Naples Underground Guide: Tickets, Routes, Highlights, Tips

Naples hides one of Europe’s most astonishing subterranean worlds — an overlay of ancient aqueducts, cisterns, defensive tunnels, WWII shelters, and early Christian catacombs carved in soft volcanic tuff. This guide brings the three main experiences together: Napoli Sotterranea, Galleria Borbonica, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro/San Gaudioso.

Why Underground Naples Is Special

• Layered history: Roman engineering, Bourbon strategy, wartime resilience, and early Christian art in one continuous landscape.
• Living heritage: Community-led stewardship, active conservation, and guided storytelling bring spaces to life.
• Urban contrast: A calm, cool underworld below one of Italy’s most vibrant street scenes.

“Underground Naples isn’t a single site — it’s a second city with its own logic.”

Quick Overview

• Scope: history, tickets, route selection, accessibility, gear, photography.
• Time: plan 1–2 days to visit at least two sites.
• Combo: pair an underground tour with the Historic Center and the National Archaeological Museum.

Choosing Your Experience

Tip: If you have one afternoon, do Napoli Sotterranea. If you have a full day, add Galleria Borbonica in the evening.

Tickets & Booking

• Buy directly on official sites or trusted partners.
• Timed entries sell out on weekends and holidays — book ahead.
• Some routes include helmets, ladders, or narrow passages: check details.

Sample Budget

• Napoli Sotterranea: €12–€15
• Galleria Borbonica (Standard): €12–€15; special routes slightly more
• Catacombs: €10–€12 (guided)

Gear & Clothing Checklist

• Closed shoes with strong grip
• Light jacket (stable 15–18°C underground)
• Small backpack; avoid large bags
• Phone/compact camera; optional headlamp
• Water (small bottle) — mind conservation rules

Photography Cheatsheet

1. Stabilize: brace against walls/rails for 1/10–1/30s shots.
2. ISO strategy: start at ISO 800–1600; reduce noise later.
3. Composition: leading lines in tunnels; include people for scale.
4. Respect: no flash around fragile paintings.

Itineraries

Classic 1-Day

1. Morning: Catacombs of San Gennaro
2. Lunch: Rione Sanità street food
3. Afternoon: Napoli Sotterranea (Historic Center)
4. Evening: Galleria Borbonica “Standard” or “Adventure” route

2-Day Deep Dive

Day 1: Catacombs double (San Gennaro + San Gaudioso), then Sanità neighborhood walk.
Day 2: Napoli Sotterranea in the morning, Archaeological Museum midday, Borbonica at sunset.

Accessibility Snapshot

• Catacombs: relatively easier access; ask for step-free options.
• Napoli Sotterranea: narrow passages and stairs; not ideal for strollers.
• Galleria Borbonica: Standard is most accessible; adventure adds ladders.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking bags that snag in narrow corridors.
• Booking back-to-back tours without buffer time.
• Using flash near art or sensitive surfaces.

FAQs

• Is it cold underground? It’s cool and stable: 15–18°C year-round.
• Are tours guided? Yes — storytelling adds safety and context.
• Can I go alone? Access is by guided routes only in most sites.

Bottom Line

If Naples has a second city, it’s below your feet. Choose one classic tour, then add a contrasting route to feel the full story — water, stone, faith, and resilience.