Naples Underground: Gems beneath the Spanish Quarters

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Naples Underground tour showcasing ancient bed frame in historic chamber.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Silvia Rosa Pascali

Silvia

Dec 2025

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

Alessandro

Dec 2025

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

Anna

Latvia
Aug 2025

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review-image
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!
Azzurra Gronchi

Azzurra

Dec 2025
My guide was very knowledgeable and passionate :) He gave us useful information that made the visit very interesting.
Gherbesi Carlo

Gherbesi

Dec 2025
Beautiful experience and very good guys in the Sanità neighborhood who accompanied us. Absolutely recommended visit

Top things to do in Naples

Why visit the Spanish Quarters Naples Underground?

Bourbon Gallery in Naples underground ruins, featuring ancient Napoli sotterranea architecture.
  • Discover over 2,000 years of Naples’ history beneath the streets of the Spanish Quarters. Explore the ancient Greek foundations, Roman aqueducts, and tunnels that have served as quarries, shelters, and passageways through centuries.
  • Learn how the underground connects to the city above, from innovative water supply systems to surface structures connected by tunnels.
  • Dive into expertly guided tours that reveal hidden stories and ensure you see every detail while moving safely through the mesmerizing underground caves.
  • You can explore the charming Quartieri Spagnoli before or after your tour. Walk through picturesque narrow alleys, discover landmarks like Teatro San Carlo, and try some original margherita pizza.

Things to know before booking Spanish Quarters Underground tours

  • A guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground takes an hour. You will encounter ingenious aqueducts, volcanic stone quarries, and air-raid shelters from the Second World War.
  • You cannot explore these caves independently. A professional English or Italian-speaking guide will accompany you to ensure your safety and the safety of the historic site.
  • Purchasing tickets on-site is an option, but booking online helps you skip the lines and make the most of your day with seamless planning.

What to see inside the Spanish Quarters Naples Underground?

Neapolis Aqueducts

Neapolis Aqueducts

Dug more than 2,500 years ago, these were used to store and supply water in the past. Sewer tunnels, rainwater harvesting cisterns, and water caverns are common sightings inside the Neapolitan tunnels.

Naples Underground tour showcasing abandoned vehicles in historic tunnels.
Naples Underground tuff stone quarries.

History of the Spanish Quarters Underground

4th century BCE

⚒️Greeks establish Neapolis and quarry volcanic tuff stone from the area now known as the Spanish Quarters for construction. These quarries form the foundation of the underground network in this district.

Roman Era (1st century BCE – 5th century CE)

🚰The Neapolis Aqueduct is constructed, using the tuff quarries and tunnels to transport water across the city. This sophisticated system supplies homes, public baths, and fountains, playing a crucial role in urban life.

Middle Ages (5th – 15th century)

🏙️The aqueduct remains in use but sees gradual neglect due to invasions and changes in urban infrastructure.

⚠️Underground spaces begin to collapse in some areas, while others are repurposed for waste disposal and storage.

16th century (Spanish rule)

🪖The Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) are developed to house soldiers. Urban expansion overlays the existing underground system, connecting homes and structures to the ancient aqueduct network.

18th – 19th century

🏗️As Naples’ population grows, underground spaces beneath the Spanish Quarters are further utilized for cisterns and waste management.

⛔Portions of the aqueduct are decommissioned due to contamination concerns, but parts remain active.

World War II (1939–1945)

💣The underground quarries and aqueduct chambers serve as air raid shelters, offering protection during bombings.

🖌️Residents leave some of their everyday items and art behind, providing a snapshot of wartime life underground.

Post-War Era (1950s–1970s)

🚧The underground network is largely abandoned, and some sections are sealed off due to safety concerns. However, local historians and explorers are beginning to rediscover its significance.

Modern Era (1980s–present)

🔎Restoration efforts uncover the extensive Neapolis Aqueduct beneath the Spanish Quarters.

📐The site becomes part of the Naples Underground experience, showcasing the aqueduct's engineering, tuff stone quarries, and WWII shelters. Tours highlight the distinct role this underground network played in Naples’ water supply and resilience.

Plan your visit to the Spanish Quarters Underground

Location

How to enter

You can enter the Spanish Quarters Underground from Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52 [find on maps]. The meeting point for your tour is Trieste e Trento Square, near Bar Gambrinus. You require separate tickets to this specific section of Underground Naples, as with all the others.

How to reach

🚌By bus: Take a bus from routes 02-NA, 151, or 168 to reach Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Nicotera or Piazza Carolina

🚄By train: Take a train from the Naples Garibaldi station (Line 1) to Toledo and walk to Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Toledo

🚇By metro: Line 1 and Line 2 metro lines reach Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Chiaia

Detailed getting there guide

Visitor tips

  • Time your visit wisely: Weekday mornings often have fewer visitors, allowing for a quieter, more immersive experience.
  • Ask about special exhibits: Occasionally, temporary exhibitions or multimedia presentations are hosted underground. Check ahead to see if there’s something extra to enjoy.
  • If you’re in the mood to shop after your tour, take your pick from the boutique stores on Via Toledo or the open-air market stalls of La Pignasecca. 
  • Sfogliatella, a beloved symbol of Naples, is a sugar-dusted, ricotta-filled pastry infused with vanilla, cinnamon, or Sorrento lemon. Pintauro Pasticceria, right near Via Toledo, is a top destination to enjoy this iconic treat.
  • The underground paths can be uneven and slightly damp, so sturdy, non-slip footwear is a must for navigating the tunnels safely. Temperatures underground can be cooler than above ground. A light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable.
Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about Spanish Quarters Underground tours

A guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground typically lasts 1 hour. No, the only way to visit is in the company of an authorized guide.

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