‌

Naples Underground history: A timeline of events

Beneath the bustling streets of Naples lies an intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and passageways that reveal the city’s rich, layered history. Naples Underground offers an exclusive glimpse into more than 2,400 years of history, where ancient Greek foundations meet Roman aqueducts and modern-era wartime shelters. Comparable to other famous underground cities like Cappadocia in Turkey or the Edinburgh Vaults in Scotland, Naples Underground stands out for its unparalleled combination of ancient engineering, spiritual havens, and wartime resilience. This subterranean labyrinth showcases how Naples has continuously adapted and thrived through centuries of transformation and challenge. Let’s delve into a timeline of stories hidden beneath the surface.

1. Ancient Greek foundations

4th century BCE

  • The story of Naples Underground begins with the ancient Greeks, who quarried tuff (volcanic rock) to construct the city of Neapolis. This quarrying created vast cavities beneath the surface.
  • Early Greek settlers used some of these cavities as cisterns to store rainwater, laying the groundwork for Naples' extensive underground infrastructure.

Insight: Many of the ancient structures and ruins seen today have layers of Hellenistic influences beneath them, from the foundations of public squares to the Greek Walls at Piazza Bellini.

Naples Underground Roman waterways with ancient stone arches and dimly lit passageways.

2. Roman expansion

Graeco-Roman Theater ruins in Naples Underground, showcasing ancient architecture.

1st century BCE – 4th century CE

The Romans transformed the underground into a sophisticated system of aqueducts and storage units, supplying fresh water to the city.

  • Napoli Sotterranea at Piazza San Gaetano and the Spanish Quarters Undergroundwere integral to the aqueduct network, with interconnected tunnels running beneath the city.
  • Greco-Roman theater: Portions of the Theater of Emperor Nero were later incorporated into the underground, now accessible through Napoli Sotterranea.
  • Neapolis Sotterrata: A thriving macellum (Roman marketplace) flourished at the site of a Greek agora (public square), reflecting the commercial vibrancy of ancient Neapolis.

In 305 CE, the patron Saint Gennaro of Naples was reportedly martyred during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Early nuclei of the Catacombs began to form.

3. Early Medieval period

5th–10th century CE

Decline of Roman infrastructure: Following the fall of the Empire, the aqueduct system fell into disrepair. However, parts of the underground remained in use for water storage and drainage.

Christian burial practices: The religion flourished and the underground began to serve as burial sites for early Christians.

  • The Catacombs of Naples, especially those dedicated to San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, further developed during this period, serving as both burial spaces and places of worship.
  • A Christian basilica is built over the ruins of the Neapolis Sotterrata, slowly transforming into the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex.

4. Renaissance and Spanish rule

15th–17th century

Urban expansion: During Spanish rule, the population of Naples grew rapidly, necessitating new water storage systems.

  • A 16th-century nobleman named Cesare Carmignano commissioned a new aqueduct to accommodate the city’s swelling water demand.
  • The Spanish Quarters Underground: Further developed as a network of cisterns and drainage channels to support the Spanish Quarters, a densely populated neighborhood.

5. Bourbon Era and Modernization

18th–19th century

  • Military and civic use: The underground was adapted for military and public purposes under Bourbon rule.
  • The Bourbon Tunnel was built near the Spanish Quarters during the 1850s as an escape route for the Bourbon King Ferdinand II, who feared an uprising during a period of political unrest.

6. World War II

Naples Underground tour showcasing forgotten war relics in historic tunnels.

1939–1945

  • Air-raid shelters: The tunnels sheltered thousands from bombings, offering safety amidst destruction.
  • Daily life underground: Families set up makeshift homes with bunk beds, cooking stations, and hospitals.
  • Artifacts: Preserved items like toys, ration cards, and graffiti provide a poignant glimpse into wartime survival.

Imagine the hum of quiet conversations, children playing softly, and the constant fear above ground as families waited out bombings. Sites like Napoli Sotterranea and the Spanish Quarters Underground, which became makeshift sanctuaries, capture these memories vividly.

Families set up temporary living spaces deep below the surface, equipped with bunk beds, cooking stations, and even small hospitals. Personal artifacts such as ration cards, children’s toys, and faded propaganda posters remain preserved today, serving as a poignant reminder of Neapolitan resilience.

7. Post-war rediscovery

Late-20th century

  • Archaeological efforts: Many underground sites were rediscovered and excavated in the decades after WWII, bringing Naples' hidden history to light. Enzo Albertini leads exploratory walks starting from the 1970s.
  • Napoli Sotterranea officially opened to the public in 1985. Excavations under San Lorenzo Maggiorerevealed Neapolis Sotterrata, the Roman marketplace beneath the church.
  • The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso were restored and opened to the public in 1989, highlighting their importance as early Christian burial sites.
  • In 1995, the Historic Centre of Naples was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Napoli Sotterranea, which forms a vital part of this neighborhood, became a major tourist destination showcasing Naples' ingenious infrastructure and history.
Visitors exploring exhibits at a renowned art museum in a vibrant city.

8. Modern Era

Hypogeum Gardens

21st century

  • The underground sites of Naples have become iconic attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s layered history through regular guided tours.
  • Above Neapolis Sotterrata ruins, the Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore’s cloister now houses a museum and several halls showcasing the unique history of the site.
  • In 2015, Napoli Sotterranea opened its innovative Hypogeum Gardens to experiment with crop growth in extreme conditions 40+ meters below the surface.

What makes Naples Underground unique?

  • Continuous use: A living history spanning from the 4th century BCE to the present day, showcasing how each era left its mark on the underground.
  • Engineering marvels: From Greek quarries to Roman aqueducts and Bourbon tunnels, the underground reflects incredible ingenuity across centuries.
  • Cultural significance: A blend of ancient engineering, religious spirituality, and wartime resilience, making it a unique testament to Naples’ evolution.

Naples Underground offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to step into history itself. Whether you’re an enthusiast of ancient engineering or curious about the personal stories behind wartime artifacts, this experience promises a fascinating journey through time.

​Learn more

Frequently asked questions about the history of Naples Underground

Who built the Naples Underground?

The underground began in the 4th century BCE when the ancient Greeks quarried tuff stone to build the city of Neapolis. Then, the Romans expanded the underground into an aqueduct system to supply water to the city and built structures like a macellum (marketplace) under San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica and a theater in Napoli Sotterranea.

What are the Catacombs of Naples, and why are they significant?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso were burial sites of Naples’ patron saint and a revered Bishop from Africa, respectively. They served as both tombs and places of worship for early Christians, showcasing unique frescoes and funerary art.

How did the Spanish influence the Naples Underground?

During Spanish rule in the 16th century, new cisterns and drainage systems were constructed, particularly in the Spanish Quarters Underground, to meet the needs of the growing population.

What role did the underground play during World War II?

The tunnels and cisterns were repurposed as air-raid shelters, protecting thousands of Neapolitans from bombing raids, especially in sites like Napoli Sotterranea and the Spanish Quarters Underground. They were equipped with bunk beds, kitchens, and hospitals, many remnants of which can still be seen today.

What is the significance of the Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore?

​Neapolis Sotterrata holds the ruins of a Roman market, providing a vivid glimpse into the commercial life of ancient Naples.

When were the underground sites rediscovered and opened to the public?

Many sites, including Napoli Sotterranea and Neapolis Sotterrata, were rediscovered and excavated in the mid-20th century. They were later restored and opened for tourism in the late 1980s.

Why is the Naples Underground considered unique?

It reflects over 2,500 years of continuous use and adaptation, from Greek quarrying to Roman engineering, Christian spirituality, and wartime survival, making it a living history of Naples' evolution.

How long does a typical tour take?

Most guided tours last around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a detailed exploration of key underground sites.

Are tours accessible?

While some areas are accessible, sections like narrow tunnels or steep stairs may be challenging for individuals with mobility concerns. Check specific tours for accessibility details.

What languages are tours available in?

Tours are primarily offered in Italian and English, with additional language options depending on availability.

More reads

Catacombs of San Gennaro

Catacombs of San Gaudioso

About Naples Underground

Top Things to do in Naples
Attractions:
Museums:
Transportation Services:
Naples Tours:
City Passes:
Other Popular Airport Transfers in Italy:
Tickets Naples
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.