Have you ever heard of the sunken treasure of Naples? No, I am not talking about all those little-known places that are nonetheless true wonders, but literally about a world hidden in the shadows of the sunny city: the tunnels of underground Naples. By purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to underground Naples you can avoid the long waits that often discourage visitors and, if you want, combine your visit with other fascinating attractions.

What to know about underground Naples

Underground Naples is an intricate maze that stretches beneath the entire city, so vast that it has multiple entrances and points of interest. The labyrinth has millennia of history, with the first excavations occurring at the hands of the Greeks and Romans for the construction of new areas of the city and water cisterns. This was enabled by the ease of working tuff, a very malleable stone.

The history of these corridors is not only ancient, for there is evidence of more recent events as well. During the last world war, these tunnels offered shelter and protection to the inhabitants of Naples, turning into a safe hiding place during bombing raids. Walking through these passages today, one can still find objects and mementos from that period, stopped in time, telling stories of fear and hope.

Over the years, underground Naples has become a must-see tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore a hidden and mysterious part of the city. This journey underground is a plunge into Neapolitan history and culture, a true adventure into the secret heart of Naples.

Underground Naples: which one to choose?

Precisely because of the nature of these places in the city, there are multiple options for visiting underground Naples. The best known visit is the one that has its entrance in Piazza San Gaetano, where one can enter tunnels that preserve ancient objects. Also splendid is the Galleria Borbonica, accessed through another entrance: this viaduct was designed at the behest of Ferdinand II of Bourbon for his eventual escape and for military reasons. During World War II it functioned as a shelter and later as a storehouse for debris and objects accumulated with the bombings. Also part of underground Naples are the Catacombs of San Gennaro, where the saint’s remains were moved a century after his death.

How to get tickets for underground Naples

When you buy a skip-the-line ticket to Underground Naples, you get an access pass to an unforgettable adventure that includes an expert guide for a tour of about an hour and a half. To participate, simply show your ticket directly on your smartphone at the ticket office. Before you dive into this journey underground, remember that there are over a hundred steps to descend, so it is important to consider your mobility. Also, this tour is not suitable for those with claustrophobia and pregnant women.

As for ticket flexibility, the visit cannot be rescheduled, but the cancellation option gives you some security in case your plans change at the last minute. You can cancel your visit by 11:59 p.m. the previous day and receive a refund.

Options include a ticket combining Underground Naples and the Catacombs of San Gennaro, which in addition to the standard ticket includes admission and a guided tour of both the catacombs and the majestic Basilica of San Gennaro. While it is not possible to change the date of the ticket for Underground Naples, you do have the flexibility to reschedule your visit to the catacombs, tailoring it to your travel plans.

If it’s archaeology you’re passionate about, then you’re probably thinking about making a stop in Pompeii as well. You’ll be pleased to know that there is a combined ticket with Underground Naples to also see the excavations of the ancient town destroyed by a terrible eruption of Vesuvius. The ticket (which you can book by clicking here) can be shown directly from your smartphone at the ticket office; entry must be made from Porta Marina Inferiore, in Piazza Esedra. Remember that you cannot bring large luggage into the archaeological site.

Take several hours to visit Pompeii; it has so much to show that it needs to be done at a leisurely pace, because otherwise it can get quite tiring, especially in summer.