked to its early Christian Basilicas, risen during the Ii and III century a.D. It was one of the most important place for pilgrimage during the Middle Age.
About the end of the IV century, the place reached the full splendour thanks to the bishop Meropio Ponzio Auricio Paolino, better known as St. Paolino from Nola who placed near S. Felice's basilica the '' Basilica Nova '' and he introduced in Cimitile, according to a rooted tradition, the christian use of the bells. Consecutive are the basilicas of St. Stefano (VI century), St. Tommaso's (XI - XII century), St. Giovanni 's (XII - XIII). Since 1500 till today the basilicas have aroused the interest of the scholars of all the world. The early Christian basilicas in Cimitile are a magnificent and the only proof of art, faith and culture. A "museum" rich in frescoes, mosaics and sculptures which take the onlooker back in time to the origins of Christian sentiment.