How long does a typical guided tour of the Napoli Sotterranea last? Can I visit independently, without a guide?

A guided tour of the Napoli Sotterranea can last up to 1.5 hours. The only way to visit is in the company of an authorized guide.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

You can purchase them on the day of your visit outside the entrance, but there are usually long lines for tickets. Booking online gives you the flexibility to arrive at your preferred time and enter immediately.

What is the official Napoli Sotterranea route and where is it located?

The official Napoli Sotterranea route begins from Piazza San Gaetano, 68. It is a safe and authorized path taking you through Bourbon tunnels, Greek cisterns, hypogeum gardens, and a War Museum.

What other Naples Underground sites can I visit?

You can visit the <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.tickets-naples.com/naples-underground/neapolis-sotterrata/" id="K6fRxRCX" shortCodeType="link" text="Neapolis Sotterrata" /> next-door, explore the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="USyKbNu6" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68528cfa7f530084dd9cd0bf" text="Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso" uid="www.tickets-naples.com.naples-underground.catacombs" lang="en" /> at Rione Sanità, and head to the <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.tickets-naples.com/naples-underground/spanish-quarters-underground/" id="4eDCLYRh" shortCodeType="link" text="Spanish Quarters" /> for a different side of Underground Naples.

Are we allowed to film or take pictures inside the Napoli Sotterranea?

Yes, taking photos and videos is allowed.

Is there a dress code requirement for visiting the Napoli Sotterranea?

No, but it is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a warm layer since the temperature underground is usually much cooler than the surface.

What are the main restrictions or accessibility issues that I could face?

The route is designed with handrails and spacious paths, with only one optional narrow section. Visitors with claustrophobia can opt for an alternate route and wait about 10 minutes for their group. However, due to numerous steps, the experience is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Napoli Sotterranea Official Skip-the-Line Tours

From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Silvia P

Group

Dec 2025

‌

Many people but beautiful experience. The entrance was easy and convenient. Underground Naples was an emotionally charged experience

Alessandro V

Group

Dec 2025

‌

Beautiful experience with a very professional prepared and nice guide! Underground Naples is a wonder to discover and therefore impossible not to go there.

Eleonora C

Family

3 days ago

Very interesting from a historical and cultural perspective. I also really appreciated the guide’s expertise and helpfulness. Another highlight of the tour is the chance to immerse yourself in authentic Neapolitan neighborhoods with all their charm

Matteo P

Italy

Couple

2 weeks ago

A fascinating and mysterious place. The guide was young and knowledgeable, and explained everything perfectly. Unfortunately, by law, you’re not allowed to take photos or videos, but it’s a place you’ll remember forever!

Oliver K

Solo

Last week

The tour was very informative, and the catacombs were truly impressive. The guide explained a lot and seemed very knowledgeable. It was a real experience.

Nicoletta M

Italy

Couple

Feb 2026

A wonderful tour, interesting and fascinating, discovering the underground world of Naples. A beautiful itinerary with lots of detailed explanations that were both entertaining and easy to follow, thanks to the excellent guide Antonio.

Romano U

Italy

Family

Dec 2025

I visited underground Naples in the Spanish quarters with my family and a nice group of other tourists. Giulia, our young but well-prepared guide, took us through the narrow underground passages, introducing us to a reality of Naples that we did not know, with anecdotes and curiosities that made the tour very interesting and lighter than expected. Perhaps also thanks to the presence of O' Munaciello??? Highly recommended!

Boris L

United States

Couple

Dec 2025

Great presentation and insight into the history of Naples. Very engaging guide that keeps you involved, interested, and entertained at he same time. Definitely a must see in Naples.

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Why visit Napoli Sotterranea?

Trace Naples' history across millennia

This underground network unveils 24 centuries of history and hidden treasures 40 meters beneath the vibrant cityscape. It began with the Greeks in the 4th century BCE and ended with the Roman Empire in the first few centuries CE, followed by the medieval, Renaissance, and World War eras.

Along a well-mapped route

Guided tours with experts ensure you don’t miss a thing, and help you navigate the underground caves safely. This official and authorized route covers ancient cisterns, a Greco-Roman theater, wartime shelters, and hypogeum gardens.

Part of the UNESCO-listed City Center

Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the Historic Center of Naples is home to several important monuments. Right next door at Piazza San Gaetano 316, you'll find San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica and the Neapolis Sotterrata ruins.

Things to know before booking Napoli Sotterranea tours

A tour of the Napoli Sotterranea takes up to 1.5 hours. You will follow an authorized route along early galleries, water reservoirs, a theater, and bomb shelters from the Second World War.
You cannot explore the tunnels of Napoli Sotterranea independently. All visits include a professional guide who helps you navigate safely and protect the integrity of the underground sites.
While you can get tickets directly on-site, booking online lets you save on time spent waiting in lines and plan your day more efficiently.

History of Napoli Sotterranea

4th century BCE

🪨The Greeks begin quarrying tuff stone from underground for city construction and subsequently establish Neapolis (modern Naples), forming the earliest tunnels of what becomes Napoli Sotterranea.

1st century BCE – 1st century CE

💧Romans expanded the underground network, constructing aqueducts and cisterns to supply water to the city.

🎭A theater is built nearby, integrated into the urban fabric above, becoming a hub for entertainment and dramatic performances.

Middle Ages (5th – 15th century)

🏙️The aqueduct system remains in partial use, but the Roman theater is abandoned and covered as the city grows above it.

♻️Subterranean spaces are repurposed for storage, refuge, and urban development.

Renaissance and Early Modern Period (15th – 18th century)

🔦The underground network is used for water storage and emergency escape routes. Structures above ground incorporate remnants of ancient ruins, blending Naples' layered history.

🚿In the 16th century, nobleman Cesare Carmignano built a new aqueduct because the old one and its rainwater cisterns were no longer able to satisfy the growing water needs of the city.

World War II (1939–1945)

🛩️The tunnels and chambers serve as air raid shelters, protecting thousands of Neapolitans during bombings.

💈Remnants of life under the surface during this time – including graffiti and personal artifacts, are preserved for all to see.

Post-War Era (1950s–1980s)

🔍In the late '70s, Enzo Albertini founded a committee to rediscover and restore Naples' subsoil, hosting guided walks through key sites of anthropological and archaeological significance beneath the city.

🎀✂️In the late '80s, the site known as Napoli Sotterranea was officially opened, offering regular excursions underground.

🏛️1995: The Historic Center of Naples, of which Napoli Sotterranea is a central feature, was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Modern Day (21st century)

🏳️Napoli Sotterranea is a celebrated cultural and historical site, offering regular guided tours through an authorized route showcasing Naples’ rich and layered history.

🌱The hypogeum gardens were set up in 2015, in order to experiment with crop growth 35 meters deep in the ‘bowels of Earth’.

Plan your visit to Napoli Sotterranea

Location

How to enter

You can access the Napoli Sotterranea from Piazza San Gaetano, 68 [find on maps]. The entrance is marked by blue and white flags. As with all the others, this specific section of Underground Naples requires separate tickets.

How to reach

🚌By bus: Catch a bus on lines 3M or R5.
Nearest stop: Costantinopoli, Piazza Garibaldi

🚄By train: Lines FR, FA, FB, IC, ICN, or R.
Nearest stop: Naples Centrale

🚇By metro: Lines 1 and 2.
Nearest stop: Museo Underground, Dante on Line 1.

🚕By car: You can grab a car or taxi to reach Napoli Sotterranea. It will be a 10-minute walk from the parking spots.
Nearest stop: Duomo, Piazza Cavour, or Corso Umberto parking spaces

Detailed getting there guide

Visitor tips

Carry a layer of extra clothing even during warmer months, and wear comfortable flat shoes to traverse the uneven terrain.
Spring is the best time to visit since the weather is mild and crowds are relatively lower.
Booking your tour online gives you the flexibility to enjoy other sites nearby before making a direct entry instead of standing in the ticket lines.
Nearby, you can explore the historic center and landmarks like Via dei Tribunali, the octagonal Misericordia chapel featuring Carravaggio’s works, and the extravagant Duomo di Napoli.
Craving a delicious Neapolitan pizza after your tour? Visit Gino e Toto Sorbillo. Or, head to Osteria Ippolito for authentic Italian comfort food.

Plan your visit

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.
Upgrades: Enhance your English or Italian guided tour by adding a post-tour pizza experience, and enjoy a traditional Margherita or Marinara served with a soft drink.

Inclusions #

1 to 1.5-hour guided tour of Naples Sotterranea with entry
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
A Margherita/Marinara pizza with soft drink (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Follow a licensed English or Italian-speaking guide on a captivating 1-hour tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
This guided tour will lead you through winding tunnels under the city to explore the eternal resting places of historic figures like Bishop San Gaudioso.
Marvel at the ornate tombs and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Enter San Gennaro and be amazed by the unique and macabre art collection featuring frescoes made using real bones and skulls
Upgrade your ticket to include the Artecard Campania and avail discounts, 5 free entries and so much more!

Inclusions #

1-hour guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
Entrance to Catacombs of San Gennaro
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Tip: Bring along a sweater, even in hot weather, as the temperature in the catacombs varies between 15 and 22°.
Relief plaques along the route make it possible for guests with visual impairment to participate.
Facilities: Free Parking
This tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: In order to make the best use of this card, plan your itinerary in advance to cover the top attractions.
In order to activate the Card, you must contact the service provider as per the instructions in the voucher you will receive after booking.
The digital pass is available in English and Italian.
Downloading the pass may take up to 10 minutes.
Enter anytime within operating hours 9am to 7pm.

Inclusions #

Free entry to the first 3 sites
Up to 50% discount from the 4th site onwards
3 days of unlimited public transport use
Discounts and concessions
Tourist assistance while using the card

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
These tickets are valid for an extended duration. The exact details will be present on the ticket.

Walk through the SpaccaNapoli, a road that provides access to Naples’ most popular destinations, and the city’s historic center with a guide.
Stroll through the 2000-year-old Underground Ruins which were once used as bomb shelters during WWII.
Revel in the city’s art galleries, markets, and bars to get a taste of daily life.
Visit the Catacombs in the Cathedral of San Gennaro and learn about its historical past.

Inclusions #

2.5-hr guided tour of Naples
Local English and Italian-speaking guide
Underground Ruins entrance fee
Lunch - Caprese salad, pasta, dessert, and beverages (as per option selected)
Standard, small, or semi-private group tour (up to 40, 18, or 8 people as per option selected)

SpaccaNapoli
San Gregorio Armeno
Underground Ruins
San Gennaro

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Join a guided tour of the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket that takes you on a fascinating expedition through the rich history of Naples' subterranean landscape.
Along the route, learn about the technical solutions adopted by the designer, Errico Alvino, as well as the geological problems encountered through the excavation.
See the bomb bunker astutely utilized during World War II and admire the 3 bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality.
View the remains from the World War era such as fragments of vintage cars, motorcycles, and statues. Select either an English or Italian guided tour.

Inclusions #

English or Italian guided tour
Admission ticket to Bourbon Tunnel
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Personal expenses

Tip: Don’t forget to raft through a small water tank in the tunnel connected to one of the old subway tunnels.
This tour involves some walking, so make sure you put on comfortable shoes and clothes during your visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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.
Upgrades: Enhance your English or Italian guided tour by adding a post-tour pizza experience, and enjoy a traditional Margherita or Marinara served with a soft drink.

Inclusions #

1 to 1.5-hour guided tour of Naples Sotterranea with entry
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
A Margherita/Marinara pizza with soft drink (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Follow a licensed English or Italian-speaking guide on a captivating 1-hour tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
This guided tour will lead you through winding tunnels under the city to explore the eternal resting places of historic figures like Bishop San Gaudioso.
Marvel at the ornate tombs and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Enter San Gennaro and be amazed by the unique and macabre art collection featuring frescoes made using real bones and skulls
Upgrade your ticket to include the Artecard Campania and avail discounts, 5 free entries and so much more!

Inclusions #

1-hour guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
Entrance to Catacombs of San Gennaro
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Tip: Bring along a sweater, even in hot weather, as the temperature in the catacombs varies between 15 and 22°.
Relief plaques along the route make it possible for guests with visual impairment to participate.
Facilities: Free Parking
This tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: In order to make the best use of this card, plan your itinerary in advance to cover the top attractions.
In order to activate the Card, you must contact the service provider as per the instructions in the voucher you will receive after booking.
The digital pass is available in English and Italian.
Downloading the pass may take up to 10 minutes.
Enter anytime within operating hours 9am to 7pm.

Inclusions #

Free entry to the first 3 sites
Up to 50% discount from the 4th site onwards
3 days of unlimited public transport use
Discounts and concessions
Tourist assistance while using the card

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
These tickets are valid for an extended duration. The exact details will be present on the ticket.

Walk through the SpaccaNapoli, a road that provides access to Naples’ most popular destinations, and the city’s historic center with a guide.
Stroll through the 2000-year-old Underground Ruins which were once used as bomb shelters during WWII.
Revel in the city’s art galleries, markets, and bars to get a taste of daily life.
Visit the Catacombs in the Cathedral of San Gennaro and learn about its historical past.

Inclusions #

2.5-hr guided tour of Naples
Local English and Italian-speaking guide
Underground Ruins entrance fee
Lunch - Caprese salad, pasta, dessert, and beverages (as per option selected)
Standard, small, or semi-private group tour (up to 40, 18, or 8 people as per option selected)

SpaccaNapoli
San Gregorio Armeno
Underground Ruins
San Gennaro

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Join a guided tour of the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket that takes you on a fascinating expedition through the rich history of Naples' subterranean landscape.
Along the route, learn about the technical solutions adopted by the designer, Errico Alvino, as well as the geological problems encountered through the excavation.
See the bomb bunker astutely utilized during World War II and admire the 3 bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality.
View the remains from the World War era such as fragments of vintage cars, motorcycles, and statues. Select either an English or Italian guided tour.

Inclusions #

English or Italian guided tour
Admission ticket to Bourbon Tunnel
Artecard Campania (optional)
Artecard Napoli (optional)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Personal expenses

Tip: Don’t forget to raft through a small water tank in the tunnel connected to one of the old subway tunnels.
This tour involves some walking, so make sure you put on comfortable shoes and clothes during your visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Guided Tours

Naples Underground Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour

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.
Upgrades: Enhance your English or Italian guided tour by adding a post-tour pizza experience, and enjoy a traditional Margherita or Marinara served with a soft drink.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 25 min.

‌

Guided Tours

Catacombs of San Gaudioso Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Follow a licensed English or Italian-speaking guide on a captivating 1-hour tour of the Catacombs of San Gaudioso.
This guided tour will lead you through winding tunnels under the city to explore the eternal resting places of historic figures like Bishop San Gaudioso.
Marvel at the ornate tombs and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city.
Enter San Gennaro and be amazed by the unique and macabre art collection featuring frescoes made using real bones and skulls
Upgrade your ticket to include the Artecard Campania and avail discounts, 5 free entries and so much more!

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr.

‌

Guided Tours

Bourbon Tunnel Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Join a guided tour of the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket that takes you on a fascinating expedition through the rich history of Naples' subterranean landscape.
Along the route, learn about the technical solutions adopted by the designer, Errico Alvino, as well as the geological problems encountered through the excavation.
See the bomb bunker astutely utilized during World War II and admire the 3 bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality.
View the remains from the World War era such as fragments of vintage cars, motorcycles, and statues. Select either an English or Italian guided tour.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr.

Napoli Sotterranea: The labyrinth under Piazza San Gaetano.

From happy customers

Top things to do in Naples

Why visit Napoli Sotterranea?

Trace Naples' history across millennia

Along a well-mapped route

Part of the UNESCO-listed City Center

Things to know before booking Napoli Sotterranea tours

What to see inside the official Napoli Sotterranea?

War museum

History of Napoli Sotterranea

4th century BCE

1st century BCE – 1st century CE

Middle Ages (5th – 15th century)

Renaissance and Early Modern Period (15th – 18th century)

World War II (1939–1945)

Post-War Era (1950s–1980s)

Modern Day (21st century)

Plan your visit to Napoli Sotterranea

Location

How to enter

How to reach

Visitor tips

Frequently asked questions about Napoli Sotterranea

More reads

Spanish Quarters Underground

Neapolis Sotterrata

Naples Catacombs

Napoli Sotterranea: The labyrinth under Piazza San Gaetano.

Naples Underground Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour

Catacombs of San Gaudioso Entry Tickets & Guided Tour

Artecard Napoli: 3 Museums Pass

Guided Tour of Naples with Underground Ruins Visit

Bourbon Tunnel Entry Tickets & Guided Tour