Galleria Borbonica, Naples Travel Guide

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Explore Naples' hidden history beneath the surface in a Bourbon-era tunnel, transformed from royal escape to WWII shelter.

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Galleria Borbonica

Descend beneath the bustling streets of Naples to explore the Galleria Borbonica, an underground tunnel system with Bourbon origins. Discover its history as a royal escape route, a WWII bomb shelter, and a storage space for confiscated vehicles, all while journeying through the city's captivating past.

A brief summary to Galleria Borbonica

Via Domenico Morelli, 61 c, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80121, IT
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Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Galleria Borbonica.

Wear comfortable shoes and a sweater, as the temperature underground can be cool and the surfaces uneven.
Consider booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season, as tours have limited capacity.
Choose the 'Standard Tour' for an accessible route suitable for visitors with limited mobility and families with children, entering through Via Domenico Morelli 61.
If you're claustrophobic or have walking issues, opt for the entrance at Via Domenico Morelli 61.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Napoli Centrale Station, take the Metro Line 1 to the Municipio station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Galleria Borbonica. Alternatively, take bus 151 from Garibaldi station to the Morelli stop, which is a short walk from the Via Domenico Morelli entrance. Metro fare: Approximately €1-€4. Bus fare: Approximately €1-€2.
Walking

From Piazza del Plebiscito, walk along Via Domenico Morelli for approximately 5 minutes. The entrance to Galleria Borbonica is located at Via Domenico Morelli, 61, inside the Morelli car park. Be aware that the entrance can be easily missed as it is inside a parking structure. Cost: Free
Taxi

A taxi from Napoli Centrale Station to Galleria Borbonica typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The entrance is located inside the Morelli car park at Via Domenico Morelli, 61. Taxi fare: Approximately €14-€18.

Discover more about Galleria Borbonica

The Galleria Borbonica, also known as the Bourbon Tunnel, is a fascinating subterranean passageway that offers a unique glimpse into the history of Naples. Commissioned in 1853 by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, the tunnel was intended as a secret escape route from the Royal Palace to the military barracks near the sea, providing a safe passage in case of riots or attack.The tunnel's construction was an impressive feat of engineering for its time, with workers digging through tuff rock by candlelight. However, the project was halted in 1855 after the fall of the Bourbon dynasty, leaving it incomplete.In the 20th century, the Galleria Borbonica found new purpose as an air raid shelter during World War II, offering refuge to thousands of Neapolitans during the bombings. After the war, it was used as a municipal storage area for confiscated vehicles and other items.Forgotten for decades, the tunnels were rediscovered in the early 2000s and opened to the public in 2014. Today, visitors can explore this underground world, marveling at the engineering, vintage cars, motorcycles, and historical artifacts left behind. Several tour options are available, including standard historical tours and adventure tours that involve navigating flooded sections by raft.