Naples: Naples Underground Entry Ticket and Guided Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) offers a unique journey beneath the city, revealing 2,400 years of history. The subterranean network began with Greek settlers in the 4th century BC, who carved tuff stone to create cisterns and aqueducts for water supply in ancient Neapolis. The Romans expanded these in the 1st century BC, constructing an intricate aqueduct system and a theater, parts of which, like the Summa Cavea, were rediscovered in recent decades. During the Middle Ages, these tunnels served as shelters, and in World War II, they became air-raid bunkers, preserving artifacts like wartime graffiti.
Modern tours, operated by Napoli Sotterranea since the 1980s, emerged after archaeological excavations made the site accessible, blending history, anthropology, and geology. The recent unearthing of the Roman Theater’s fragments in the 2000s highlights ongoing discoveries, making this a living archaeological site. The tour’s popularity reflects Naples’ layered past, from Greek ingenuity to Roman engineering and modern resilience, with the optional pizza meal tying into the city’s UNESCO-recognized culinary heritage.
Highlights
- Explore Naples’ underground, spanning 2,400 years of history
- Visit the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and newly uncovered Roman Theater remains
- Learn from an expert guide about Naples’ archaeological and cultural past
- Enjoy a multilingual app and brochure for a tailored experience
- Add a traditional Neapolitan pizza lunch or dinner (optional)
Full Description
Dive into the hidden depths of Naples on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea, starting at the entrance near the Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore, marked by white and blue flags. With a skip-the-line ticket, reduce wait times (though not priority entry) and join an English or Italian-speaking guide for a journey through 2,400 years of history. Download the free multilingual app (English, Italian, French, Spanish, etc.) or use the provided brochure to follow along in your preferred language, enriched by archaeological, historical, and geological insights.
Descend 121 steps to explore the Greek-Roman Aqueduct, a network of ancient cisterns carved from tuff stone, marveling at their engineering. Visit the remains of the Roman Theater, including the newly excavated Summa Cavea, where Nero once performed, and hear stories of its rediscovery. The guide weaves tales of ancient Neapolis, medieval shelters, and WWII bunkers, bringing the “womb” of Naples to life. An optional narrow, dimly lit path adds adventure (small flashlight recommended for kids). Photography is allowed, capturing the eerie beauty of the tunnels.
If you select the pizza option, conclude with a Margherita or Marinara pizza and a non-alcoholic drink (up to €15) at a nearby eatery, savoring Naples’ iconic cuisine. The tour ends at the exit, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of the city’s hidden history and vibrant culture.
Why Choose This Experience?
This Naples Underground tour offers a rare glimpse into the city’s subterranean world, blending Greek, Roman, and modern history in a compact 1.5-hour experience. At $17, it’s an affordable way to explore a lesser-known side of Naples, distinct from aboveground landmarks like Pompeii. The expert guide and multilingual app ensure accessibility for international visitors, while the skip-the-line ticket saves time during busy seasons. The optional pizza meal adds a taste of Naples’ UNESCO-protected culinary tradition, making it a cultural two-for-one.
The small-group format and engaging storytelling cater to history buffs, families, or curious travelers, with the recent Roman Theater discoveries adding fresh intrigue. Despite 121 steps, the illuminated path and handrails make it accessible for most, though not for wheelchairs. This tour’s blend of archaeology, storytelling, and Neapolitan flavor makes it a standout, immersive way to uncover Naples’ hidden depths.
What’s Included
- Skip-the-line entry to Naples Underground
- 1.5-hour guided tour (English or Italian)
- Multilingual audio guide app (downloadable)
- Brochure in multiple languages
- Optional pizza lunch or dinner (Margherita or Marinara + non-alcoholic drink, up to €15)
- Photography permitted throughout the tour
Itinerary
- Meet at the entrance near Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore 10-15 minutes early
- Descend 121 steps for a 1.5-hour guided tour of Naples Underground
- Explore the Greek-Roman Aqueduct and its ancient cisterns
- Visit the Roman Theater remains, including the Summa Cavea
- Optional narrow path exploration (dimly lit, flashlight recommended for kids)
- Enjoy a pizza meal (if selected) at a nearby eatery
- Exit after the tour, collecting strollers if left at the entrance
Pricing
From $17 per person (pizza option extra)
Meeting Point
Napoli Sotterranea entrance, Piazza San Gaetano, 68, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy, next to Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore, marked by white and blue flags. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
How to Get There
- By Metro: Take Line 1 to Dante station; 5-7 minute walk to Piazza San Gaetano
- By Bus: Lines 201 or E1 stop near Piazza Dante; 7-minute walk to entrance
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Drop-off at Piazza San Gaetano; €5-10 from central Naples
- On Foot: From Spaccanapoli or Via dei Tribunali, a 5-10 minute walk
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for 121 steps and uneven surfaces
- Comfortable clothes and a sweatshirt (tunnels can be cool)
- Small flashlight for children on the optional narrow path
- Smartphone for the audio guide app (optional)
- Cash for tips or small purchases at the pizza stop
Know Before You Go
- Skip-the-line reduces wait times but isn’t priority entry
- Guided tour mandatory; no self-guided option
- Not wheelchair-accessible due to 121 steps; strollers can be left at entrance
- Children in primary/junior high should bring a flashlight for optional path
- Tour operates in all weather; tunnels are sheltered
- Photography allowed; no flash needed due to illumination
- Pizza option includes Margherita or Marinara + drink (up to €15)
- Does not participate in #DomenicalMuseo free admission
Reviews
- Guide was knowledgeable about Naples’ hidden history. Loved the narrow alleys—great overall experience!
- Very good tour guide, and the pizza place service was amazing. Highly recommend!
- Well-organized groups through the tunnels. The guide gave us time to soak in each spot—great experience.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What languages are available for the tour, and how does the app work?
The live guide speaks English or Italian, but the free POP Guide app offers commentary in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.). Download the app before arriving (internet required) and use it with headphones for a tailored experience. A multilingual brochure is also provided. The app works offline once downloaded, narrating key sites like the aqueduct and theater. It’s user-friendly and enhances flexibility for non-English/Italian speakers. The guide’s live insights complement the app’s details.
Is the tour suitable for children, and what’s the flashlight for?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly for children able to manage 121 steps (up and down) and a 1.5-hour duration. The history and tunnels captivate kids, but the optional narrow, dimly lit path may be daunting, so a small flashlight is recommended for primary/junior high students to feel secure. Supervision is required. Strollers can be left at the entrance. The experience suits curious kids 6+. The pizza option adds a fun, family-friendly touch. Confirm age suitability when booking.
What does the pizza option include, and is it worth it?
The pizza option (extra cost) includes a Margherita or Marinara pizza and one non-alcoholic drink (up to €15) at a nearby eatery post-tour. It’s a classic Neapolitan experience, reflecting Naples’ UNESCO culinary status. The price aligns with local restaurant rates, making it a convenient add-on for a full meal. Vegetarian-friendly, but limited to these pizza types. It’s worth it for those wanting an authentic taste without planning. Bring cash for extras. Many enjoy the seamless food-history combo.
Is the tour physically demanding, and what are the steps like?
The tour involves moderate physical effort, with 121 low steps (up and down) to access the underground sites, equipped with handrails for safety. The main path is well-lit and manageable for most, but not wheelchair-accessible or suitable for those with mobility issues. The optional narrow path is tighter but avoidable. Comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt are advised. Total walking is ~1 km over 1.5 hours. Most find it accessible, with breaks during commentary. The unique setting justifies the effort.
What does “skip-the-line” mean for this tour?
Skip-the-line reduces waiting time at the entrance, especially in high season, by pre-booking your spot, but it’s not priority entry, so a short queue (5-15 minutes) may remain due to group coordination. The guided format ensures efficient entry compared to standard tickets. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to streamline check-in. This saves time in Naples’ busy tourist periods. It’s a practical perk for a smoother start, letting you focus on the underground wonders.
