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Walk through the sprawling tunnels, admire the Greco-Roman Theater of Nero, and learn something new about botany at the Hypogeum Gardens.
- Naples Underground
- History
- Spanish Quarters Underground
- Napoli Sotterranea
- Naples Catacombs
- Neapolis Sotterrata
- Pompeii Tickets & Tours
- Herculaneum Tickets
- Mount Vesuvius
- Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Museo Di Capodimonte
- Villa Pignatelli
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples Tickets
- Capri Boat Tours
- Bourbon Tunnel
- Maradona Tours
- Artecard Naples City Pass
- Veiled Christ
- Alibus Airport Transfers
- Naples to Amalfi Coast Tours
- Castel Sant'Elmo
- Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Naples Underground tickets & tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Follow the official Naples Underground path, along ancient aqueducts and WWII bomb shelters.
- What you get: Descend 136 steps into millennia-old galleries, discovering Greek cisterns and medieval tunnels. Visit the underground War Museum and learn about the use of tunnels as shelters during WWII. Walk through the ruins of a Roman Theater beneath Neapolitan homes, and find emperor Nero's private dressing rooms used for performances. Explore the Hypogeum Gardens, an underground botanical project experimenting with crop growth at 35 meters depth!
- Why choose this: Save time and skip the lines at Piazza San Gaetano. What's more, choose between an English and Italian-speaking guide for an inclusive experience. This tour ensures you're not in the dark (quite literally), and are given insights into a historic establishment in Naples.
Follow the official Naples Underground path, along ancient aqueducts and WWII bomb shelters.
- What you get: Descend 136 steps into millennia-old galleries, discovering Greek cisterns and medieval tunnels. Visit the underground War Museum and learn about the use of tunnels as shelters during WWII. Walk through the ruins of a Roman Theater beneath Neapolitan homes, and find emperor Nero's private dressing rooms used for performances. Explore the Hypogeum Gardens, an underground botanical project experimenting with crop growth at 35 meters depth!
- Why choose this: Save time and skip the lines at Piazza San Gaetano. What's more, choose between an English and Italian-speaking guide for an inclusive experience. This tour ensures you're not in the dark (quite literally), and are given insights into a historic establishment in Naples.
Inclusions
- 1 to 1.5-hour guided tour of Naples Sotterranea with entry
- Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller as there are 121 steps to access the underground with no elevators or escalators.
- For people with claustrophobia: There is one optional narrow tunnel. Those who do not want to walk the tunnel can take an alternate route and wait10 mins for the group.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
An intimate, off-beat tour into the intricate labyrinth beneath Naples’ historic Spanish Quarters.
- With an expert English, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide, go below the Quartieri Spagnoli to discover a unique part of Underground Naples!
- Witness quarries full of the volcanic tuff stone used to construct much of Naples' surface architecture in your group of just 20 people.
- Learn how tunnels turned into air raid shelters during WWII, complete with drawings, inscriptions, and remnants that tell stories of resilience.
- Marvel at ancient engineering as you explore the Roman aqueducts, a lifeline of water supply that shaped Naples' urban growth.
An intimate, off-beat tour into the intricate labyrinth beneath Naples’ historic Spanish Quarters.
- With an expert English, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide, go below the Quartieri Spagnoli to discover a unique part of Underground Naples!
- Witness quarries full of the volcanic tuff stone used to construct much of Naples' surface architecture in your group of just 20 people.
- Learn how tunnels turned into air raid shelters during WWII, complete with drawings, inscriptions, and remnants that tell stories of resilience.
- Marvel at ancient engineering as you explore the Roman aqueducts, a lifeline of water supply that shaped Naples' urban growth.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground with entry
- Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
- Tip: Trattorias in the Spanish Quarters are known for their fried pizza, ask the locals for their recommendations and stop for a bite after your tour!
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
- For people with claustrophobia: There is one optional narrow tunnel. Those who do not want to walk the tunnel can take an alternate route and wait 10 mins for the group.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Unsure which Naples Underground experience is right for you?
Naples Underground includes a variety of tunnels, ruins, and catacombs. Explore historic tunnels that reveal Naples’ hidden past or discover the haunting beauty of tombs filled with centuries-old relics. Each experience offers unique insights into the city's subterranean secrets.
Flexible entry to Naples' largest Christian burial sites with an expert guide.
- Do it your way. Visit San Gennaro first with a 1-hour guided tour, and San Gaudioso next within 12 months – or vice versa.
- At the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, see early mosaics like Christ Pantocrator and learn about morbid 17th-century burial processes.
- At the Catacombs of San Gennaro, explore grand crypts, basilicas, and the tombs of Naples' patron saint and bishops.
- Admire intricate frescoes and Byzantine paintings from the 9th and 10th centuries, and a baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II.
Flexible entry to Naples' largest Christian burial sites with an expert guide.
- Do it your way. Visit San Gennaro first with a 1-hour guided tour, and San Gaudioso next within 12 months – or vice versa.
- At the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, see early mosaics like Christ Pantocrator and learn about morbid 17th-century burial processes.
- At the Catacombs of San Gennaro, explore grand crypts, basilicas, and the tombs of Naples' patron saint and bishops.
- Admire intricate frescoes and Byzantine paintings from the 9th and 10th centuries, and a baptismal font commissioned by Bishop Paul II.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the San Gaudioso Catacombs with entry
- 1-hour guided tour of the San Gennaro Catacombs with entry
- Entry to Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità
- Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
- While the Catacombs of San Gennaro are partially accessible, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso are not accessible by wheelchair.
- Street level access to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is in Vicoletto S. Gennaro dei Poveri, 22.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Avoid ticket lines and access Neapolis Sotterrata under the historic San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- At your own pace, walk through an ancient Roman market complete with squares and shops preserved beneath the modern city of Naples.
- Wander the Sotterrata streets, imagining the past lives of people flocking to bakeries or pacing a courtyard.
- Explore the stunning Gothic interior of San Lorenzo Maggiore, from the Cacace Chapel to the museum.
- View artifacts from Greek to Aragonese periods, including sculptures, frescoes, and historical relics in the Monumental Complex.
Avoid ticket lines and access Neapolis Sotterrata under the historic San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- At your own pace, walk through an ancient Roman market complete with squares and shops preserved beneath the modern city of Naples.
- Wander the Sotterrata streets, imagining the past lives of people flocking to bakeries or pacing a courtyard.
- Explore the stunning Gothic interior of San Lorenzo Maggiore, from the Cacace Chapel to the museum.
- View artifacts from Greek to Aragonese periods, including sculptures, frescoes, and historical relics in the Monumental Complex.
Inclusions
- Entry to San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Exclusions
- Guided tour
- The Sotterrata is not accessible by wheelchair/strollers.
- The entire Monumental Complex, with the exception of the archaeological areas, is easily accessible by wheelchair/strollers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
START POINT
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo
Assemble here to begin a 2.5 hour walking tour showing you the sights 'above and below' Naples.
Passes by
Sansevero Chapel Museum
Santa Chiara Monumental Complex
San Gregorio Armeno Church
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San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Tickets included
Start with the beautiful medieval Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, admiring its frescoes and cloisters. Descend below it to discover the remains of an ancient Roman market, or macellum. Find streets lined with bakeries and stores, squares that once served as a people's forum, and much more as you explore at your own pace.
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Enjoy a tour of Naples' historic center, then explore Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore by yourself.
- Stroll through the city center with an expert English and Italian-speaking guide.
- Pass by the majolica-lined cloisters of the Santa Chiara Monastery and the iconic Church of San Gregorio Armeno.
- Uncover an ancient forum and marketplace, known as Sotterrata, beneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- Jump the ticket queues to access the entire Basilica complex and its monumental cloister.
Enjoy a tour of Naples' historic center, then explore Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore by yourself.
- Stroll through the city center with an expert English and Italian-speaking guide.
- Pass by the majolica-lined cloisters of the Santa Chiara Monastery and the iconic Church of San Gregorio Armeno.
- Uncover an ancient forum and marketplace, known as Sotterrata, beneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- Jump the ticket queues to access the entire Basilica complex and its monumental cloister.
Inclusions
- Guided walking tour of Naples city center
- Expert English and Italian-speaking guide
- Entry to San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Exclusions
- Transport
- Food & drinks
- The walking tour is not accessible by wheelchair/strollers. However, the entire Monumental Complex, with the exception of the archaeological areas, is easily accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
NaplesNaples Underground
Top things to do in Naples
Why visit Naples Underground?
🏙️See how cities evolve over time: Naples Underground shows the city as a living organism, growing and adapting over 23 centuries. From Greek quarries to Roman aqueducts, WWII shelters to hypogeum gardens, each layer tells a story of human survival and ingenuity.
👩🏻🏫Gain context: With a professional guide, discover the way modern structures are connected to the tunnel system, and how everyone from Caesars, Bourbon kings, and everyday citizens occupied these subterranean galleries for various purposes.
🔦Escape the crowds: Enjoy a refreshing from the hustle and bustle of the topside. Plus, its cool, underground atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the hot Italian sun.
📍Leave the planning aside: Choose from a unique selection of tours and tickets that simplifies your trip into the enormous subsurface strata of Naples.
Read moreYour Naples Underground tickets explained
Access
Type
Starting point
Why choose?
Duration
Tunnels
Piazza San Gaetano, 68
An authorized route takes you through a Greek-Roman Theater, War Museum, C.O.R.E Gallery, and Hypogeum Gardens.
🕒 1.5 hours
Tunnels
Trieste e Trento square (Bar Gambrinus)
The Spanish Quarters tour provides a look into another underground maze of fascinating cavities and galleries, famous for the ancient tuff quarries and aqueducts that made the city.
🕒 1 hour
Ruins
Piazza San Gaetano, 316
Discover the ruins of an ancient Roman market at an archaeological site beneath a Basilica. Explore at your own pace with a free audio guide. Add on a walking tour of Naples city center.
🕒 Flexible
Catacombs
Via Capodimonte
Explore Byzantine frescoes and early Christian art at the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
🕒 1 hour
Catacombs
Via Sanità
Beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, see 5th-century mosaics and a unique fresco by Pascentius.
🕒 1 hour
Hear from our guests
What to see at Naples Underground
Explore the official Napoli Sotterranea
Read more
Plan your visit
Locations
Timings
Accessibility
Dine
Tips
- Napoli Sotterranea | Piazza San Gaetano, 68, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
- Neapolis Sotterrata & San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica | Piazza San Gaetano, 316, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
- Spanish Quarters Underground | Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
- Catacombs of San Gaudioso | Via Sanità, 123, 80136 Napoli NA, Italy
- Catacombs of San Gennaro | Via Capodimonte, 13, 80100 Napoli NA, Italy
Accessible entrance: Vicoletto S. Gennaro dei Poveri, 22
Getting there
- Napoli Sotterranea | 10am to 6pm (Mon to Fri) & 9:30am to 6pm (Sat to Sun)
- Neapolis Sotterrata & San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica | 9:30am to 5:30pm (Mon to Sun)
- Spanish Quarters Underground | 9:30am to 4:30pm (Mon to Fri) & 9:30am to 6pm (Sat to Sun)
- Catacombs of San Gaudioso | 9:30am to 5pm (Thu to Tue)
- Catacombs of San Gennaro | 10am to 5pm (Thu to Tue)
- The Naples Underground tunnels are not accessible by wheelchair and strollers.
- If you are claustrophobic, you may find the tunnels really uncomfortable.
- These tours are not recommended for people experiencing pregnancy or serious medical conditions like heart problems.
- Service animals with the relevant documentation are very welcome.
Of all the sites mentioned, only the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica complex (excluding the Sotterrata) is wheelchair accessible, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro are partially accessible. Street-level access to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is at Vicoletto S. Gennaro dei Poveri, 22.
- Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente: A cozy pizzeria with rustic decor and a warm atmosphere, located 180 m, serving delicious Neapolitan pizza made with high-quality ingredients.
- Pizzeria Starita: A legendary pizzeria, located 1.5 km away, serves classic Neapolitan pizza. Try their classic Margherita pizza or the deep-fried Montanara pizza.
- Osteria da Carmela: This cozy restaurant, located 2.9 km away, serves traditional Neapolitan cuisine in a warm and welcoming ambiance.
- Trattoria da Nennella: A casual and rustic trattoria with a homey feel, located 1.6 km away, serving traditional Neapolitan dishes.
- The peak tourist season is from June to August; book at least three days in advance during these months to enjoy your preferred tour.
- Carry an extra layer even during the hotter months, as it can get pretty chilly underground – especially in the Catacombs of San Gaudioso and San Gennaro.
- Make sure to wear comfortable clothes that would not mind a tear as you have to squeeze through some really thin pathways. The Naples Underground tour involves a lot of walking and some places may have accumulated water, so wear comfortable, closed shoes.
- Oenophiles and bottle collectors, look for and budget for Tufello Wine, one of the oldest wines in the region.
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All your questions about Naples Underground tours answered
What is the difference between Napoli Sotterranea, Neapolis Sotterrata, and the Catacombs of Naples?
Sotterranea means ‘underground’, and refers to the manmade tunnels that can be accessed from Piazza San Gaetano and the Spanish Quarters. Sotterrata means ‘buried’, and refers to the ruins of an ancient marketplace over which the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica was constructed. The Catacombs are specifically underground burial places, to pay respects and enjoy quiet reflective moments with the dearly departed. Of the nine catacombs and cave complexes under the Rione Sanità, only San Gennaro, San Gaudioso, San Severo and Fontanelle cemetery have been unearthed. We offer tickets and guided tours to the first two.
Do I need to book tickets in advance to enter the Naples Underground?
While it is possible to get admission if you stand in the on-site queue, booking online and having entry tickets in advance can greatly reduce your waiting time – especially during the peak season.
How much do Naples Underground tours cost?
The cost for visiting the Napoli Sotterranea is between €12 to €15. The Catacombs of Naples cost €13, and San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Neapolis Sotterrata cost €10. If you add on a walking tour of the city, prices can go up to €55.
What does a guided tour of Underground Naples cover?
A guided tour of Underground Naples lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and usually covers ancient aqueducts, cisterns, tuff cavities, performing spaces, and tunnels converted into bomb shelters. Your tour of the Sotterranea, accessible from Piazza San Gaetano or the Spanish Quarters, will typically take you 40 meters below the surface, accompanied by an English or Italian-speaking expert.
Is the Naples Underground wheelchair accessible?
No, the tunnels inside Naples Underground are not wheelchair accessible.
Will I have breathing problems inside the tunnels?
The tunnels can get quite congested in some areas, but you can always come up mid-way if you feel uncomfortable.
What is the cancelation policy for Naples Underground tours?
Most Naples Underground tours can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience begins to get a full refund. However, the cancellation policy tends to vary depending on the type of tour and the package. It is recommended to check the policy before booking.
What are some attractions near Napoli Sotterranea?
The Royal Palace of Naples is only a few minutes from the tunnels. The Royal Palace of Caserta, Herculaneum, and Pompeii is an hour or so away.
What is the best time to visit the Naples Underground?
The months of October to March would be the best time to visit Naples Underground. Temperatures are milder and crowds are thinner, making it a great time to visit the tunnels. The weekdays, particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays are quieter. Get more information to plan your visit here.
What is the best way to reach Naples Underground?
You can use the public transport, with numerous bus and metro lines serving the areas of Piazza San Gaetano, Quartieri Spagnoli, and Rione Sanità. Get detailed information on the best ways to reach all the locations of Naples Underground here.
What is there to see in the Naples Underground?
The Naples Underground is a collection of manmade tunnels that were essential to the tuff stone architecture and water supply of that are the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman city called ‘Neapolis’. They later became safety chambers during World War II bombings.
Is photography allowed inside the Naples Underground?
Yes, photography is allowed inside Napoli Sotterranea.
Is the Naples Underground wheelchair accessible?
No, the tunnels inside Naples Underground are not wheelchair accessible.
Will I have breathing problems inside the tunnels?
The tunnels are quite congested in some areas, but you can always come up mid-way if you feel uncomfortable.
What are some attractions near Napoli Sotterranea?
The Royal Palace of Naples is only a few minutes from the tunnels. The Royal Palace of Caserta is around 45 mins north, while Herculaneum and Pompeii are around 30-40 mins south.
