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- Naples Underground
- History
- Spanish Quarters Underground
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- Neapolis Sotterrata
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- Città della Scienza
- Bourbon Tunnel
- Maradona Tours
- Veiled Christ
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Naples Underground: Gems beneath the Spanish Quarters
An intimate, off-beat tour into the intricate labyrinth beneath Naples’ historic Spanish Quarters.
- With an expert English, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide, go below the Quartieri Spagnoli to discover a unique part of Underground Naples!
- Witness quarries full of the volcanic tuff stone used to construct much of Naples' surface architecture in your group of just 20 people.
- Learn how tunnels turned into air raid shelters during WWII, complete with drawings, inscriptions, and remnants that tell stories of resilience.
- Marvel at ancient engineering as you explore the Roman aqueducts, a lifeline of water supply that shaped Naples' urban growth.
An intimate, off-beat tour into the intricate labyrinth beneath Naples’ historic Spanish Quarters.
- With an expert English, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide, go below the Quartieri Spagnoli to discover a unique part of Underground Naples!
- Witness quarries full of the volcanic tuff stone used to construct much of Naples' surface architecture in your group of just 20 people.
- Learn how tunnels turned into air raid shelters during WWII, complete with drawings, inscriptions, and remnants that tell stories of resilience.
- Marvel at ancient engineering as you explore the Roman aqueducts, a lifeline of water supply that shaped Naples' urban growth.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground with entry
- Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
- Tip: Trattorias in the Spanish Quarters are known for their fried pizza, ask the locals for their recommendations and stop for a bite after your tour!
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
- For people with claustrophobia: There is one optional narrow tunnel. Those who do not want to walk the tunnel can take an alternate route and wait 10 mins for the group.
- 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 the Spanish Quarters Naples Underground?
- Discover over 2,000 years of Naples’ history beneath the streets of the Spanish Quarters. Explore the ancient Greek foundations, Roman aqueducts, and tunnels that have served as quarries, shelters, and passageways through centuries.
- Learn how the underground connects to the city above, from innovative water supply systems to surface structures connected by tunnels.
- Dive into expertly guided tours that reveal hidden stories and ensure you see every detail while moving safely through the mesmerizing underground caves.
- You can explore the charming Quartieri Spagnoli before or after your tour. Walk through picturesque narrow alleys, discover landmarks like Teatro San Carlo, and try some original margherita pizza.
What to see inside the Spanish Quarters Naples Underground?
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History of the Spanish Quarters Underground
4th century BCE
⚒️Greeks establish Neapolis and quarry volcanic tuff stone from the area now known as the Spanish Quarters for construction. These quarries form the foundation of the underground network in this district.
Roman Era (1st century BCE – 5th century CE)
🚰The Neapolis Aqueduct is constructed, using the tuff quarries and tunnels to transport water across the city. This sophisticated system supplies homes, public baths, and fountains, playing a crucial role in urban life.
Middle Ages (5th – 15th century)
🏙️The aqueduct remains in use but sees gradual neglect due to invasions and changes in urban infrastructure.
⚠️Underground spaces begin to collapse in some areas, while others are repurposed for waste disposal and storage.
16th century (Spanish rule)
🪖The Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) are developed to house soldiers. Urban expansion overlays the existing underground system, connecting homes and structures to the ancient aqueduct network.
18th – 19th century
🏗️As Naples’ population grows, underground spaces beneath the Spanish Quarters are further utilized for cisterns and waste management.
⛔Portions of the aqueduct are decommissioned due to contamination concerns, but parts remain active.
World War II (1939–1945)
💣The underground quarries and aqueduct chambers serve as air raid shelters, offering protection during bombings.
🖌️Residents leave some of their everyday items and art behind, providing a snapshot of wartime life underground.
Post-War Era (1950s–1970s)
🚧The underground network is largely abandoned, and some sections are sealed off due to safety concerns. However, local historians and explorers are beginning to rediscover its significance.
Modern Era (1980s–present)
🔎Restoration efforts uncover the extensive Neapolis Aqueduct beneath the Spanish Quarters.
📐The site becomes part of the Naples Underground experience, showcasing the aqueduct's engineering, tuff stone quarries, and WWII shelters. Tours highlight the distinct role this underground network played in Naples’ water supply and resilience.
Plan your visit to the Spanish Quarters Underground
Location
How to enter
You can enter the Spanish Quarters Underground from Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52 [find on maps]. The meeting point for your tour is Trieste e Trento Square, near Bar Gambrinus. You require separate tickets to this specific section of Underground Naples, as with all the others.
How to reach
🚌By bus: Take a bus from routes 02-NA, 151, or 168 to reach Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Nicotera or Piazza Carolina
🚄By train: Take a train from the Naples Garibaldi station (Line 1) to Toledo and walk to Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Toledo
🚇By metro: Line 1 and Line 2 metro lines reach Naples Underground.
Nearest stop: Chiaia
Visitor tips
- Time your visit wisely: Weekday mornings often have fewer visitors, allowing for a quieter, more immersive experience.
- Ask about special exhibits: Occasionally, temporary exhibitions or multimedia presentations are hosted underground. Check ahead to see if there’s something extra to enjoy.
- If you’re in the mood to shop after your tour, take your pick from the boutique stores on Via Toledo or the open-air market stalls of La Pignasecca.
- Sfogliatella, a beloved symbol of Naples, is a sugar-dusted, ricotta-filled pastry infused with vanilla, cinnamon, or Sorrento lemon. Pintauro Pasticceria, right near Via Toledo, is a top destination to enjoy this iconic treat.
- The underground paths can be uneven and slightly damp, so sturdy, non-slip footwear is a must for navigating the tunnels safely. Temperatures underground can be cooler than above ground. A light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish Quarters Underground tours
How long does a typical guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground last? Can I visit independently, without a guide?
A guided tour of the Spanish Quarters Underground typically lasts 1 hour. No, the only way to visit is in the company of an authorized guide.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?
Tickets are available for purchase at the entrance on the day of your visit, but expect long queues. Booking online lets you skip the wait and enjoy flexible, hassle-free entry.
What can I do nearby after my tour?
Walk around the Spanish Quarters, try some fried pizza from local food stands. Take some time to admire the grand murals, like a 3-storey likeness of Diego Maradona! Head to the southern edge of the neighborhood and explore the wide open Piazza del Plebiscito. A 13 minute walk south leads you to the Bourbon Tunnel.
Are we allowed to film or take pictures underground?
Photography is allowed in some areas but may require special permissions or fees. Ensure your camera settings are adjusted for low light, or bring a phone with good night photography capabilities.
Is there a dress code requirement for visiting the Spanish Quarters Underground?
No, but it is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a warm layer since the temperature underground is usually much cooler than the surface.
What are the main restrictions or accessibility issues that I could face?
The entire route has handrails and wide open spaces, the only narrow portion is optional. Those suffering from claustrophobia or any other issues can take an alternate route and wait 10 mins for the rest of their group. Due to the number of steps involved, the experience is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
