Welcome to Napoli Sotterranea, an extraordinary journey that will take you deep into the city's history, through a labyrinth of tunnels, aqueducts, and underground galleries that stretch for about 280 kilometers beneath the historic center. This complex network, carved into the volcanic tuff rock, holds thousands of years of history, mysteries, superstitions, and legends, unique to only a few cities in the world.

The origins of this underground world date back to the 4th century BC, when the Greeks, founders of the city of Neapolis, began to excavate the tuff to extract building materials. Tuff, a volcanic rock both soft and strong, was ideal for constructing buildings while also allowing the creation of underground cisterns to collect rainwater and build the first aqueducts. These cavities form the foundation of the entire system you are about to explore, a system that grew and developed over the following centuries.

The Roman era saw the construction of a sophisticated water system that integrated and expanded upon the Greek works. During the Roman Empire, Naples became an important hub in the Mediterranean, and to sustain it, underground aqueducts were built to transport water from distant springs to private homes and public baths. The "Serino" aqueduct, one of the main aqueducts, stretched over 100 kilometers, connecting Naples to the springs in the Monti Lattari. Its construction was a monumental feat, made possible by the skill of Roman engineers who designed narrow tunnels and vertical shafts to ensure the efficient distribution of water.

During the tour, you will walk through some of these narrow passages and admire the enormous underground cisterns, still perfectly preserved, which served as water reservoirs for the entire city. One of the most impressive cisterns is nearly 10 meters tall, showcasing the extraordinary Roman engineering that has stood the test of time for over two millennia.

The Middle Ages and the Renaissance were periods when the underground continued to play a vital role in the daily life of the city. However, it was in the 17th century that these spaces became even more central. During the construction of new buildings and churches, such as the Monastery of San Gregorio Armeno, tuff was once again extracted, further expanding the underground network. Every block of tuff removed contributed to building the city above and expanding its subterranean foundations, creating new galleries and cisterns. The underground also became a place of refuge, a labyrinth where the population sought shelter in times of danger.

The most tragic period for Napoli Sotterranea, however, occurred during World War II. Throughout the conflict, the city was repeatedly bombed by Allied forces, and thousands of Neapolitans sought refuge in the caves and underground aqueducts. It was during these times that Napoli Sotterranea became an air raid shelter, and as you walk through these corridors, you can still see the traces left by the people who took shelter here. Graffiti on the walls bear witness to the pain and hope of those seeking protection, while old bottles, utensils, and other personal items tell the story of everyday life in those harrowing days. These underground shelters saved countless lives, imbuing the space with emotional and historical significance.

In addition to serving as shelters, the underground also became the scene of clandestine activities. During the fascist regime, the underground tunnels of Naples were secret meeting places for political dissidents, smuggling operations, and organized resistance against the regime. The city's underground labyrinth offered the perfect hiding place for those seeking to escape the authorities' watchful eyes.

A lesser-known aspect of Napoli Sotterranea is its connection to the sacred and the mysterious. According to legend, the underground tunnels were inhabited by the mythical "Monaciello," a folkloric figure in Neapolitan tradition. Described as a small monk, the Monaciello was both feared and revered, capable of bringing good fortune or mischief, appearing suddenly in homes, underground caverns, and abandoned places. Some believed these underground spaces were sacred, used for secret rites and esoteric legends that still intrigue scholars and myth enthusiasts today.

One of the most remarkable surprises Napoli Sotterranea offers is the discovery of the Greek-Roman theater, a structure that, over time, was forgotten, buried beneath the city's modern construction. Today, thanks to meticulous archaeological excavations, it is possible to visit part of this ancient theater, where performances were held for thousands of spectators. Its rediscovery beneath modern Neapolitan homes is a perfect example of how the past and present coexist in the heart of the city.

The underground route you are exploring represents not only a journey through Naples' history but also a symbol of the Neapolitans' resilience, who have utilized and adapted these spaces over the centuries. The cisterns, tunnels, shelters, and hidden rooms tell a millennia-old story of ingenuity, survival, and mystery.

Napoli Sotterranea is much more than just an archaeological site: it is a treasury of human stories, myths, and legends that still captivate those who venture into its depths. As you conclude your journey, we hope you have felt the magic and mystery that surround these spaces and that this visit has given you a new perspective on the extraordinary city of Naples.