Underground: a journey through the hidden heart of Naples

Through this itinerary, you will explore a unique and evocative subterranean world, where the sacred and the mysterious intertwine, revealing the essence of a city that lives not only above ground, but also within its depths.

Step by step, you will uncover a hidden dimension of Naples, telling stories of faith and superstition, ingenuity and resilience.

Starting point: Galleria Borbonica
Estimated duration: about 6 hours

• Galleria Borbonica

19th century
An extraordinary feat of engineering, used as an escape route and military depot.

• Napoli Sotterranea routes and the Neapolis Sotterrata

Greek–Roman period and Middle Ages
A labyrinth of tunnels and cisterns dating back to the 4th century BC, used by the Greeks as an aqueduct and later by the Romans for civic purposes.
The Neapolis Sotterrata reveals the remains of the ancient Roman city hidden beneath today’s historic centre.

• Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso

2nd–4th century AD
These sacred spaces narrate the spread of Christianity in Naples: frescoed tombs and sculptures reveal the faith of early Christians.

• Ipogei dei Cristallini

4th century BC
These Greco-Roman hypogea, decorated with remarkably well-preserved frescoes, testify to the importance of the afterlife in ancient civilizations.

Flavours

• Wood-fired and fried pizza in the Rione Sanità
• Sfogliatella (riccia or frolla) and coffee near Piazza del Plebiscito

Craft traditions

• Handcrafted nativity scenes in San Gregorio Armeno
• Amulets and lucky charms near Purgatorio ad Arco
• Hand-painted ceramics in the Cappella Sansevero area