Descending into these tunnels, visitors often notice the cool, earthy scent of volcanic stone and damp air. The faint echoes of footsteps and distant dripping water fill the chambers. The underground is accessible via several guided tours, with entrance fees typically ranging from EUR 8 to EUR 15. Visiting hours generally span from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on the site. The underground labyrinth provides a detailed glimpse into Naples' layered history and engineering, located just a short walk from Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo.
This subterranean city illustrates the evolution of urban infrastructure and burial customs. It includes early Greek-Roman water conduits, early Christian catacombs such as the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, and tunnels repurposed as bomb shelters during the Second World War. The underground passages reveal the city's adaptation to geological challenges, such as volcanic tuff rock, and its strategic use through different eras.
Visitors gain insight into Naples’ historical layers and engineering feats, making it a key attraction for those interested in archaeology, history, and urban development.
Located in the Capodimonte area near Via Capodimonte 13, the Catacombs of San Gennaro date back to the 2nd century AD and rank among Italy's largest underground cemeteries. Visitors can observe multiple levels lined with tombs, chapels, and early Christian art, while the faint smell of aged stone mingles with the cool air. Entrance costs around EUR 9, with guided tours available in multiple languages.
San Gaudioso catacombs, near the Rione Sanità neighborhood at Via Santa Maria Antesaecula 101, are smaller but notable for their well-preserved frescoes and mosaics. Tickets cost approximately EUR 8. Both sites require a 15-20 minute walk from Naples city center or can be reached by bus lines 151 or C12, or taxi. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow, uneven passages.
Tours in naples
Your experience Visit the most exclusive island of Italy with a local top-rated guide and embark on a guided tour of the island of Capri. On this stress-free and laid-back tour, visit highlights such as the Blue Grotto. Leave the busy streets of Naples behind and head out to the island. Start your 8-hour tour by taking the jetfoil to the island while you enjoy spectacular views of the coast. Arrive at the picturesque Marina Grande, the island’s main port. Weather permitting, visit Blue Grotto and witness the shimmering blue turquoise waters up close. Travel to the vibrant center of the island, the main town of Capri and La Piazzetta. Continue to the Augustus Botanical Gardens and get views overlooking one of Capri's best-known landmarks, the legendary Faraglioni limestone rocks. Enjoy some time to explore on your own before returning to the Marina Grande.
Your experience Getting started Get picked up from your Naples hotel or meeting point and enjoy a quick 30-minute drive to Pompeii. Skip the queues with pre-arranged entry. An archaeologist guide will meet you at the site, or an audio guide will be provided for groups with fewer than 6 guests. What to expect Pompeii — The city frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. Features Walk through the Basilica and thermal baths, once bustling with civic life See the vivid frescoes of the Lupanare brothel that captured ancient intrigues Explore the Macellum marketplace and its “tabernae” workshops Visit the grand House of the Faun, one of Pompeii’s most famous villas Upgrades Go small-group (18 guests) for intimacy, regular (40) for budget, or private (8) for exclusivity. Wrapping up After around 1.5 hours inside Pompeii (3 hours overall), return comfortably to Naples with your transfer included.
Your experience Peek Into the Daily Life of Naples The experience begins with a walk through the street of SpaccaNapoli, which divides modern Naples into 2 parts. As you travel through the street, you will come across artist workshops, overhanging balconies, and narrow alleys. Walk through the Underground City of Neapolis Arrive at the picturesque alley of Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its artisan shops that sell nativity-scene figurines. Then, walk to the San Lorenzo church, a monument beneath which lies the ancient city of Neapolis. Here, you will visit the temples, churches, and tunnels created in the 4th century BC by the Greeks. See the church of Santa Luciella ai Librai, where the followers of the Napoleon cult of the dead come to pray. The Catacombs of the Cathedral of San Gennaro On your visit to the Cathedral, you will find ‘Catacombs’ that were tombs of a noble family. The upper Catacomb houses the remains of San Gennaro, which makes it a sought-after burial ground to visit. Its long history, which ranges from Gothic to Baroque to Neo-Gothic, is reflected in the cathedral’s architectural styles. You'll find exquisitely detailed frescoes, complex bronze railings, massive altars, and sculptures and paintings by renowned Italian painters within. Itinerary Walk through the street of SpaccaNapoli – Visit San Gregorio Armeno – Visit the Underground Ruins – Visit the center of San Gennaro
Your Experience Stroll through the lanes in Naples and absorb its unique Italian culture with your expert tour guide. They will narrate the most riveting stories about the region. Your tour will begin from Piazza Plebiscito, continue passing through the Gallery Umberto I, and reach the famous Spanish Quarters. The narrow lanes will give you a glimpse into the conversations of the local people, the sounds of the busy intersections with Vespas driven around, and the classic balconies crowding your view of the sky. Your walk will help you realize how deeply embedded Diego Maradona, the Argentine football player, is inside the culture of Naples. You will see the deep adoration of the Neapolitan people towards Maradona on every corner of every street. Naples’ connection with Maradona knows no bounds. His legacy can be found everywhere in the city: from the street murals to the fireworks called “Maradona's balloon,” from the poems dedicated to him, up to the statuettes of the Neapolitan nativity scene, from souvenirs to desserts. You will visit two of the must-see destinations for any Naples’ number 10 aficionado: Vico Lungo Gelso and Piazza Maradona via Emanuele De Deo. Here, you will admire, in all their majesty and reverence, the most famous murals dedicated to Pibe de Oro. This guided tour in the narrow alleys in the heart of Naples will expose you to the culture of Italy and its people. With the optional upgrade, enjoy a Neapolitan coffee tasting in a bar that is entirely dedicated to Maradona. Admire the small altar dedicated to the player, adorned with photographs and even a strand of his hair, as you savor a delicious cup of Neapolitan coffee. The upgraded tour also includes a visit to Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street of nativity scenes. The artistry of the Neapolitan crib statuettes will leave you in awe, and you'll have the opportunity to take home a beautiful souvenir of this experience. Itinerary Piazza del Plebiscito | Galleria Umberto I | Quartieri Spagnoli | Vico Lungo Gelso | Piazza Maradona (Via Emanuele de Deo) | Spaccanapoli | Via San Gregorio Armeno
Naples Underground
Location of Naples Underground
Visitors enter through stairways or lifts descending into tunnels carved from volcanic tuff. The air carries a slightly mineral scent, and temperatures remain cool year-round, around 16-18°C, so a light jacket is advisable. The pathways can be narrow and uneven; some tours include steep stairs and low ceilings.
Guides share detailed historical context, architectural features, and archaeological findings. Tours usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve artworks. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
The extensive network was adapted to accommodate civilians, with benches, water supplies, and makeshift medical areas. The sheltering capacity reached up to 15,000 people in some sectors. Walking through these spaces, visitors often notice wartime graffiti etched into the walls and remnants of old supplies, creating a tangible connection to the past.
Today, some tunnels preserve wartime graffiti and artifacts, offering a sobering perspective on the city's resilience. Tours focusing on this period highlight the social history and the impact of the war on Naples' population.
Most tours require moderate physical ability due to stairs and narrow passages. Children under 6 may not be allowed. Photography rules vary; check with guides before taking pictures.
Tickets cost between EUR 8 and EUR 15, with combined tickets available for multiple sites. Opening hours are generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but some sites close earlier on certain weekdays. Booking tours in advance online or through local agencies ensures availability.
"Beneath Naples, the catacombs and tunnels pulse with centuries of whispered stories—each damp stone and narrow passage reveals how the city’s soul thrives in shadow, a living labyrinth where history breathes through every echo and flicker of light."
Luca Esposito - Neapolitan Urban Historian
The entrance to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is at Via Capodimonte 13, a 20-minute walk from Museo di Capodimonte. San Gaudioso catacombs are located at Via Santa Maria Antesaecula 101, in Rione Sanità.
Public buses such as lines 151 and C12 serve these areas. Taxi rides from central Naples cost around EUR 8-12. Signage is limited, so guided tours often include pickup points or detailed meeting locations. Visitors should allow 15-30 minutes to reach entrances from main tourist hubs like Piazza del Plebiscito.
This porous rock is relatively easy to carve, allowing ancient builders to create large underground chambers and aqueducts. Its stability also made it suitable for burial sites and later wartime shelters.
However, the tuff requires ongoing maintenance to prevent erosion and collapse. Modern engineering efforts focus on preserving these subterranean structures while ensuring visitor safety.
The Bourbon Tunnel is a 2.5 km passage built in the 19th century as a royal escape route, now open for tours costing about EUR 10. Visitors can see wartime graffiti and historical exhibits while walking through its dimly lit corridors.
The Crypta Neapolitana is an ancient Roman tunnel connecting Naples to Pozzuoli, historically used for trade and military movements. Access is restricted but occasionally open for special guided visits. These sites are less crowded and offer a different perspective on Naples’ underground.
Many Neapolitans recommend taking a guided walking tour of Rione Sanità that includes underground sites and local food tastings for a fuller cultural context.
Money-saving tips include purchasing the Naples City Center Pass, which has discounted entry to multiple underground attractions. Visiting early in the day can avoid crowds and provide a more intimate setting.
