Teatro Sannazaro
The Enchantment of Teatro Sannazaro: Naples' Cultural Jewel
Galleria Borbonica: Naples' Underground Time Capsule
Explore Naples' hidden depths: Discover history, vintage cars, and ancient secrets beneath the city streets at Galleria Borbonica.
Descend into the depths 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 King Ferdinand II, it later served as a WWII air raid shelter and a storage space for impounded vehicles. Today, it offers a unique glimpse into the city's past with guided tours showcasing vintage cars, historical artifacts, and ancient cisterns.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Galleria Borbonica
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Via Domenico Morelli, 61 c, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80121, IT
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Sunday
10 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Napoli Centrale Station, take the Metro Line 1 (L1) to Municipio station. From Municipio, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to either entrance of Galleria Borbonica. Alternatively, take bus 151, 154, or E6 from Garibaldi station (near Napoli Centrale) to the Morelli stop, which is close to one of the entrances. A single metro or bus ticket costs around €1-€2.
Walking
From Piazza del Plebiscito, walk along Via Gennaro Serra towards Via Monte di Dio. Turn left onto Via Monte di Dio, and the entrance to Galleria Borbonica (Vico del Grottone, 4) will be on your left, inside the Serra di Cassano Building. Alternatively, from Piazza del Plebiscito, walk towards Piazza Trieste e Trento and continue onto Via Domenico Morelli. The entrance at Via Domenico Morelli, 61 is located inside the Morelli car parking. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Naples. A taxi ride from Napoli Centrale Station to Galleria Borbonica typically costs between €14-€18 and takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to Via Domenico Morelli, 61 or Vico del Grottone, 4.
Parking
If driving, several parking garages are located near Galleria Borbonica, including Parking Plebiscito and Garage del Golfo. Expect to pay around €6 per hour for parking. Note that traffic in Naples can be heavy, and parking availability may be limited, especially during peak season. The Quick Napoli Morelli parking garage on Via Domenico Morelli offers parking and is close to one of the Galleria Borbonica entrances.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes and a sweater, as the temperature underground can be cooler than on the surface.
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Consider booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
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If you have mobility issues or claustrophobia, opt for the accessible Standard Route with entrance from Via Domenico Morelli.
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Check the Galleria Borbonica website for the latest tour schedules and special events.
Discover more about Galleria Borbonica
The Galleria Borbonica, also known as the Bourbon Tunnel, is a fascinating underground passage in Naples, Italy, offering a unique journey through the city's history. Commissioned in 1853 by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, the tunnel was designed by architect Errico Alvino as a secret escape route connecting the Royal Palace to military barracks, ensuring the royal family's safety in case of riots or revolution. However, the project was never fully completed due to political upheaval.
During World War II, the Galleria Borbonica was repurposed as an air raid shelter for thousands of Neapolitans seeking refuge from bombings. After the war, it became a municipal judicial deposit, used as a storage space for vehicles and materials recovered from collapses, evictions and seizures.
Today, the Galleria Borbonica is open to the public, offering guided tours that reveal its multi-layered past. Visitors can explore the main tunnel, admire vintage cars and motorcycles discovered amidst the debris, and see restored sculptures and artifacts. Some tours include a visit to the ancient cisterns of the 17th century and narrow passages once used by 'pozzari' (well diggers). For a more adventurous experience, you can take a raft trip on the underground aquifer. The Galleria Borbonica provides an immersive cultural experience and a unique perspective on Naples' history and underground architecture.
A brief summary to Galleria Borbonica
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