LAPIS Museum - Pietrasanta Underground Naples
Explore Naples' hidden history 40m underground! Discover ancient aqueducts, WWII shelters, and tufo quarries with engaging guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
LAPIS Museum - Pietrasanta Underground Naples
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Naples' hidden history 40m underground! Discover ancient aqueducts, WWII shelters, and tufo quarries with engaging guides.
"Luca's energy was the BEST as he took us 40m underground! What a fun thing to do."
🗣️ Engaging Guides
Guides like Luca bring the history to life with incredible energy!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot underground, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Greek-Roman Aqueducts
Underground tunnels
Explore the ancient water systems that supplied Neapolis, marveling at the ingenuity of past civilizations.
World War II Air-Raid Shelters
Underground tunnels
Witness the stark reality of wartime survival in these repurposed underground cavities.
Tufo Quarries
Underground tunnels
Discover the origins of Naples' construction, seeing where the volcanic stone was extracted.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Underground Adventure
+1Dress for Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Engaging Guides
Guides like Luca bring the history to life with incredible energy!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot underground, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
🧥 Light Layer Recommended
It's cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
📸 Capture the History
The underground passages offer unique photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Engaging Guides
Guides like Luca bring the history to life with incredible energy!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking a lot underground, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
🧥 Light Layer Recommended
It's cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
📸 Capture the History
The underground passages offer unique photo opportunities.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Discount
Show your Picasso exhibition ticket for a discount!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the engaging and knowledgeable guides, particularly mentioning Luca for his energetic and informative tours. The historical depth of the underground passages, from ancient aqueducts to WWII shelters, is consistently praised. Some note the narrowness of certain paths and the cool underground temperature as points to be aware of.
"Very beautiful and suggestive, the video projection of the bombing is very suggestive, with a 3d quality it would be the top. You really breathe history. Our friendly and helpful guide Ciro for any clarification explained everything to us in an excellent and clear way. Today in Naples 40 degrees, at the water museum 40 meters underground 18, therefore to visit also for fresh air😂😂😂😂"
Alessandro Tofano
"The exhibition is good but I think the price is too high. I would expect more of that proce like pompeii ruins since they are almost the same. The instructions are good and the staff are also nice. They tend to give you all necessary information as well as the smile. I can recommend it for some culture and arts enthusiasts."
Anthony
"Amazing space but do waste your time or money with the Picasso exhibition. Majority are reproductions, poorly lit, poorly presented. Felt more like a tourist trap than a proper exhibition. Building is really interesting, sadly let down by a misleading exhibition."
Gareth Forshaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The LAPIS Museum is located in the historic center of Naples, easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive via the Piazza San Gaetano area.
The entrance is typically well-marked within the historic center. Look for signs directing you to the 'percorso sotterraneo' or underground route.
The closest metro stations are Dante and Università, both within walking distance of the historic center where the museum is located.
Parking in the historic center of Naples can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking garages.
For a comprehensive experience, consider booking guided tours for different sites like Underground Naples, Galleria Borbonica, and the LAPIS Museum to avoid repetition.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but there's often a discount if you present a ticket from the 'Picasso – The Language of Ideas' exhibition. Check their official website or contact them for current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred tour time.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with guided tours running throughout the day. Weekend tour times may differ slightly.
Yes, a €2 discount is offered if you show your ticket for the 'Picasso – The Language of Ideas' exhibition.
While same-day tickets might be available, booking ahead is advised to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, especially for popular time slots.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours typically last around 1 hour, providing a thorough exploration of the underground passages and their history.
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children and can be a very engaging and educational experience for them, sparking curiosity.
The underground temperature is consistently cool, around 15-18°C (59-64°F) year-round, so wearing a light jacket is recommended.
The tour involves walking through narrow passages and uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
The tour covers various historical periods, from ancient Greek-Neapolitan aqueducts and Roman cisterns to World War II air-raid shelters.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit.
The ancient aqueducts, the WWII shelters, and the sheer scale of the excavated tufo quarries offer unique and dramatic photographic subjects.
Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect historical artifacts or due to safety regulations. Be mindful of signage.
Given the low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Consider shooting in RAW for better editing flexibility.
Your guide will likely point out the most photogenic spots, but keep an eye out for interesting textures, architectural details, and the vastness of the caverns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair amount of walking. The underground temperature is cool, so a light jacket is advisable for everyone. While generally safe, keep a close eye on younger children in the narrower passages. The unique environment offers fantastic photo opportunities to remember the adventure.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the chance to understand how the very rock of Naples, the tufo, shaped its history and architecture. The guided tours provide in-depth historical context, often highlighting lesser-known facts about the city's subterranean past. The integration with the 'Picasso – The Language of Ideas' exhibition also offers a unique juxtaposition of ancient ingenuity and modern artistic thought.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Layers of Neapolis: A Subterranean Journey
+1Beyond the aqueducts, the underground passages served multiple purposes throughout history. Many were converted into cisterns for rainwater collection, a vital resource in the Mediterranean climate. During World War II, these same cavities were transformed into crucial air-raid shelters, offering refuge to thousands of Neapolitans. Walking through these spaces provides a tangible connection to the city's past struggles and triumphs.
Your visit is enhanced by knowledgeable guides who bring these historical layers to life. Their narratives, often filled with passion and local flavor, transform a simple walk through tunnels into an immersive historical experience. The LAPIS Museum's commitment to preserving and presenting this hidden heritage makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the true depth of Naples.
Beyond the Underground: Art and History Combined
+1Visitors can take advantage of a special offer: presenting a ticket from the Picasso exhibition at the LAPIS Museum's underground ticket office grants a €2 discount on the underground tour. This initiative encourages a multi-faceted exploration of the site, connecting ancient subterranean structures with modern artistic expression. It's a clever way to experience both the historical depth and the artistic vibrancy of Naples.
+1This combination of historical exploration and contemporary art makes the LAPIS Museum a dynamic destination. It appeals to a wide range of interests, from history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts to art lovers. The integration of these different elements creates a unique and memorable visit, showcasing Naples' multifaceted cultural landscape.
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