Naples Underground: Discovering the Hidden Treasures Beneath the City
Naples is not just the city you see on the surface. Beneath the feet of passersby, between 5 and 40 meters deep, there exists another Naples: made of Greco-Roman tunnels, Bourbon aqueducts, cisterns, military galleries, and early Christian catacombs. Exploring the underground is one of the most fascinating and unique experiences you can have during your vacation in Naples. This guide takes you on a journey to discover the main underground routes, with information on costs, duration, accessibility, and how to book.
Why Naples Has Such an Extensive Underground
The underground history of Naples begins with the Greeks (7th century BC), who dug tuff to build the city and created the first cisterns for water. The Romans expanded the network of tunnels and aqueducts. In the 1500s, the Spaniards built military galleries. During World War II, Neapolitans used these spaces as air raid shelters. Today, part of this heritage is open to visitors. During your vacation in Naples, an underground tour offers a completely different perspective on the city.
The Main Underground Routes Compared
| Name | Duration | Cost | Difficulty | Suitable for children | Uniqueness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naples Underground (via Tribunali) | 2 hours | €15 | Medium (stairs, narrow spaces) | From 6 years old | Roman-Greek Aqueduct |
| Bourbon Gallery | 1.5-2 hours | 18-25€ | Medium | From 8 years old | Abandoned vintage cars |
| Catacombs of San Gennaro | 1 hour | 9€ | Low | From 5 years old | Paleochristian frescoes |
| Catacombs of San Gaudioso | 1 hour | 9€ | Low | From 5 years old | Skulls and frescoes |
| Hypogeum of the Cristallini | 45 min | 12€ | Low | From 4 years old | Rare Roman-Greek frescoes |
Naples Underground (Via dei Tribunali) – The Classic Route
Description
Located in the heart of the historic center, 40 meters below Via dei Tribunali, this route allows you to walk inside the ancient Roman-Greek aqueduct. You will also visit the Hypogean Garden (a green oasis illuminated by a natural skylight) and the shelters from World War II.
Practical details
Address:Piazza San Gaetano, 68 (entrance next to the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore)
Hours:every day 10:00-18:00 (last departure 17:00)
Duration:2 hours
Cost:15€ adults, 10€ children (6-12 years)
Reservation:recommended on weekends (online on the official website)
Accessibility:not accessible to strollers and wheelchairs (narrow stairs)
What you will see
The entrance through an ancient Roman well
The aqueduct tunnels (some only 70 cm wide)
The Hypogean Garden (plants growing with filtered natural light)
The air raid shelters with graffiti and vintage items
The largest Greek cistern in Naples
Attention
Wear closed-toe and non-slip shoes (the floor is wet)
The path has narrow sections (not suitable for those with claustrophobia)
Internal temperature 14-16°C all year round (bring a sweatshirt even in summer)
Bourbon Gallery – The Underground Tunnel with Abandoned Cars
Description
The Bourbon Gallery is a drivable tunnel built in 1853 to connect the Royal Palace to the military district of Chiaia. During the war, it was used as a shelter and storage. Today it is famous for the vintage cars (Lancia, Fiat 500) abandoned since the 1950s and for the still intact military vehicles.
Practical details
Address:Vico del Grottone, 4 (Piazza del Plebiscito)
Hours:guided tours at fixed times (check the website, generally 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00)
Duration:1 hour and 30 minutes (classic tour) / 2 hours (speleological tour)
Cost:€18 (classic), €25 (speleological with helmet and knee pads)
Reservation:mandatory (official website)
Accessibility:Is the classic route accessible for strollers? Yes, but with difficulties (some ramps). Wheelchair access only with an escort.
What you will see
The main tunnel, 770 meters long
Abandoned vintage cars (Fiat 600, Alfa Romeo Giulietta)
The military garage with jeeps and cannons
The water cisterns and secret stairs of the Royal Palace
In the speleo route: very narrow tunnels, underground ponds, and vertical climbs
Which route to choose?
Classic route:for everyone, including children over 8 years old. No equipment needed.
Speleo route:for the adventurous. You must crawl through tunnels that are 60 cm high. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Not allowed for those with back problems or claustrophobia.
Catacombs of San Gennaro – The Largest Christian Catacomb in Southern Italy
Description
The catacombs of San Gennaro (the patron saint of Naples) date back to the 2nd century AD and are developed on two levels. Bishops and martyrs were buried here, and they contain extraordinarily beautiful early Christian frescoes.
Practical details
Address:Via Capodimonte, 13 (the climb starts from Piazza Sanità)
Hours:Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry), Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Duration:1 hour
Cost:€9 adults, €5 children (6-12 years), free under 6
Reservation:recommended, but can be purchased on-site
Accessibility:partially accessible (there are stairs, but the main path has ramps)
What you will see
The Basilica of Sant’Agrippino (first level)
The corridor of bishops with 4th-century frescoes
The crypt of San Gennaro (second level)
The skylight that illuminates the saint's tomb
The bishop's chair carved in tuff
Curiosities
The catacombs of San Gennaro are more grandiose and better preserved than the Roman ones. The fresco of San Gennaro on the throne (5th century) is one of the oldest portraits of the saint.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso – Skulls and Macabre Frescoes
Description
Less famous but equally fascinating, the catacombs of San Gaudioso are known for the skulls and skeletons on display. Here, the deceased were seated in niches, and after decomposition, the skulls were painted with the name and date of death.
Practical details
Address:Piazza Sanità (entrance from the church of Santa Maria della Sanità)
Hours:Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Duration:1 hour
Cost:€9 (combined ticket with the catacombs of San Gennaro: €13)
Accessibility:limited (many stairs)
What you will see
The niches with painted skulls
The well where the bodies of the poor were thrown
The frescoes of the Last Judgment
The original Roman staircase from the 2nd century
Hypogeum of the Cristallini – The Hidden Jewel in the Rione Sanità
Description
Discovered only in 2013, the Hypogeum of the Cristallini is a Greek tomb from the 4th century BC (350 years before Christ) with perfectly preserved frescoes depicting scenes of symposium and mythology. It is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of recent decades.
Practical details
Address:Via dei Cristallini, 133 (Rione Sanità)
Hours:guided tours every hour (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Closed on Mondays.
Duration:45 minutes
Cost:€12 adults, €6 children (6-12 years)
Reservation:required (limited spots available)
Accessibility:good (few steps)
What you will see
The fresco of the dancer (unique in its kind)
The banquet scenes with servants and musicians
The intact tuff sarcophagus
The Greek painting technique (fresco on plaster)
Why it is special
While the Pompeian frescoes are Roman (1st century AD), those of the Hypogeum of the Cristallini are Greek (4th century BC) and represent a rare and earlier artistic phase.
Practical Tips for Underground Tours
What to bring
Closed and non-slip shoes (absolutely no flip-flops or heels)
Sweater or light jacket (below 15°C)
Camera (no flash in the catacombs for preservation)
Do not bring large bags (spaces are tight)
What to avoid
Do not touch the walls (moisture damages the frescoes)
Do not use flash in areas with ancient paintings
Do not bring children under 5 years old in narrow paths (Napoli Sotterranea and Galleria Borbonica speleo)
Which tour to choose if you have little time
Only 1 hour:Catacombs of San Gennaro (more scenic)
2 hours:Napoli Sotterranea (more historical) or classic Galleria Borbonica (more original)
Half a day:combine Catacombs of San Gennaro + Ipogeo dei Cristallini (both in the Rione Sanità)
Napoli Sotterranea with Children: What is Suitable
Catacombs of San Gennaro:yes, from 5 years old. Spacious areas, no narrow passages.
Ipogeo dei Cristallini:yes, from 4 years old. Short and well-lit path.
Napoli Sotterranea:from 6 years old, but check that the child is not afraid of the dark or narrow spaces.
Galleria Borbonica (classic):from 8 years old.
Galleria Borbonica (speleo):from 12 years old and only if athletic.
Updated Hours and Reservations (2026)
All sites require online reservation on weekends and during high season (June-September). Book at least 2-3 days in advance. For Galleria Borbonica and Ipogeo dei Cristallini, also 1 week in advance in August.
FAQ
What is the most suggestive underground tour in Naples?
The Galleria Borbonica (classic route) for abandoned vintage cars. Napoli Sotterranea for the Greek-Roman aqueduct.
How much does it cost to visit Naples Underground?
€15 for the standard 2-hour tour. There are night tours for €20.
Are the catacombs of Naples suitable for claustrophobics?
Yes, the catacombs of San Gennaro are spacious, with high ceilings. Avoid Naples Underground and the speleo Bourbon Gallery.
Can I take photos in the undergrounds of Naples?
Yes, without flash. Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the catacombs to protect the frescoes.
How long does the Bourbon Gallery tour last?
1 hour and 30 minutes for the classic tour. 2 hours for the speleo tour.
Is it possible to visit the undergrounds of Naples with a stroller?
Only the catacombs of San Gennaro (with a compact stroller). All other sites are not recommended.
Which underground tour is free?
None. The cheapest are the catacombs (€9). Prices are justified by maintenance and specialized guides.
A unique and unforgettable perspective
Exploring the underground of Naples is like opening a three-dimensional history book. Every tunnel, every cistern, every fresco tells a piece of the city that is not seen on the surface. During yourvacation in Naples, dedicating at least half a day to one of these underground tours will give you a unique and unforgettable perspective. Whether you choose the Greek-Roman aqueduct of Naples Underground, the ghost cars of the Bourbon Gallery, or the millennia-old frescoes of the catacombs, you will emerge from the darkness with a deeper understanding of this layered and complex city. Book in advance, dress comfortably, and be amazed by the Naples you don't see.
For a complete overview of all the must-see attractions – above ground and underground – check out the comprehensive resource for those who want to experience Naples at 360 degrees through history, art, and mysteries.
Revision date:April 16, 2026