Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore underground
The beauty of Naples is not only manifested on the surface but also in its subsoil. Under the city of Naples there is an underground geothermal zone and several tunnels dug during the ages. The subsoil of the city of Naples is largely made up of tuff, a friable volcanic stone, easy to excavate and sufficiently resistant to create self-supporting tunnels. This extensive caves and tunnels are called “Naples Underground” and are available to visit by booking a tour.
Bring a sweatshirt with you. Even in summer, it can be very cold underground. We therefore recommend that you bring a sweater or sweatshirt with you. Also wear comfortable shoes for your visit to the underground. You willl be asked if you want to use candles to light your way. It adds that something extra to the atmosphere, but if you prefer you can use a flashlight or your phone torch.
Naples Underground is a fascinating visit, however, please note that many of the tunnels are very narrow and dimly lit. If you suffer from claustrophobia, or don’t feel comfortable in small, dark and cramped spaces, then this activity is not advisable for you. However most of the tunnels the tour uses are very broad, with a short section which is quite narrow. If you are claustrophobic you can skip it, just let the guides know when you reach that part of the tour.
How to best experience Naples Underground?
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Best Naples Underground Tours
Tickets for Naples Underground
/5Take a guided tour beneath the ancient city with this Naples Underground ticket
As low as
€10.00
on Tiqets.com
Naples Underground + Catacombs of San Gennaro
/5Book once and enhance your experience with this convenient combination of must sees
As low as
€21.00
on Tiqets.com
Underground Naples: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour
/5Step into a world 40 meters beneath the busy streets of Naples and see many chapters in the city's history from the air-raid shelters of the Second World War to Emperor Nero's dressing room.
As low as
€14
on GetYourGuide.com
Naples: Spanish Quarters Underground Guided Tour
/5Venture below the surface and discover a hidden side of Naples on this guided walking tour. Explore underground the Spanish Quarters, learn about the tunnels, and visit the Neapolitan aqueduct.
As low as
€12
on GetYourGuide.com
How were the tunnels of underground Naples originally used?
In the 4th century BC the ancient Greeks dug these tunnels to build the city and later these underground passages were used by the Romans as aqueducts to supply water to the city. Over the span of two and a half millennia, this underground network has been expanded and today extends for 450 kilometers under modern Naples.
What role did underground Naples play during the Second World War?
During the Second World War the tunnels took on the function of refuge, saving the lives of more than 200,000 people from bombs. Following the war the tunnels fell into disuse until the early 19th century when they were recovered to be one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
Is there only one path to follow?
There are several different access points and different paths, to get to know the history of the city from a deeper point of view. Underground Naples can be visited in different ways and with different routes, from the classic ones on foot and of short duration to the tours on the rafts in the tanks, or to the candlelit itineraries.
Not everything can be visited: to have a better experience, you need to avoid doing it yourself and rely on authorized routes, also for safety reasons. To choose the most suitable entrance (there are three of them) keep in mind what you want to visit otherwise you risk being disappointed.
Where do you enter underground Naples from?
You can access from Piazza San Gaetano, from the Chapel of Saint Restituta, from Via S.Anna di Palazzo and from Piazza Trieste e Trento.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to Naples Underground.
Location
Piazza San Gaetano, 68
Via s.Anna di Palazzo
Piazza Trieste e Trento.
Opening hours
To visit Naples Underground the times are as follows:
- Tours in Italian depart every hour from 10 am to 6 pm. Tours in English depart at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. They also leave at 9 pm on Thursdays, subject to at least 10 people booking.
How to get to Naples Underground
To reach Naples Underground:
Metro: Museo or Cavour, lines 1 and 2.
Buses: lines 201, C1N and R2.
Attractions nearby
- Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore
- Museo Cappella Sansevero
- Chiesa e Chiostro di San Gregorio Armeno
- Via San Gregorio Armeno
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