Bourbon Tunnel
Discover the historical facets of Naples on this guided tour of Bourbon Tunnel. Admire the technological solutions adopted by designer Errico Alvino during the excavation of this tunnel. Artifacts from the second World War such as remains of motorcycles, cars, and statues, along with the bomb bunkers used in the War, are present here as well.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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With an expert English or Italian-speaking guide, explore the underground history of the city of Naples as you make your way through the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket.
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Unveil 4 centuries of the history of Naples including the remains of World War II and huge fragments of vintage cars and motorcycles from this era.
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Admire the bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality and get to see the bomb shelter cleverly used during the World War.
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Fun fact: The tunnel was built by the ruling Bourbon King to connect the Royal Palace with the military barracks, allowing the royal family to quickly move troops and secretly escape in the event of a rebellion.
More details
-
With an expert English or Italian-speaking guide, explore the underground history of the city of Naples as you make your way through the Bourbon Tunnel with an entry ticket.
-
Unveil 4 centuries of the history of Naples including the remains of World War II and huge fragments of vintage cars and motorcycles from this era.
-
Admire the bridges and the walls built to cross the cisterns while preserving their functionality and get to see the bomb shelter cleverly used during the World War.
-
Fun fact: The tunnel was built by the ruling Bourbon King to connect the Royal Palace with the military barracks, allowing the royal family to quickly move troops and secretly escape in the event of a rebellion.
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Similar things to do in Naples
About Naples Underground Tours
Descend into Naples Underground, a hidden city of tunnels, chambers, and aqueducts. Discover the city's rich history, from ancient Greek settlements to WWII shelters on your subterranean journey.
In around 470 BCE, the Greeks excavated the volcanic tuff rock of the underground in order to create a Neapolis, or 'new city'. Evidence of this quarrying can be found across all the sites you visit.
The Naples Underground tunnels at Piazza San Gaetano and the Spanish Quarters are both known for serving as water reservoirs in the Roman era and air raid shelters during the Second World War.
The Neapolis Sotterrata beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore reveals the ruins of an ancient Greek marketplace and Roman structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Naples' layered past.
Another fascinating part of Naples Underground are the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso. These burial sites are known for their unique two-level design and early Christian frescoes.
The Bourbon tunnel was built during the 1850s as an escape route for Ferdinand II of Bourbon, who was concerned about an uprising.
Why visit Naples Underground Tours?
Highlights
The Nerone Theater at Napoli Sotterranea
This Greek-Roman theater was Nero's theater, and can be seen at the end of your visit to Napoli Sotterranea. Parts of it were included in houses on Via Anticaglia in the 15th century. Entry to the theater is also accessed via this above-ground entry. You can also see Nero's private dressing rooms from one of the trapdoors.
World War II Shelters
In the 1940s, the underground was used as a bomb shelter, housing nearly 40,000 people. At both Napoli Sotterranea and the Spanish Quarters Underground, you can find war-forgotten items like weapons, documents, toys and even graffiti.
Neapolis Aqueduct at Spanish Quarters Underground
See an integral and expansive part of the ancient aqueduct system and its evolution over 20 centuries under the Spanish Quarters. You can also see parts of the aqueduct system under Napoli Sotterranea.
Hypogeum Gardens at Napoli Sotterranea
A horticultural marvel located 35 m below the ground, these underground gardens are a scientific experiment to see whether plants would thrive in sunless conditions. Lamps are the source of light for these flora. Popular items grown here are Malocchio coffee and basil.
Tufello wine experience
Taste the Tufello wine, grown on volcanic soil in the Naples region. You can taste it from underground cellars at the Sotterranea.
Plan your visit
Piazza San Gaetano, 68 (Napoli Sotterranea)
This is the main entrance from where the Napoli Sotterranea experience begins.
Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52 (Spanish Quarters Underground)
This entrance is near the historic Spanish Quarters.
Riviera di Chiaia (Bourbon Tunnel)
This entrance helps you enter the Bourbon tunnel.
Piazza San Gaetano, 316 (Neapolis Sotterrata)
Explore the Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore and then descend beneath it into the Roman market ruins of Neapolis Sotterrata.
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