San Lorenzo Maggiore & Underground Naples
Explore ancient Roman streets and shops beneath Naples, then marvel at the unique Gothic architecture of San Lorenzo Maggiore.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
San Lorenzo Maggiore & Underground Naples
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman streets and shops beneath Naples, then marvel at the unique Gothic architecture of San Lorenzo Maggiore.
"Walk through 2,000 years of history in the heart of Naples!"
🚶♀️ Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, both above and below ground. Essential for exploring the ancient streets and tunnels.
🎟️ Book tickets ahead
Popular attraction, so booking online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)
Beneath San Lorenzo Maggiore
Walk through ancient Greek and Roman streets, shops, and cisterns, experiencing Naples' history firsthand.

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
Historic Center of Naples
Admire the unique French Gothic architecture and rich literary history of this significant Neapolitan church.

Ancient Roman Market (Macellum)
Underground Naples
Explore the remarkably preserved remains of a bustling Roman market, offering a glimpse into daily life 2,000 years ago.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, both above and below ground. Essential for exploring the ancient streets and tunnels.
🎟️ Book tickets ahead
Popular attraction, so booking online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and secure your spot.
🔦 Guided tours are key
Opt for a guided tour to truly understand the history and significance of the underground city.
📸 Capture the history
Bring your camera to document the incredible ancient ruins and unique Gothic architecture.
One week in Naples in May. Must do, see, eat?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be walking a lot, both above and below ground. Essential for exploring the ancient streets and tunnels.
🎟️ Book tickets ahead
Popular attraction, so booking online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and secure your spot.
🔦 Guided tours are key
Opt for a guided tour to truly understand the history and significance of the underground city.
📸 Capture the history
Bring your camera to document the incredible ancient ruins and unique Gothic architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the immersive experience of Underground Naples, highlighting the well-preserved ancient streets and the fascinating glimpse into the city's past. The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is appreciated for its unique Gothic architecture and historical significance. Some find the underground tours a bit crowded during peak times.
"We had a 50 minute underground guided tour and it was brilliant! Tickets were cheap, around €8-€9, but worth noting you will need €2 in cash to buy the guided tour! Definitely worth it!"
Courtney Gib
"an interesting insight into the past. You can book a guided tour for an additional 2€ or explore it by yourself.
The only downsides were that there weren't many descriptions of what the ruins originally were, and the it was a bit pricey for how small the exhibition was.
But other than that we had a great experience and would definitely recommend it to everyone visiting Naples :)"
ian
"There are two parts to visiting this very interesting historical site. The first is waking through the main Church area. While not as elaborate as the nearby basilica, it still has a very rich history and an older medieval feel. There are several tombs/coffins here from important families in the early history of Naples. There were also several students of a local tourism collage giving guided tours and explanations of the different parts of the church. It was very nice to hear the history from them (in English too!).
The church is built over a former ancient (Greek?) worship site that was wiped away by a flood. There were also ancient tombs below.
There is an underground city tour for 9 Euros. The guided tour explains how the ancient Greek structures were built over by the Romans and shows how the various construction layers show the history of the occupants and their architecture. It was really interesting to see how cities were built back then, including imagining how Roman shops, banks and markets would have looked. Part of the modern structure is from the medieval period and also quite interesting, and in rooms still used today! A true walking through history lane! You should get the guided tour to truly understand the underground city. Most tours are in Italian, but they offer a free English tours a day. We took the 11am English tour."
Abe S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Lorenzo Maggiore is located in the heart of Naples' historic center. You can easily reach it by walking from many central locations. If coming from further afield, take public transport to the 'Dante' or 'Università' metro stations, both a short walk away.
The entrance to Napoli Sotterranea is directly accessible from the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore. Look for signs within the church complex guiding you to the underground tour departure point.
The historic center is best explored on foot. For longer distances, Naples has a metro system, but be aware that some stations are quite deep. Buses are also an option, though can be crowded.
Parking in Naples' historic center is notoriously difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or a taxi to get close, rather than driving your own vehicle.
Absolutely! San Lorenzo Maggiore is surrounded by many other key Neapolitan sites like Via San Gregorio Armeno (Nativity scene street) and the Duomo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but typically include access to both the Basilica and the Underground Naples tour. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and any package deals.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your entry and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Generally, the Basilica is open during daylight hours, while Underground Naples tours run at specific times throughout the day. Always verify current hours online before your visit.
While the main tour covers the ancient city, there might be specialized tours focusing on specific aspects. The 'Napoli Sotterranea' tour is the most comprehensive and recommended.
Check the official ticketing website for any available discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings. These are often offered but may require proof of eligibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Allow at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. This includes time to explore the Basilica above and the extensive underground archaeological site.
The underground passages can be narrow in places, but the tour is generally not considered overly claustrophobic. However, if you have severe claustrophobia, it might be best to consult with the tour operators or skip the underground portion.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. The underground temperature is cooler than above ground, so a light jacket or sweater might be advisable, even in summer.
Photography is usually permitted in most areas, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions. The lighting can be dim, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is helpful.
Restrooms are typically available at the entrance/exit point of the Underground Naples tour. It's advisable to use them before or after the tour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the historic center is brimming with trattorias, pizzerias, and cafes. You'll find plenty of options for authentic Neapolitan cuisine right around the basilica.
Don't miss classic Neapolitan pizza, sfogliatelle (pastry), babà (rum cake), and cuoppo (fried seafood cone).
You can find a range of prices. For budget-friendly and delicious options, look for smaller, local eateries away from the main tourist thoroughfares.
Many traditional Italian dishes can be adapted. Look for pasta with vegetable sauces or ask for modifications at local restaurants.
While specific recommendations change, exploring the side streets off Via dei Tribunali often leads to excellent, authentic dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The Gothic architecture of the Basilica, the intricate details of the cloisters, and the atmospheric underground ruins of the Roman market are prime photo spots.
The lighting underground can be challenging. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode will help capture the atmosphere.
From the surface, the facade of the Basilica itself is striking. Underground, focus on the scale of the ancient structures and the textures of the stone.
For the Basilica's exterior, late afternoon offers beautiful light. For the underground, any time is good, but be mindful of tour group sizes.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing tours. It's best to check with the tour guides upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Above ground, the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore offers a quieter experience. While the Gothic architecture might be appreciated by older children, the main draw for families is likely the underground adventure. Consider packing snacks and water, as options within the immediate tour area might be limited.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore itself is steeped in history, with its unique Gothic architecture and centuries of cultural significance. Exploring both the above-ground church and the subterranean city offers a comprehensive understanding of Naples' layered past, from antiquity through the medieval period.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Depths: Underground Naples
The experience is incredibly immersive, allowing you to touch the stones that have witnessed millennia of history. The tour guides are knowledgeable, bringing the past to life with stories of daily life, religious practices, and the city's evolution. It's a stark contrast to the vibrant city above, offering a profound sense of historical continuity.
Visitors often remark on how tangible the history feels here. It's a chance to understand the foundational layers of Naples, from its Greek origins to its Roman grandeur and beyond. The underground city served various purposes throughout history, including as air-raid shelters during WWII, adding another layer to its complex narrative.
The Gothic Jewel: Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
Inside, you'll find a wealth of art and history, including beautiful frescoes and a serene cloister. The basilica has also been a hub for intellectual and literary life throughout the centuries, adding a cultural dimension to its appeal. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge.
Many visitors are struck by the basilica's elegant simplicity and the sense of peace it offers, especially after descending into the bustling underground. It provides a beautiful counterpoint to the subterranean exploration, showcasing the layered history of Naples from its ancient roots to its medieval and Renaissance developments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit