The Bourbon Gallery of Naples: tour of the underground city

The Bourbon Gallery of Naples, tour of the underground city

The Bourbon Galleries of Naples are an impressive underground network that has its roots in the heart of the Neapolitan city, dating back to the Bourbon period of the 19th century. These tunnels, originally conceived as air-raid shelters during the Second World War, have a fascinating history that is intertwined with that of Naples itself. Walking along their narrow and mysterious streets, it is possible to discover traces of an ancient past, with architectural structures, arches and stairways that tell stories of fortifications, military and social events. During the guided tour, you can also admire a series of historical finds, including ancient bombs and instruments from past eras, which testify to the evolution of the city and its defense. A unique experience that allows you to explore hidden Naples, far from the chaos of the surface, immersing yourself in an underground world rich in history, mystery and suggestions. An unmissable visit for anyone who wants to discover the true soul of this extraordinary city.

Useful information for a tour of the Bourbon Gallery

Meeting point

The meeting point of the tour is at the address Vico del Grottone n.4, in the historic center of Naples.

Tour duration

1 hour

Languages

-Italian

-English

Worth knowing before your visit

The entrance includes a 90-step staircase

Tickets and costs

The ticket costs 11 euros, children under 10 years old do not pay.

- Guided tour of the Bourbon Gallery in English and Italian

- Food and drinks

- Hotel pickup and drop-off service

How to get to the Bourbon Gallery

The Bourbon Gallery is located in the center of Naples, therefore it can be reached very easily by public transport. Here are all the options you have available to reach it:

Metro:
Take line 6 and get off at the Chiaia stop, Via del Grottone is a few steps away towards Piazza del Plebiscito.

Bus:
The area is close to several stops on the E6 line.

Walking:
The best way to get to this place is definitely by walking. Along the way you will be able to enjoy the historical beauties of the city such as Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples

Car:
The area has limited traffic, with difficult parking. We recommend using nearby public car parks or alternative solutions.

Frequently asked questions about the Bourbon Gallery tour

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour

Are smartphone tickets accepted?

Yes

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule the tour?

-Cancellation is possible until 11.59pm the day before the visit.

-Rescheduling is possible until 11.59pm the day before the visit

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Accessible by wheelchair only for 60% of the route entering from the entrance on Via D. Morelli, 61 (pedestrian entrance to the Morelli car park).

Near the Bourbon Gallery

The Bourbon Gallery in Naples offers a unique experience of underground exploration, where it is possible to admire a network of galleries, arches and tunnels that tell centuries of history. During the visit, you can observe original structures such as the tuff walls, the reinforced entrances and the fittings dating back to the Second World War, when the tunnel was transformed into an anti-aircraft shelter. Among the most fascinating elements there are also ancient oxygen cylinders and an area dedicated to objects found during excavations, such as vintage cars and war relics. Near the gallery, there is the splendid Piazza del Plebiscito, with the Royal Palace, and the majestic Church of San Francesco di Paola. A short distance away, the Maschio Angioino, a medieval castle that is the symbol of the city, and the famous Via Toledo, full of shops and typical restaurants, complete a visit that combines history, art and culture.

The history of the Bourbon Gallery 

The underground Bourbon Gallery of Naples has a fascinating and complex history, which reflects the historical, social and military changes of the city. The origins of this impressive underground network date back to the 19th century, under the reign of Ferdinand II of Bourbon, who ordered its construction as part of a project to modernize and fortify the city. Initially, the tunnel was conceived as an underground escape route, intended to connect the Royal Palace of Naples with the Pizzofalcone hill, to allow the sovereigns to escape quickly in the event of an attack. Its construction, started in 1853, developed over a stretch of approximately 500 metres, created by digging into the volcanic tuff that characterizes the area.

As the years passed, the Bourbon Gallery acquired new functions. During the Second World War, in fact, it was transformed into an anti-aircraft shelter to protect the Neapolitan population from Allied bombings. Thousands of citizens took refuge inside, where beds and ventilation systems were set up. The underground system thus became a real war refuge, with rooms, tunnels and passages that offered protection and security in a moment of great danger.

Over the following decades, the Bourbon Gallerywas progressively forgotten and fell into disuse, although many of its structural characteristics remained intact. It was only in the 1990s that, thanks to a recovery and valorization project, the Gallery was reopened to the public. During the restoration work, numerous historical artifacts emerged, including objects related to the Second World War, such as unexploded bombs, as well as remains of ancient military structures and signs of daily life from bygone eras. The reopening of the Gallery offered Neapolitans and tourists the opportunity to explore a hidden Naples, far from the chaos of the surface, and to immerse themselves in its underground history, full of mystery and charm. Today, the Bourbon Gallery represents one of the most suggestive and fascinating corners of the city, a place that tells not only the history of the Bourbons, but also that of Naples and its resilience during the most difficult periods.