From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Susan Newman
CA

Susan

Canada
Apr 2025
5/5
review-image
Before going on this tour, I thought it sounded a bit gimmicky. But it was recommended by family so we got tickets. Definitely skip The line was very helpful as it is a busy tour. And it was an incredible tour. So much history and you cannot imagine All that has happened underneath the city of Napoli.
Anna Buza
LV

Anna

Latvia
Aug 2025
5/5
It was amazing tour. Agusto is very attractive, with good humour. Tour was full of interesting historical stories and interesting information. Recommend for everyone who visit Naples! 10 points of 10!
April C Smith
US

April

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
Alex was an amazing guide. Funny, kind, thoughtful, and full of knowledge. This was a great tour., I took my four teens along and they had a blast as well.
Patrizia Bacci
IT

Patrizia

Italy
Feb 2023
5/5
Ottima esperienza, un tuffo nel passato che fa riflettere molto. Complimenti per il recupero di questa memoria storica!
Alessandro Marco Butturini

Alessandro

Dec 2022
4/5
Interessante la parte di storia relativa al rifugio seconda guerra mondiale, interessante anche la storia borbonica. Per il resto abbastanza simile a Napoli sotterranea.
Jennifer Michelle LeRow

Jennifer

May 2025
5/5
We were through the line quickly at Peastum - it was a beautiful! Pompeii was another story as we were not aware of the 1st Sunday of each month being a Museum holiday where everyone egts in free. We waited in line for 2 hours because the "voucher" did not count as a printed ticket aloowing us immediate acccess, and then we were smooshed in through the gates by hoards of people trying to get in before it closed.
Mr Denis Mclean
GB

Mr

United Kingdom
Oct 2023
4/5
Easy to use and good value for site entry and getting around. Got on train from Sorrento to Herculaneum not knowing it only stopped a few times a day. Went through to Naples and easily caught the train to Herculaneum without extra cost or trouble. 😂
JARROUSSE LECROQ
FR

Jarrousse

France
Apr 2025
4/5
easy access to transport and museums. but I'd like to take issue with 2 things: the poor explanations on how to activate the card and the need to reactivate it each time it's used.

Top things to do in Naples

Why visit Neapolis Sotterrata?

Neapolis Sotterrata with tourists exploring underground ruins on a guided tour.
  • Historical significance: Experience a journey through time by exploring structures from the Greek foundation of Neapolis in the 5th century BC to Roman developments, offering a tangible connection to ancient civilizations.

  • Architectural marvel: The Gothic-style San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, constructed in the late 13th century, stands above the archaeological site, showcasing medieval architecture and art.

  • Cultural insights: The Monumental Complex, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, is made up of an elegant cloister. It also holds a museum with artifacts and frescoes, providing a deeper understanding of Naples' rich cultural and religious heritage.

  • Central location: Situated in the heart of Naples' historic center, the site is easily accessible and surrounded by other notable attractions, making it a convenient addition to any itinerary.

Things to know before booking Neapolis Sotterrata tickets

  • The entire Monumental Complex and underground ruins are yours to explore independently for however long you’d like during opening hours.
  • Booking online gives you the benefit of skipping the ticket lines to enter the archaeological areas known as Neapolis Sotterrata. 
  • If you’d like further context, avail an optional video guide or guided tour in English or Italian directly on-site at an additional cost.
  • While the rest of the Monumental Complex is completely accessible by wheelchair and stroller, the archaeological areas of Neapolis Sotterrata are not.
  • You can combine your tickets to Neapolis Sotterrata with a walking tour of Naples city center to get a snapshot of life above and below the surface across history.

What to see inside the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex

Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore facade with Roman columns in Milan, Italy.

San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica

Admire the Basilica’s stunning 14th-century Gothic nave and apse, rebuilt under the Angevin rulers. Discover remnants of medieval frescoes inside the Basilica, reflecting its religious and artistic history.

Decumanus Maximus anciient road main arteries of city

Neapolis Sotterrata (Underground archaeological area)

Explore the well-preserved ruins of the Roman macellum (marketplace), including shop stalls, warehouses, and a central tholos (circular structure) used for water distribution. Walk along Decumanus Maximus, an ancient road that served as one of the main arteries of the city. Visible traces of the earlier Greek agora can be seen beneath the Roman layers, showcasing Naples’ heritage.

Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara courtyard with historic architecture in Naples, Italy.

Cloister of the Franciscan Monastery

Relax in serene corridors featuring marble columns and arches, centered by a garden that once served as a retreat for Franciscan monks.Examine the intricate medieval tomb slabs embedded in the cloister’s walls.

Chapter Hall inside San Lorenzo Maggiore complex Naples, Italy.

Chapter Hall (Sala Capitolare)

Once used by Franciscan monks for discussions, the hall features 17th-century Baroque frescoes and stuccoes that narrate religious themes.

Ancient pottery and artifacts displayed in Naples ruins exhibit.

Museum of the Complex

View artifacts from Neapolis Sotterrata – coins, pottery, tools, and more discovered during excavations, offering a glimpse into ancient daily life.Find sculptures, relics, and paintings that span centuries of religious history tied to the Basilica.

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

Angevin Crypt

Make your way into subterranean tombs at this Gotico Angioiano-style crypt, housing the resting places of notable dynastic figures like Catherine of Austria.

History of Neapolis Sotterrata

Ancient agora ruins in the Greek city of Neapolis with stone columns and pathways.

5th – 4th century BCE (Greek Neapolis)

⛏️The site begins as part of the Greek city of Neapolis, featuring agora (public square) structures that form the foundation of the area’s future underground layers.

Underground water reservoir in Naples with arched stone ceilings and dim lighting.

1st century BCE – 4th century CE (Roman Neapolis)

⛲Romans transform the agora into a macellum (market), complete with shops, a central water feature, and warehouses.

🏬The underground structures become part of the urban landscape, supporting the bustling trade hub above.

Crucifix inside Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, Naples.

6th – 13th century (Early Christian to medieval period)

⛪A Christian basilica is constructed over the ruins of the Roman market, marking the site’s transition from a civic to a religious space.

⏳Over centuries, this church evolves into the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, incorporating elements of earlier structures into its foundations.

Gothic architecture style ceiling with intricate ribbed vaults in a historic European cathedral.

14th century (Gothic reconstruction)

⚒️The Basilica is rebuilt in Gothic style under the Angevin dynasty, solidifying its role as one of Naples’ key religious landmarks.

🏛️Beneath the Basilica, the Roman macellum is abandoned and buried, but its ruins remain remarkably well-preserved.

San Lorenzo Maggiore interior with frescoes in Naples, Italy.

16th – 19th century

🛐The site serves as a religious and cultural center while the underground Roman structures lie hidden, only occasionally unearthed by construction work or renovations.

Ruins from excavations beneath the San Lorenzo Magiore

19th – 20th century (Rediscovery)

🔎Archaeologists begin systematic excavations beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore, uncovering the Neapolis Sotterrata, including Roman roads, market stalls, and remnants of Greek structures.

🧾The discovery peels back the historical layers of Naples, offering insight into ancient urban life.

Pulcinella statue at Naples Underground entrance, Piazza San Gaetano tour.

Modern era (20th century – present)

📍The Neapolis Sotterrata becomes an integral part of the San Lorenzo Maggiore complex, offering visitors a chance to explore the underground marketplace and learn about Naples’ Greek and Roman heritage.

🧭The Basilica continues to function as a religious site while showcasing its archaeological treasures, blending spirituality with history.

Make the most of your visit to Neapolis Sotterrata

View of Piazza San Gaetano

You can enter the Neapolis Sotterrata from Piazza San Gaetano, 316 [find on maps]. It is within the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex, accessible through the Basilica. As with all the others, this specific section of Underground Naples requires separate tickets.

Naples Underground locations
Piazza Garibaldi bus station with a few buses.

🚌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

Stack of colorful knitted clothes in a cozy arrangement.
  • Arriving early allows you to explore the site with fewer visitors, offering a quieter and more immersive experience of the underground passages.
  • The underground terrain includes uneven pathways and steps. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the ruins safely.
  • The underground area is cooler than the surface, even in summer. Bring a light sweater or jacket for comfort during your visit.
  • The site occasionally hosts exhibitions on ancient Naples. Check in advance to see if there are any special displays during your visit.
  • After your visit, spend some time exploring the bustling Piazza San Gaetano, where you’ll find street performers, local shops, and other historic landmarks. Pair your visit with a trip to the Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground) located just steps away, for a comprehensive underground experience.
Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about Neapolis Sotterrata

What can I see at Neapolis Sotterrata?

You can explore well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman marketplace, including streets, shops, a bakery, and even drainage systems, providing a vivid picture of daily life in ancient Naples.

How old is Neapolis Sotterrata?

The underground ruins date back to the 1st century BC, during the Roman era, though the site itself also reflects earlier Greek influences from the founding of Neapolis in the 4th century BC.

How much time does it take to visit?

A visit to Neapolis Sotterrata and the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and level of interest in the history.

Is Neapolis Sotterrata wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Unfortunately, due to the narrow passages and uneven terrain of the underground site, Neapolis Sotterrata is not fully accessible to visitors with mobility challenges and parents with strollers.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. You can check the availability and join directly on site. Guides provide detailed insights into the history of the ruins and the basilica, enhancing your understanding of the site.

What makes the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica unique?

The Basilica is unique for its fusion of Gothic and Baroque elements, its frescoes, and its connection to the underground Neapolis Sotterrata, which adds a historical dimension to its religious significance.

What are the facilities available in the Monumental Complex?

There are accessible washrooms with diaper changing stations as well as vending machines for snacks and cold drinks in the Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore.

How do I get to Neapolis Sotterrata and San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica?

The Basilica is located in the historic center of Naples, near Piazza San Gaetano. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1 Museo station, or Line 2 Piazza Cavour station) or by walking through the city center.

What other Naples Underground experiences should I try?

You can follow an expert guide into the Napoli Sotterranea nearby in Piazza San Gaetano. Travel to the Spanish Quarters and enjoy a subterranean tour of the neighborhood. Or visit the ancient burial sites at Rione Sanità – the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso.

More reads

Naples underground ruins entrance at Napoli Sotterranea, showcasing ancient stone arches and pathways.

Napoli Sotterranea

Naples Underground tour showcasing abandoned vehicles in historic tunnels.

Spanish Quarters Underground

San Lorenzo Maggiore interior with Neapolis Sotterrata architecture in Naples, Italy.

History

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