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Neapolis Sotterrata: Ruins below San Lorenzo Maggiore
Avoid ticket lines and access Neapolis Sotterrata under the historic San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- At your own pace, walk through an ancient Roman market complete with squares and shops preserved beneath the modern city of Naples.
- Wander the Sotterrata streets, imagining the past lives of people flocking to bakeries or pacing a courtyard.
- Explore the stunning Gothic interior of San Lorenzo Maggiore, from the Cacace Chapel to the museum.
- View artifacts from Greek to Aragonese periods, including sculptures, frescoes, and historical relics in the Monumental Complex.
Avoid ticket lines and access Neapolis Sotterrata under the historic San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- At your own pace, walk through an ancient Roman market complete with squares and shops preserved beneath the modern city of Naples.
- Wander the Sotterrata streets, imagining the past lives of people flocking to bakeries or pacing a courtyard.
- Explore the stunning Gothic interior of San Lorenzo Maggiore, from the Cacace Chapel to the museum.
- View artifacts from Greek to Aragonese periods, including sculptures, frescoes, and historical relics in the Monumental Complex.
Inclusions
- Entry to San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Exclusions
- Guided tour
- The Sotterrata is not accessible by wheelchair/strollers.
- The entire Monumental Complex, with the exception of the archaeological areas, is easily accessible by wheelchair/strollers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERWalk
START POINT
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo
Assemble here to begin a 2.5 hour walking tour showing you the sights 'above and below' Naples.
Passes by
Sansevero Chapel Museum
Santa Chiara Monumental Complex
San Gregorio Armeno Church
1
San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Tickets included
Start with the beautiful medieval Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, admiring its frescoes and cloisters. Descend below it to discover the remains of an ancient Roman market, or macellum. Find streets lined with bakeries and stores, squares that once served as a people's forum, and much more as you explore at your own pace.
5
Enjoy a tour of Naples' historic center, then explore Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore by yourself.
- Stroll through the city center with an expert English and Italian-speaking guide.
- Pass by the majolica-lined cloisters of the Santa Chiara Monastery and the iconic Church of San Gregorio Armeno.
- Uncover an ancient forum and marketplace, known as Sotterrata, beneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- Jump the ticket queues to access the entire Basilica complex and its monumental cloister.
Enjoy a tour of Naples' historic center, then explore Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo Maggiore by yourself.
- Stroll through the city center with an expert English and Italian-speaking guide.
- Pass by the majolica-lined cloisters of the Santa Chiara Monastery and the iconic Church of San Gregorio Armeno.
- Uncover an ancient forum and marketplace, known as Sotterrata, beneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
- Jump the ticket queues to access the entire Basilica complex and its monumental cloister.
Inclusions
- Guided walking tour of Naples city center
- Expert English and Italian-speaking guide
- Entry to San Lorenzo Maggiore & Neapolis Sotterrata
Exclusions
- Transport
- Food & drinks
- The walking tour is not accessible by wheelchair/strollers. However, the entire Monumental Complex, with the exception of the archaeological areas, is easily accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Naples
Why visit Neapolis Sotterrata?
- Historical significance: Experience a journey through time by exploring structures from the Greek foundation of Neapolis in the 5th century BC to Roman developments, offering a tangible connection to ancient civilizations.
- Architectural marvel: The Gothic-style San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, constructed in the late 13th century, stands above the archaeological site, showcasing medieval architecture and art.
- Cultural insights: The Monumental Complex, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, is made up of an elegant cloister. It also holds a museum with artifacts and frescoes, providing a deeper understanding of Naples' rich cultural and religious heritage.
- Central location: Situated in the heart of Naples' historic center, the site is easily accessible and surrounded by other notable attractions, making it a convenient addition to any itinerary.
What to see inside the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex
San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica
Admire the Basilica’s stunning 14th-century Gothic nave and apse, rebuilt under the Angevin rulers. Discover remnants of medieval frescoes inside the Basilica, reflecting its religious and artistic history.
Neapolis Sotterrata (Underground archaeological area)
Explore the well-preserved ruins of the Roman macellum (marketplace), including shop stalls, warehouses, and a central tholos (circular structure) used for water distribution. Walk along Decumanus Maximus, an ancient road that served as one of the main arteries of the city. Visible traces of the earlier Greek agora can be seen beneath the Roman layers, showcasing Naples’ heritage.
Cloister of the Franciscan Monastery
Relax in serene corridors featuring marble columns and arches, centered by a garden that once served as a retreat for Franciscan monks. Examine the intricate medieval tomb slabs embedded in the cloister’s walls.
Chapter Hall (Sala Capitolare)
Once used by Franciscan monks for discussions, the hall features 17th-century Baroque frescoes and stuccoes that narrate religious themes.
Museum of the Complex
View artifacts from Neapolis Sotterrata – coins, pottery, tools, and more discovered during excavations, offering a glimpse into ancient daily life. Find sculptures, relics, and paintings that span centuries of religious history tied to the Basilica.
Angevin Crypt
Make your way into subterranean tombs at this Gotico Angioiano-style crypt, housing the resting places of notable dynastic figures like Catherine of Austria.
History of Neapolis Sotterrata
5th – 4th century BCE (Greek Neapolis)
⛏️The site begins as part of the Greek city of Neapolis, featuring agora (public square) structures that form the foundation of the area’s future underground layers.
1st century BCE – 4th century CE (Roman Neapolis)
⛲Romans transform the agora into a macellum (market), complete with shops, a central water feature, and warehouses.
🏬The underground structures become part of the urban landscape, supporting the bustling trade hub above.
6th – 13th century (Early Christian to medieval period)
⛪A Christian basilica is constructed over the ruins of the Roman market, marking the site’s transition from a civic to a religious space.
⏳Over centuries, this church evolves into the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, incorporating elements of earlier structures into its foundations.
14th century (Gothic reconstruction)
⚒️The Basilica is rebuilt in Gothic style under the Angevin dynasty, solidifying its role as one of Naples’ key religious landmarks.
🏛️Beneath the Basilica, the Roman macellum is abandoned and buried, but its ruins remain remarkably well-preserved.
16th – 19th century
🛐The site serves as a religious and cultural center while the underground Roman structures lie hidden, only occasionally unearthed by construction work or renovations.
19th – 20th century (Rediscovery)
🔎Archaeologists begin systematic excavations beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore, uncovering the Neapolis Sotterrata, including Roman roads, market stalls, and remnants of Greek structures.
🧾The discovery peels back the historical layers of Naples, offering insight into ancient urban life.
Modern era (20th century – present)
📍The Neapolis Sotterrata becomes an integral part of the San Lorenzo Maggiore complex, offering visitors a chance to explore the underground marketplace and learn about Naples’ Greek and Roman heritage.
🧭The Basilica continues to function as a religious site while showcasing its archaeological treasures, blending spirituality with history.
Make the most of your visit to Neapolis Sotterrata
How to enter?
How to reach?
Pro tips
You can enter the Neapolis Sotterrata from Piazza San Gaetano, 316 [find on maps]. It is within the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monumental Complex, accessible through the Basilica. As with all the others, this specific section of Underground Naples requires separate tickets.
Naples Underground locations
🚌By bus: Catch a bus on lines 3M or R5.
Nearest stop: Costantinopoli, Piazza Garibaldi
🚄By train: Lines FR, FA, FB, IC, ICN, or R.
Nearest stop: Naples Centrale
🚇By metro: Lines 1 and 2.
Nearest stop: Museo Underground, Dante on Line 1
🚕By car: You can grab a car or taxi to reach Napoli Sotterranea. It will be a 10-minute walk from the parking spots.
Nearest stop: Duomo, Piazza Cavour, or Corso Umberto parking spaces
- Arriving early allows you to explore the site with fewer visitors, offering a quieter and more immersive experience of the underground passages.
- The underground terrain includes uneven pathways and steps. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the ruins safely.
- The underground area is cooler than the surface, even in summer. Bring a light sweater or jacket for comfort during your visit.
- The site occasionally hosts exhibitions on ancient Naples. Check in advance to see if there are any special displays during your visit.
- After your visit, spend some time exploring the bustling Piazza San Gaetano, where you’ll find street performers, local shops, and other historic landmarks. Pair your visit with a trip to the Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground) located just steps away, for a comprehensive underground experience.
Frequently asked questions about Neapolis Sotterrata
What can I see at Neapolis Sotterrata?
You can explore well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman marketplace, including streets, shops, a bakery, and even drainage systems, providing a vivid picture of daily life in ancient Naples.
How old is Neapolis Sotterrata?
The underground ruins date back to the 1st century BC, during the Roman era, though the site itself also reflects earlier Greek influences from the founding of Neapolis in the 4th century BC.
How much time does it take to visit?
A visit to Neapolis Sotterrata and the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and level of interest in the history.
Is Neapolis Sotterrata wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Unfortunately, due to the narrow passages and uneven terrain of the underground site, Neapolis Sotterrata is not fully accessible to visitors with mobility challenges and parents with strollers.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. You can check the availability and join directly on site. Guides provide detailed insights into the history of the ruins and the basilica, enhancing your understanding of the site.
What makes the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica unique?
The Basilica is unique for its fusion of Gothic and Baroque elements, its frescoes, and its connection to the underground Neapolis Sotterrata, which adds a historical dimension to its religious significance.
What are the facilities available in the Monumental Complex?
There are accessible washrooms with diaper changing stations as well as vending machines for snacks and cold drinks in the Monumental Complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore.
How do I get to Neapolis Sotterrata and San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica?
The Basilica is located in the historic center of Naples, near Piazza San Gaetano. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1 Museo station, or Line 2 Piazza Cavour station) or by walking through the city center.
What other Naples Underground experiences should I try?
You can follow an expert guide into the Napoli Sotterranea nearby in Piazza San Gaetano. Travel to the Spanish Quarters and enjoy a subterranean tour of the neighborhood. Or visit the ancient burial sites at Rione Sanità – the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso.
