Naples: Galleria Borbonica Underground Tour Tickets

Summary

Descend from Naples’ busy streets into the city’s secret heart

You’ll follow a local guide deep beneath Naples through Galleria Borbonica’s maze of tunnels—past WWII graffiti, forgotten vintage cars, and centuries-old cisterns. Feel the shift from city chaos to underground calm as stories come alive in the cool darkness. At some point you’ll probably wonder what else is hiding under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen close, you’ll hear the city breathing above us,” our guide Marco grinned as we squeezed past a rusted Fiat half-swallowed by the stone. I’d never really thought about what might be under Naples—just pizza and chaos up top, right? But here, in the cool belly of the Chiaia district, it felt like time had pooled in these old Bourbon tunnels. The air smelled faintly damp, almost metallic, and when Marco flicked his flashlight across a wall, you could see where people had scratched their names during World War II. I tried to imagine waiting out bombings down here. It gave me goosebumps.

The entrance was tucked away behind what used to be a veterinary lab—Vico del Grottone 4, just off Plebiscito Square. Eight ramps spiraled us down about 30 meters; my knees complained a little but honestly, it was worth every step. Marco told us Ferdinand II built this escape route in 1853, paranoid about revolutionaries storming his palace (can’t blame him). The tunnel never got finished for its original purpose but ended up saving lives during the war instead. There were old water cisterns and even a stash of confiscated Vespas and cars from decades ago—one still smelled faintly of oil and dust when I brushed past it. Someone in our group tried to guess the car models; Marco laughed and said Neapolitans always have an opinion on engines.

At one point he switched off all the lights for just a second—total silence except for distant footsteps above. It made me weirdly emotional, thinking about how many stories are layered under Naples’ noisy surface. If you’re claustrophobic or not great with stairs, there’s another entry on Via Domenico Morelli that’s easier (Marco said some locals still use it as a shortcut). Either way, having a local guide makes all the difference—you get those little stories you’d never read on a sign. I still think about that echoey quiet down there sometimes when I’m back in the sunlight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Galleria Borbonica underground

• Arrive at Vico del Grottone 4 entrance
• Descend staircase with 8 ramps
• Tour Bourbon Tunnel with guide
• Learn history of tunnel construction
• See WWII military hospital relics
• Exit via Via Domenico Morelli 40

Top questions

How do I enter Galleria Borbonica?

The main entrance is at Vico del Grottone 4 near Plebiscito Square; an alternative entry is at Via Domenico Morelli 40 through 'Quick parking'.

Is this underground tour suitable for claustrophobic people?

If you’re claustrophobic or have walking issues, entry #2 (Via Domenico Morelli) is recommended for easier access.

How deep do you go during the tour?

You descend about 33 yards (30 meters) below street level via eight ramps at the main entrance.

What languages are tours offered in?

Tours are available with professional guides in English or Italian.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children ages 0-10 have free admission; reduced price applies for ages 11-13.

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater—the tunnels can be cool and uneven underfoot.

Is lunch included in this ticket?

No meals are included; this ticket covers guided entry only.

How long does it take to walk from Plebiscito Square to Galleria Borbonica?

The main entrance is about 100 meters from Plebiscito Square—a short walk.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry tickets to Galleria Borbonica and a guided tour led by a professional local guide in either English or Italian; both entrances are available depending on your comfort level with stairs or enclosed spaces.