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Naples Underground history: A timeline of events

Q: What are the Catacombs of Naples, and why are they significant?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso were burial sites of Naples’ patron saint and a revered Bishop from Africa, respectively. They served as both tombs and places of worship for early Christians, showcasing unique frescoes and funerary art.

Q: When were the underground sites rediscovered and opened to the public?

Many sites, including Napoli Sotterranea and Neapolis Sotterrata, were rediscovered and excavated in the mid-20th century. They were later restored and opened for tourism in the late 1980s.

History

Curious about how the fascinating world beneath Naples came to be? Here's a complete chronology of the Naples Underground.

1. Ancient Greek foundations (4th century BCE)

The story of Naples Underground begins with the ancient Greeks, who quarried tuff (volcanic rock) to construct the city of Neapolis. This quarrying created vast cavities beneath the surface.
Early Greek settlers used some of these cavities as cisterns to store rainwater, laying the groundwork for Naples' extensive underground infrastructure.

2. Roman expansion (1st century BCE – 4th century CE)

The Romans transformed the underground into a sophisticated system of aqueducts and cisterns, supplying fresh water to the city.
Napoli Sotterranea at Piazza San Gaetano and the Spanish Quarters Underground were integral to the aqueduct network, with interconnected tunnels running beneath the city.
Greco-Roman theater: Portions of the Theater of Nero were later incorporated into the underground, now accessible through Napoli Sotterranea.
Neapolis Sotterrata: A thriving macellum (Roman marketplace) flourished at the site of a Greek agora (public square), reflecting the commercial vibrancy of ancient Neapolis.

3. Early Medieval period (5th–10th century CE)

Decline of Roman infrastructure: Following the fall of the Empire, the aqueduct system fell into disrepair. However, parts of the underground remained in use for water storage and drainage.
Christian burial practices: The underground began to serve as burial sites for early Christians.
Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso: The Catacombs of Naples developed during this period, serving as both burial spaces and places of worship.
A Christian basilica is built over the ruins of the Neapolis Sotterrata, slowly transforming into the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex.

4. Renaissance and Spanish rule (15th–17th century)

Urban expansion: During Spanish rule, the population of Naples grew rapidly, necessitating new water storage systems.
A 16th-century nobleman named Cesare Carmignano commissioned a new aqueduct to accommodate the city’s swelling water demand.
The Spanish Quarters Underground: Further developed as a network of cisterns and drainage channels to support the Spanish Quarters, a densely populated neighborhood.

5. Bourbon Era and Modernization (18th–19th century)

Military and civic use: The underground was adapted for military and public purposes under Bourbon rule.
The Bourbon Tunnel was built nearby during the 1850s as an escape route for the Bourbon King Ferdinand II, who feared an uprising.

6. World War II (1939–1945)

Air-raid shelters: The underground played a critical role in protecting Neapolitans during heavy Allied bombings.
Both Napoli Sotterranea and the Spanish Quarters Underground served as a refuge for thousands of civilians, with remnants of wartime graffiti and artifacts still visible.

7. Post-war rediscovery (Late-20th century)

Archaeological efforts: Many underground sites were rediscovered and excavated in the decades after WWII, bringing Naples' hidden history to light. Enzo Albertini leads exploratory walks starting from the 1970s.
Excavations under San Lorenzo Maggiore revealed Neapolis Sotterrata, the Roman marketplace beneath the church.
Napoli Sotterranea became a major tourist destination showcasing Naples' ingenious underground infrastructure.
The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso were restored and opened to the public, highlighting their importance as early Christian burial sites.

8. Modern Era (21st century)

The underground sites of Naples have become iconic attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s layered history through regular guided tours.
In 2015, Napoli Sotterranea opened its innovative Hypogeum Gardens to experiment with crop growth in extreme conditions 40+ meters below the surface.
Above Neapolis Sotterrata ruins, the Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore’s cloister houses a museum and several halls showcasing the unique history of the site.

Frequently asked questions about the history of Naples Underground

Who built the Naples Underground?

The underground began in the 4th century BCE when the ancient Greeks quarried tuff stone to build the city of Neapolis. Then, the Romans expanded the underground into an aqueduct system to supply water to the city and built structures like a macellum (marketplace) under San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica and a theater in Napoli Sotterranea.

What are the Catacombs of Naples, and why are they significant?

The Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso were burial sites of Naples’ patron saint and a revered Bishop from Africa, respectively. They served as both tombs and places of worship for early Christians, showcasing unique frescoes and funerary art.

How did the Spanish influence the Naples Underground?

During Spanish rule in the 16th century, new cisterns and drainage systems were constructed, particularly in the Spanish Quarters Underground, to meet the needs of the growing population.

What role did the underground play during World War II?

The tunnels and cisterns were repurposed as air-raid shelters, protecting thousands of Neapolitans from bombing raids, especially in sites like Napoli Sotterranea and the Spanish Quarters Underground.

What is the significance of the Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore?

Neapolis Sotterrata holds the ruins of a Roman market, providing a vivid glimpse into the commercial life of ancient Naples.

When were the underground sites rediscovered and opened to the public?

Many sites, including Napoli Sotterranea and Neapolis Sotterrata, were rediscovered and excavated in the mid-20th century. They were later restored and opened for tourism in the late 1980s.

Why is the Naples Underground considered unique?

It reflects over 2,500 years of continuous use and adaptation, from Greek quarrying to Roman engineering, Christian spirituality, and wartime survival, making it a living history of Naples' evolution.