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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.
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.
Melanie Riccadonna

Melanie

May 2025
5/5
The tour was exciting and it was interesting to learn about things we didn't know had happened Our guide Edward was great and very nice
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.
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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

Volcanic tuff stone walls in underground Spanish quarters.

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.

Naples underground tunnel with ancient stone arches on a guided tour in a Spanish neighborhood.

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.

Naples underground tunnel used for waste disposal and storage.

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.

Naples Underground.

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.

cistern underground italy

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.

Naples Underground tour showcasing ancient ruins and artifacts from Piazza San Gaetano.

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.

Naples cityscape with tourists exploring ancient underground ruins.

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.

People exploring Bourbon Gallery in Naples underground.

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

Trieste e Trento Square with artichoke fountain in background on a sunny day, Naples, Italy.

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.

Toledo metro station escalator with vibrant lighting, Naples, Italy.

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
Sfogliatella pastry on a plate in a Naples café.

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

How long does a typical guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground last? Can I visit independently, without a guide?

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.

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

Tickets are available for purchase at the entrance on the day of your visit, but expect long queues. Booking online lets you skip the wait and enjoy flexible, hassle-free entry.

What can I do nearby after my tour?

Walk around the Spanish Quarters, try some fried pizza from local food stands. Take some time to admire the grand murals, like a 3-storey likeness of Diego Maradona! Head to the southern edge of the neighborhood and explore the wide open Piazza del Plebiscito. A 13 minute walk south leads you to the Bourbon Tunnel.

Are we allowed to film or take pictures underground?

Photography is allowed in some areas but may require special permissions or fees. Ensure your camera settings are adjusted for low light, or bring a phone with good night photography capabilities.

Is there a dress code requirement for visiting the Spanish Quarters Underground?

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 entire route has handrails and wide open spaces, the only narrow portion is optional. Those suffering from claustrophobia or any other issues can take an alternate route and wait 10 mins for the rest of their group. Due to the number of steps involved, the experience is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.

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Naples underground with tourists exploring ancient underground ruins.

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