- Brief description: most of Naples has below its surface an enormous network of tunnels and subterranean galleries named Napoli Sotterranea. Naples is built upon a layer of rock and compacted volcanic ash, which the Italians call tufo. Porous and easily-worked it was used by the Greeks from 470 B.C. when they built Neapolis (new city). The Romans used the tufo quarries to construct a complex system of underground aquaducts. Later on, the first Christians used them as hiding places and dug caves where they could practice their religion and bury their dead. The Neapolitans used the caves as rubbish tips for centuries until a cholera epidemic in the mid 1880´s closed down the underground city. In the Second World War it was opened again to be used as an air raid shelter. Nowadays it is a tourist attraction, although there are rumours of the mafia using it for clandestine purposes. Take something warm to wear as it can be quite chilly down there.
- Length of visit: 1h 30mins
- Opening times: there are visits every day from 10.00 to 18.00h. The visit is schedule every two hours.
- Cost: 10€
How to get there: the entrance is on the Piazza San Gaetano, walking along the Via Tribunali from the Via Toledo towards the Via Duomo, a block before you reach this last street.
