Napoli Sotterranea

About the museum

Naples’ underground has very ancient origins: the Greeks began quarrying tuff in the 3rd century BC, and the material was used to build the city above, leaving underground voids. In the Augustan age the Romans built an aqueduct fed by the springs of Serino, about 70 km away, with a branch to Miseno to supply the Piscina Mirabilis.

In the 16th century Cesare Carmignano built a new aqueduct, because the older system no longer met the city’s needs. Water extraction ceased at the beginning of the 20th century. During the Second World War the tunnels were used as air-raid shelters and still preserve furnishings, graffiti and objects from that period.

The official route is run by the Associazione Napoli Sotterranea, which states that it has been organising visits for over thirty years. Visits start from Piazza San Gaetano, beside the Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore, and descend about 40 metres through tunnels and cisterns; the route also includes the War Museum, a laboratory with a seismic station and the Orti Ipogei.

Highlights

• Greek-Roman aqueduct and 4th-century BC cisterns
• Air-raid shelter and War Museum
• Orti Ipogei about 35 metres deep
• Remains incorporated into the Roman Theatre
• Optional tunnel lit by candlelight

Permanent exhibitions

• Percorso sotterraneo – Greek-Roman cisterns and aqueduct, tunnels, the air-raid shelter with the War Museum and the Orti Ipogei.
• Teatro Romano e presepi antichi – Remains incorporated into the Roman Theatre and, in the Summa Cavea, an exhibition of antique presepi (nativity scenes).

Operated by

Associazione Napoli Sotterranea

Admission & discounts

Children aged 0 to 4 enter free. There are no concessions for dyslexia or other specific learning disorders (DSA). The fast-track ticket is bought online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The route descends 136 steps, with as many going back up, and has no lift; it is not accessible by wheelchair or walker. The steps are low and fitted with handrails. Pushchairs cannot go down and can be left at the entrance. The narrowest tunnel is optional.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

The site states that there are no contraindications for very young children; no minimum age is set. Pushchairs cannot go down.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is at Piazza San Gaetano 69, on Via dei Tribunali, beside the Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore, marked by white and blue flags. The site warns that Google Maps shows an incorrect destination and invites visitors to use the link on its website.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit