Walking Tour

2 hrs

Naples

Naples is a city whose roots run deep. Its complex history is so profound that only a visit beneath the present-day city surface will uncover the complete picture. During this two-hour Naples Underground Tour, we will explore a series of spaces scattered throughout the historical center and learn from an archaeologist how to peel back the layers of urban history to uncover the enigmatic past of this city.

We begin with a walk through the lively streets of the city center that still follow the decumani, or ancient Roman roads, originally laid out 2000 years ago. We'll then descend underground and explore the archaeological complex underneath the Gothic church of San Lorenzo Maggior,e where Naples' ancient forum once lay.

There is much to explore beneath Naples' modern, chaotic streetscape, including ancient city streets and a wide range of ruined buildings, including the aerarium, where the city's riches were held, an ancient bakery and laundry, and the suggestive cryptoporticus, or covered passageway.

Our guide will use these archaeological bits and pieces to weave together a portrait of ancient Naples and its role in the Roman Empire.

Choose this tour if…

You want to experience the City Center of Naples from a different perspective.
You are passionate about Archeology and the Underground mysteries, you have taken other underground tours in the past or this is your first experience.
You wonder what daily life looked like in the past. What would my daily routine be, and how was the larger social structure set up?

Sites Visited

San Lorenzo Maggiore church
Gesù Nuovo church
Naples City Center

Logistics

Tickets

You are prepaid for the walk and the San Lorenzo Maggiore tickets.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

For more information on planning your travels to Naples, take a read through our Context Stories.
If you are looking to learn more about Naples before a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have kids with us, can we bring a stroller?

This tour is not part of our family portfolio; however, we do have some family-friendly guides who lead the tour and could adjust the content and delivery for younger travelers. However, there are steps to get down to the archaeological site, and it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers due to narrow and tight passages. We do not recommend bringing a stroller on this tour.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

Unfortunately, this tour is not ideal for clients with mobility issues. There are steps to get down to the archaeological site, and it is not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with difficulty climbing stairs. We recommend looking into another tour instead, like the Introduction to Naples and Naples Art Tour.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

San Lorenzo Maggiore
Il Gesù Nuovo

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Underground Naples Archaeology Tour with San Lorenzo general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

41 Reviews

We had a great time with Fiorella. She was able to adapt her tour to our needs and to adjust to the day's rain.

Etahn Feb 20, 2026

This was an incredible tour, providing a very rich understanding of the aesthetic themes evolving in Naples over its history. Riccardo’s is the ultimate interpreter.

Jeffrey Oct 27, 2025

Francesca was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and she provided the information on the area in a very clear manner. It was a great tour.

Adria Oct 6, 2025

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.