Exploring Naples: A Journey Through History, Myth and the Underground
Naples is not simply a city to visit, but an experience to be lived, where every corner tells a thousand-year-old story.
Naples is a city rich in history, art and popular culture, offering countless excursions and tours, both above ground and in its fascinating underground world. Excursions in the city offer a unique perspective, ranging from hidden archaeological wonders to masterpieces of sacred art and breathtaking views of the Gulf.
- Tours of the Historic Centre and Art (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The beating heart of Naples is its historic centre, which can be explored through various themed tours:
Spaccanapoli and the Decumani: The most classic excursion winds along the artery that “splits” the city, a route that follows the ancient Greek-Roman layout. The tour allows you to discover artisan workshops, the famous market of San Gregorio Armeno (the street of nativity scenes) and historic churches.
The Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ: An essential guided tour to admire the mysterious and sublime Veiled Christ, a sculptural masterpiece by Giuseppe Sanmartino. The excursion often continues with a visit to the nearby Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara and its wonderful majolica cloister.
The Rione Sanità and the Catacombs: A tour to discover an authentic working-class neighbourhood, rich in history and rebirth. The excursion includes a visit to the ancient Catacombs of San Gennaro or San Gaudioso, which tell the story of early Christian Naples through frescoes and mausoleums. - The Hidden Belly: Underground Naples
Naples hides an entire city underground, the result of centuries of stratification, offering the most exciting and unusual excursion:
Underground Naples (Official Route): Descend to a depth of about 40 metres to explore Greek-Roman cisterns, the remains of the ancient Theatre of Nero and the air-raid shelters used during the Second World War. A route that encompasses 2,400 years of history.
Galleria Borbonica: Another fascinating underground route (often accessible by raft) commissioned by Ferdinand II of Bourbon as an escape route. It reveals tuff cavities, cisterns and abandoned vintage cars and motorcycles. The Underground Neapolis (San Lorenzo Maggiore): Explore the archaeological area beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where you can admire the remains of the Macellum (the Roman market) and an ancient road.The Hidden Belly: Underground Naples
Naples hides an entire city underground, the result of centuries of stratification, offering the most exciting and unusual excursion:
Underground Naples (Official Route): Descend to a depth of about 40 metres to explore Greek-Roman cisterns, the remains of the ancient Theatre of Nero and the air-raid shelters used during the Second World War. A route that encompasses 2,400 years of history.
Galleria Borbonica: Another fascinating underground route (often accessible by raft) commissioned by Ferdinand II of Bourbon as an escape route. It reveals tuff cavities, cisterns and abandoned vintage cars and motorcycles. The Underground Neapolis (San Lorenzo Maggiore): Explore the archaeological area beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where you can admire the remains of the Macellum (the Roman market) and an ancient road. - Viewpoints and Castles
To admire the magnificence of the Gulf and Vesuvius: Castel Sant’Elmo (in Vomero): Take the funicular railway up to the Vomero hill to visit the imposing star-shaped fortress. The walkway offers a 360° view of the entire city, from Vesuvius to Ischia. Castel dell’Ovo: The oldest castle in the city, linked to the legend of Virgil. Easily accessible from the Santa Lucia seafront, it is perfect for a walk at sunset. Panoramic Minibus Tour: Several companies offer bus or minibus tours that travel through the hilly areas and along the seafront, allowing you to take photos at strategic points such as Posillipo and admire the famous panorama.Viewpoints and Castles
To admire the magnificence of the Gulf and Vesuvius: Castel Sant’Elmo (in Vomero): Take the funicular railway up to the Vomero hill to visit the imposing star-shaped fortress. The walkway offers a 360° view of the entire city, from Vesuvius to Ischia. Castel dell’Ovo: The oldest castle in the city, linked to the legend of Virgil. Easily accessible from the Santa Lucia seafront, it is perfect for a walk at sunset. Panoramic Minibus Tour: Several companies offer bus or minibus tours that travel through the hilly areas and along the seafront, allowing you to take photos at strategic points such as Posillipo and admire the famous panorama. - Great Art and Culture
For lovers of art and ancient history, there are specialised guided tours available:
National Archaeological Museum (MANN): A must-see for anyone visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, as the museum houses the vast majority of the artefacts and frescoes from the Vesuvian archaeological sites, as well as the rich Farnese Collection.
Capodimonte Royal Palace: A guided tour of the Bourbon palace located in the forest of the same name, which houses the Pinacoteca with works by Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael.
Royal Palace and Piazza del Plebiscito: A historical and artistic tour of the monumental Royal Palace and the large square in front of it, symbol of monarchical Naples. - Experiential and Gastronomic Tours
Finally, there are tours dedicated to the liveliest and tastiest side of the city:
Street Food Tour: Walking tours in the historic centre with stops to taste the iconic specialities of Naples: from pizza a portafoglio to cuoppo di fritto, babà and sfogliatella.
Tour in the footsteps of Maradona: A themed tour for football fans, visiting the symbolic places of Neapolitan football, particularly in the Spanish Quarter.Experiential and Gastronomic Tours
Finally, there are tours dedicated to the liveliest and tastiest side of the city:
Street Food Tour: Walking tours in the historic centre with stops to taste the iconic specialities of Naples: from pizza a portafoglio to cuoppo di fritto, babà and sfogliatella.
Tour in the footsteps of Maradona: A themed tour for football fans, visiting the symbolic places of Neapolitan football, particularly in the Spanish Quarter.
Whatever your passion, Naples offers a range of excursions that will satisfy every desire for discovery, combining the charm of the past with the inexhaustible energy of the present.
PLEASE NOTE: These are just suggestions to help you build your own experience according to your desires, needs and budget.