Underground Naples: a journey into ancient Neapolis beneath the city streets.

And if we told you that beneath the streets of Naples there is another city?

Just a few meters below today's Naples, you can embark on a journey back over 2, 000 years to discover ancient Neapolis. ⏳

One of the most fascinating places to do this is located beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, in the heart of the historic center.

🏺 Beneath the Basilica, the ancient city

The archaeological area preserves an extraordinary testimony of Roman Neapolis.

During the visit, you can walk along an ancient street, recognize the environments of the shops, and imagine the daily life of a city that, over two thousand years ago, was already an important center of the Mediterranean.

The path also leads to the discovery of the Macellum, the ancient city market, characterized by its shops and covered portico.

And then there is the Cryptoporticus, another element that makes this underground route so evocative. 🕳️

It's not just about observing archaeological remains: walking through these structures means physically finding yourself inside a part of the ancient city.

🏺 Before Rome, there was Greek Neapolis

However, the story begins even earlier.

According to historical tradition, Neapolis was refounded in 470 B.C. by the settlers of Cumae, giving rise to a new phase in the city's history.

The strategic location and the relations with Rome later favored the growth of Neapolis, which became one of the most important centers of ancient Campania.

And it is precisely this overlapping of epochs that makes Naples so special: a city built upon itself, where Greeks, Romans, the Middle Ages, the modern and contemporary ages coexist in the same urban space.

⛪ And above the ancient city lies San Lorenzo Maggiore

After the archaeological visit, just look up to find another chapter of Neapolitan history.

Indeed, above the archaeological area stands the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, with its imposing 14th-century nave, chapels, cloister, and architectural elements that tell the transformations that have occurred over the centuries.

It is one of the most fascinating examples of how, in Naples, different epochs can literally be found one on top of the other.

✨ The true magic of Naples

In Naples, you can stroll along a modern street and, just a few meters below, find yourself in antiquity.

This is one of the aspects that make the city unique:

the past has not disappeared. It is still beneath your feet.

And perhaps that's why visiting Naples means much more than seeing monuments: it means discovering the layers of history that make up the city.

🏡 After the visit, return to Vomero

After exploring underground Neapolis, you can return to the heart of Vomero and relax at Wanda B&B, a small family-run place in the center of the neighborhood.

📍 Via Luca Giordano 106 – Vomero, Naples

🚇 Metro Line 1 and funiculars nearby

🌿 A central location, but away from the chaos of the historic center

🤝 Ciro will be happy to recommend itineraries and places to discover during your stay.

❤️ Come to Naples. Dive into its history. And experience the city starting from Wanda.