The history of Naples Underground begins in the 4th century BC, when the Greeks began quarrying tuff to build the walls of Neapolis. These ancient quarries evolved over the centuries into an intricate network of tunnels and cavities extending for kilometers beneath the city.
The Romans expanded the existing tunnels, creating a sophisticated aqueduct that carried water from the Serino springs to the entire city. This system remained active for centuries, becoming one of the most complex hydraulic works in the ancient world.
During the medieval period, the underground spaces were used as catacombs and burial sites. Many churches were built directly above these ancient cavities, creating a unique bond between the sacred and the subterranean.
During the Second World War, the tunnels were hastily converted into air-raid shelters. Thousands of Neapolitans found refuge here during the 200 Allied bombings that struck the city between 1940 and 1944.
Since the 1990s, a major effort has been underway to explore and restore the underground spaces, making them accessible to the public. Today, Naples Underground is one of the city's most visited attractions, drawing over 500,000 visitors each year.
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