Naples Underground Official Tickets & Tour
– Step Into History: Travel beneath the vibrant city of Naples on a tour filled with historical wonders.
– Guided Insights: Explore the remnants of the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and the Roman Theater with expert guidance.
– 2,400 Years of Tales: From ancient Greeks to the present, uncover Naples’ past in the heart of the historic center.
Join us for a unique underground journey with the official Underground Naples guided tour. Delve into the “womb” of Naples, exploring from an archaeological, historical, anthropological, and geological lens.
Visit key sites including the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and the newly unveiled Summa Cavea, part of the Roman theater brought back to life. The tour isn’t just a walk; it’s a deep dive into 2,400 years of history, guided by experts in English or Italian
Naples Underground Official Tickets & Tour
- Skip-the-Line Entry: Avoid the queues with direct access.
- – Guided Exploration: Discover underground Naples with a knowledgeable guide.
- Join a guide and see Naples Underground, including the ancient theater of Neapolis, where Emperor Nero had a private dressing room
- See the ancient aqueduct, responsible for providing Naples with water for 23 centuries
- Visit the Bourbon period drains covered in cool blue tiles – you won’t believe the colors!
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) serves as a remarkable journey into the depths of history beneath the bustling streets of Naples, Italy. This extensive network of tunnels and caverns, supported by the city for about 5,000 years, offers visitors a unique and thrilling experience that encapsulates the essence of Naples through the ages.
For over 30 years, the dedicated members of a local Association have worked tirelessly, without financial aid, to uncover and preserve these ancient civil engineering marvels, from the Greek-Roman aqueducts to the intricate road tunnels and aqueducts developed in Roman times. Their efforts have not only shed light on Naples’ historical significance but also inspired similar preservation endeavors across Italy and Europe.
The subterranean world of Naples provides a vivid historical narrative that stretches back to prehistoric times, evolving through significant periods that have shaped the city above.
The Greeks laid the foundation by quarrying tuff blocks in the third century BC, while the Romans expanded the underground network to include sophisticated aqueducts and tunnels that supplied water from distant sources.
This intricate system, highlighted by feats of ancient engineering, supported Naples’ growth and prosperity through the centuries. In the 16th century, the construction of a new aqueduct marked a pivotal development in the city’s history, addressing the growing demands of an expanding population.
World War II transformed these ancient tunnels into vital air-raid shelters, providing sanctuary to the citizens of Naples during bombings. Today, remnants of this era, alongside artifacts from Naples’ rich past, narrate a poignant story of survival and resilience.
The journey through Naples Underground is not just a physical exploration but an immersive dive into the heart of Neapolitan life and history, revealing the layers of human ingenuity and spirit that have sustained the city through millennia.
Why visit Naples Underground?
Visiting Naples Underground offers a rare and fascinating journey through time, revealing the layers of history, archaeology, and geology that lie beneath one of Italy’s most vibrant cities. Here are some compelling reasons to explore this hidden world:
– Step Back in Time: Naples Underground provides an unparalleled glimpse into over 2,400 years of history. From the ancient Greeks to the modern day, visitors can explore the evolution of Naples through its underground tunnels. This journey offers a unique perspective on the city’s past, showcasing how each era has left its mark beneath the streets.
– Architectural and Engineering Marvels: The Greek-Roman aqueducts and the remnants of the Roman theater are just a couple of examples of the incredible engineering feats that can be witnessed in the Naples Underground. These ancient constructions demonstrate the ingenuity and skill of the civilizations that built and inhabited Naples over the millennia.
– A Haven During War: During World War II, the tunnels served as a refuge for the people of Naples, protecting them from air raids. Exploring these passages provides a moving insight into the resilience and solidarity of the Neapolitan people during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.
– Geological Wonders: The tunnels and caverns of Naples Underground also offer a fascinating look at the natural history of the region. The soft tuff stone, from which the tunnels were carved, speaks to the volcanic activity that has shaped the landscape of Naples and its surroundings.
– A Unique Cultural Experience: Beyond its historical and geological significance, Naples Underground is a testament to the cultural heritage of the city. The tours not only educate visitors about the past but also immerse them in the rich traditions and stories of Naples. Opting for a tour with a pizza lunch or dinner allows for an even deeper dive into the culinary delights that the city is famous for.
– Photography and Adventure: For those with a love of photography or adventure, Naples Underground presents an unmatched opportunity. The play of light and shadow, the ancient structures, and the eerie beauty of the tunnels offer endless possibilities for capturing stunning photographs and experiencing the thrill of exploration.
More About Naples Underground: Unique Exhibits
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) is a treasure trove of unique sights and experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into the unseen and historically rich layers beneath the city of Naples. Here are some of the unique things one can find there:
– Greek-Roman Aqueducts: These ancient aqueducts are engineering marvels of the Greek and Roman eras. Visitors can marvel at the complex system designed to transport water from distant sources into the city, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
– Roman Theater Remains: Hidden beneath the modern city, the remains of a Roman theater can be explored. This includes the Summa Cavea, a newly uncovered section that offers a direct connection to the cultural life of ancient Naples.
– World War II Air Raid Shelters: The underground tunnels provided refuge to thousands of Neapolitans during the bombings of World War II. Walking through these shelters, one can almost hear the echoes of history and imagine the community’s collective heartbeat during those dark times.
– The Summa Cavea: A new fragment of the Roman theater that has been brought back to life. This area allows visitors to step directly into the daily life and entertainment of Naples’ ancient inhabitants.
– Geological Formations: The natural caves and fissures formed in the tuff stone present a geological wonder. These formations offer insight into the volcanic activity that has shaped the landscape of Naples and its surroundings.
– Ancient Cisterns: The underground is home to ancient cisterns used for collecting and storing water. These cisterns are a testament to the resourcefulness of past populations in managing their water supply.
– Artifacts and Relics: Throughout the tunnels, visitors can find various artifacts and relics that tell the story of Naples from different epochs. From ancient Greek and Roman times to the more recent history of World War II, these items provide a tangible link to the past.
Naples Underground is not just a historical site; it is a journey through time that offers a unique and immersive experience into the depths of one of Italy’s most storied cities. Each corner and tunnel reveal new secrets and stories, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to uncover the hidden wonders of Naples.
Other Things to Do in Naples Undergroud
The War Museum of Naples Underground
The Museum of Underground Naples offers a poignant glimpse into the city’s turbulent history during the Second World War, showcasing a period when the subterranean world of Naples became a refuge for its citizens.
During the war, approximately 40,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) sought shelter in the city’s vast underground, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Neapolitan population.
This underground city provided a sanctuary from the relentless bombings that ravaged the city above, transforming these ancient tunnels and spaces into a temporary home for thousands awaiting the end of conflict and a return to normalcy.
However, the aftermath of the war revealed a city in ruins, its once vibrant streets and buildings reduced to rubble. In a poignant effort to rebuild, the citizens of Naples turned to the very substratum that had protected them, using the underground spaces to dispose of debris.
The ancient wells and cavities, which had once supplied the city with water and served as quarries for the tuff blocks that built Naples, were now filled with the remnants of the city itself. This period saw the underground being used as a landfill until the 1980s, its rich history buried under layers of garbage and forgotten.
It was only through the dedication and hard work of volunteers, determined to uncover and preserve the history of their city, that the Underground Naples was revitalized and transformed into the captivating historical site it is today.
The Museum of Underground Naples War collects and preserves invaluable documents, materials, and objects from the Second World War, offering visitors a deeply moving and immersive experience.
Through its exhibits, the museum tells the story of the city’s suffering and resilience, from the first air raids in 1940 to the tragic explosion of the merchant ship Caterina Costa in 1943, which resulted in devastating losses.
This museum not only commemorates the hardships faced by the city and its inhabitants but also celebrates their spirit and determination in the face of adversity. Visitors are taken on a journey through time, from the ancient origins of the underground spaces to their crucial role during one of the darkest chapters in Naples’ history.
Co.R.E. gallery
The CO.R.E. Gallery, nestled at the threshold of Underground Naples, offers a harmonious blend of historical depth and artistic innovation, standing as a vibrant space dedicated to modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
This gallery represents a unique facet of the Naples Underground experience, bridging the ancient with the avant-garde and inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of contemporary artistic expression.
As a contemporary art venue, CO.R.E. Gallery serves as an emblem of creativity and the imaginative journey beyond the tangible, paying homage to the inventive and poetic spirit that underpins the essence of Underground Naples.
It’s a place where the past and present converge, offering a tribute to the ability of art to transcend reality and delve into realms of invention, much like the historical layers of Naples itself delve beneath the city’s surface to reveal stories of resilience and transformation.
Admission to the gallery’s exhibitions is complimentary, making it an accessible gateway for all to discover the most promising voices in contemporary art. The CO.R.E. Gallery enriches the narrative of Underground Naples, adding a layer of contemporary cultural exploration that complements the historical and archaeological journey below the city.
Tuffaceous Cavities
The Tuffaceous Cavities of Underground Naples harbor not just the city’s profound history but also a viticultural treasure, a wine with distinct characteristics that stand as a testament to the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
This unique environment, carved from the same tuff stone that has supported Naples for millennia, offers an unparalleled setting for the cultivation and aging of wine, linking the modern experience of viticulture with the ancient traditions of the Western world, especially prevalent in southern Europe.
Historically, wine is among the oldest products developed in the region, with the Greeks laying the groundwork for viticulture and winemaking techniques that have been refined over centuries. They established a methodical approach to wine production, categorizing wines from the lightest to those with higher caloric content.
This tradition gave birth to some of the most ancient and revered wines from the Magna Graecia area, including Cirò from Calabria, Negroamaro from Puglia, and both Aglianico del Vulture and Aglianico from Campania, along with Sicilian Grillo.
Neapolitan wines, celebrated since ancient times in the writings of Papinio Stazio and lauded by Horace for their excellence, have roots that intertwine deeply with the city’s history.
The tradition of esteemed winemaking was further enriched by notable figures like Lucullo and the Emperors Tiberio, Claudio, and Nerone, who not only enjoyed Neapolitan wines but also contributed to their legacy.
The wines from Greek vines, transplanted to the fertile grounds of Posillipo and other colonies, formed the backbone of the Empire’s finest wines, such as the renowned white from Capri, the robust reds from Vesuvius, the celebrated Falerno, and the sparkling wines from Gragnano and Ischia.
Through the Middle Ages and into the present day, the tradition of winemaking in Naples has continued to evolve, introducing varieties like Asprino, Taurasi, Solopaca, and Radanello.
The Tuffaceous Cavities of Underground Naples, with their unique climate and historical significance, play a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing the distinctive qualities of these wines.
This connection between the ancient and the modern, the geological and the viticultural, highlights the depth of Naples’ cultural and historical heritage, offering visitors and wine enthusiasts alike a taste that is not only unique in character but also rich in history.
How to Visit Naples Undergroud
To visit the intriguing world of Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea), you’ll want to head to the historic center of Naples, where the entrance is conveniently located. The site is accessible by various means of transportation, depending on your starting point:
– Metro: The closest metro station is “Dante” on Line 1 (Metro Linea 1), from where Naples Underground is just a short walk away. Exiting the station, you’ll find yourself in Piazza Dante, and from there, it’s a straightforward route to the entrance of Naples Underground.
– Bus: Several bus lines run through the historic center of Naples. You can use bus services that stop near **Via dei Tribunali** or **Piazza Dante**, both of which are close to the entrance.
By Car
If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking in the historic center can be challenging due to limited spaces. There are parking garages and lots around the historic center, but they may be a bit of a walk from the entrance. Look for parking near “Piazza Dante” or along “Via Foria”. From there, you can walk to the site.
By Train
If you’re coming from outside Naples, you can take a train to **Napoli Centrale**, the city’s main train station. From Napoli Centrale, you can take the Metro Line 1 to **Dante** station, or opt for a bus that brings you closer to the historic center.
Walking
If you’re already in the historic center of Naples, Naples Underground is accessible on foot from many nearby landmarks, including the “Duomo di Napoli (Cathedral of Naples)” and “Piazza Bellini”. Walking through the historic streets is not only convenient but also offers a chance to see more of Naples’ vibrant life and architecture.
How to book Pompeii tickets
The easiest way is to book your Pompeii tickets online through a ticket provider. You can choose from different ticket options, including a single entry ticket or a combined ticket with access to other nearby sites such as Herculaneum and Oplontis.
By purchasing online tickets, you also have the option to skip the line at the entrance and enter Pompeii directly through the fast track line. Skip the line tickets are especially recommended during peak tourist season to avoid long queues and save time.
You can also of course buy your tickets for Pompeii from the physical ticket office, but this means that you will have to wait in the long line for the ticket offices.
So why wait? Book your online tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the ancient roman city. No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to this awe-inspiring ancient site. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to step back in time at Pompeii.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naples Underground
1. What is Naples Underground?
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) is a historical and archaeological site in the heart of Naples, Italy. It consists of a complex network of tunnels, chambers, and cisterns carved out of the tuff stone beneath the city. This subterranean world dates back over 2,400 years, offering a unique glimpse into Naples’ past.
2.Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are an essential part of the Naples Underground experience. The tours are available in multiple languages, including English and Italian, providing fascinating insights into the site’s history, geology, and archaeology.
3.How long does a tour last?
A typical tour of Naples Underground lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the group size and any additional features included in the tour.
4. Is Naples Underground suitable for children?
Naples Underground is a family-friendly attraction. However, the experience involves walking through narrow and dark passages, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those who are claustrophobic.
5. What should I wear?
It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is quite a bit of walking involved, often on uneven surfaces. The temperature underground can be cooler than at the surface, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is advisable.
- Is Naples Underground accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Due to the nature of the site, with steps and uneven terrain, it may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues to access all areas. It’s best to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
7. Can I take photos during the tour?
Photography is generally allowed in Naples Underground, but flash photography and the use of tripods may be restricted in certain areas. Always check with your guide before taking photos.
8. Are there any facilities or services available on site?
Basic facilities like restrooms are available, but amenities may be limited compared to more conventional tourist attractions. It’s a good idea to bring water and any necessary personal items with you.
9. Can I visit Naples Underground without a guide?
To ensure the safety and preservation of the site, visitors are required to explore Naples Underground as part of a guided tour. Self-guided visits are not typically allowed.
