22/10/2026
Napoli Sotterranea, or Underground Naples, is a hidden world of tunnels and caves about 40 metres below the streets of the historic centre of Naples, in the south of Italy. More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks dug stone here to build their city. Later the Romans turned the spaces into a large system of water tanks and channels, which supplied the city with water for many centuries. During the Second World War, the tunnels were used as air-raid shelters by thousands of people. Today you can visit this underground city on a guided tour.
What to See
The tour goes down a long staircase into large caves and old water tanks. You can see the marks of ancient tools on the walls, old wells and the places where people lived during the war, with their drawings and objects. One of the most exciting parts is a very narrow passage that you walk through by candlelight. There is also a small underground garden and an experiment on growing plants without sunlight. Part of the tour takes you into a normal old house in the street above, where you can see the remains of an ancient Roman theatre hidden under the building.
How to Get There and Practical Information
The entrance is in Piazza San Gaetano, on Via dei Tribunali, in the heart of the historic centre of Naples. It is easy to reach on foot, and the nearest metro stations are Dante and Museo. Visits are only possible with a guided tour, which lasts about 90 minutes and runs in several languages. There is an entrance fee, and it is a good idea to book in advance. It is cool underground all year, so bring a light jacket. The narrow passage is not suitable for people who are afraid of small spaces, but there is a way around it.
Weather in location: Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples), Italy
- Today 13°…20°
- Wind 4 km/h W
- No precipitation now
Forecast data: Open-Meteo.com
