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Galleria Borbonica: Naples' Subterranean Secret

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Explore Naples' hidden history beneath the surface in the fascinating Galleria Borbonica, a former royal escape route and WWII air raid shelter.

Descend beneath the bustling streets of Naples and explore the Galleria Borbonica, an underground tunnel network with a rich history. Originally built in the 19th century as an escape route for the royal family, it later served as a WWII air raid shelter and a storage space for confiscated vehicles. Today, it offers a unique glimpse into the city's past.

A brief summary to Galleria Borbonica

  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through underground tunnels.
  • Consider bringing a sweater or light jacket as the temperature in the tunnels can be cooler than above ground.
  • If you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, enter via the second entrance (Via Domenico Morelli).
  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, as reservations are mandatory.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza del Plebiscito, walk along Via San Carlo towards Via Domenico Morelli. Turn right onto Via Domenico Morelli and continue until you reach number 61c, where the entrance to Galleria Borbonica is located inside the Morelli parking. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, from Piazza del Plebiscito, walk towards Vico del Grottone, 4, which is another entrance to Galleria Borbonica. Cost: Free

  • Public Transport

    From Napoli Centrale Station (Piazza Garibaldi), take Metro Line 1 to Municipio station. From Municipio, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Galleria Borbonica. Follow Via Vittorio Emanuele III to Piazza Trieste e Trento, then continue onto Via San Carlo and Via Domenico Morelli to reach the entrance. Cost: A single metro ticket costs around €1.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From anywhere in the city center, a taxi or ride-sharing service can take you directly to Via Domenico Morelli, 61c. The journey typically takes 5-15 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: Expect to pay around €14-€18 for a short taxi ride within the city center.

Discover more about Galleria Borbonica

The Galleria Borbonica, also known as the Bourbon Tunnel, is a fascinating subterranean passage that lies beneath Naples. Commissioned in 1853 by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, its initial purpose was to provide a secure escape route for the royal family from the Royal Palace to military barracks in Via Morelli, in case of unrest or revolution. The tunnel's construction, led by architect Errico Alvino, was ambitious, envisioning a two-lane passage with sidewalks, but it was never fully completed due to the fall of the Bourbon dynasty. During World War II, the Galleria Borbonica was repurposed as an air raid shelter for the citizens of Naples, offering refuge to thousands during the bombings. After the war, it served as a municipal judicial deposit, storing materials recovered from collapses, evictions, and bombings. Decades of debris accumulated within its walls, including vintage cars, motorcycles, and discarded artifacts. Today, the Galleria Borbonica is open to the public, offering guided tours that reveal its intriguing history and unique features. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels, admire vintage vehicles and artifacts, and learn about the tunnel's role in Naples' development. Adventure tours are also available, including raft trips on the underground aquifer.

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