Bourbon Gallery: Tours, Tickets and Useful Info
Quick Guide and Experiences
The Bourbon Gallery is one of the most fascinating underground routes in the city, where ingenuity, art, and memory intertwine in a unique way.
See also
- Guide to Naples
- Itineraries: 1d, 3d, CT
- Experiences in Naples
- Where and What to Eat in Naples
Main Attractions
Visiting the Bourbon Gallery means discovering one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Naples’ underground.
Built in 1853 by order of Ferdinand II of Bourbon, it was designed as a secret passage between the Royal Palace and the military area of Piazza Vittoria. In this way, the royal family could use it as a safe escape route in case of uprisings. The project, overseen by engineer Errico Alvino, gave rise to an intricate system of tunnels carved into the tuff rock, today perfectly preserved and open to visitors.
During the guided tour, visitors explore several sections, each with its own unique atmosphere. It begins with the ancient cisterns of the seventeenth-century aqueduct, used as a base for the Bourbon excavations. Afterwards, visitors discover the air-raid shelters from the Second World War, where graffiti, personal objects, and the remains of beds once used by Neapolitans seeking refuge can still be seen. The route also includes an impressive collection of vintage vehicles — motorbikes, cars, Vespas, and even carriages — all found during the excavations and carefully restored.
Finally, among the most evocative areas stand out the Bourbon Tunnel, the Fontanelle Cistern, the Cava della Rena, and the vertical wells that once ensured ventilation and water supply. Thanks to the scenic lighting and the guides’ explanations, each stop becomes an emotional journey through time. Thus, the Bourbon Gallery reveals itself as a unique experience that combines history, engineering, and collective memory in a fascinating and engaging story.
Selected Experiences
Discover the most popular experiences to explore the hidden and historical charm of the Bourbon Gallery up close:
- Bourbon Gallery: Guided Tour and Entrance Ticket – Experience a fascinating itinerary through tunnels, cisterns, and World War II shelters, accompanied by expert guides who reveal the underground secrets of Naples.
- Bourbon Gallery: Guided Visit – A suggestive route among dim lights and ancient tunnels, perfect for those who wish to learn about the Bourbon origins of the tunnel and its incredible transformations over time.
- Naples: Guided Tour of the Bourbon Gallery – An immersive experience in the heart of underground Naples, where history meets legend in a journey through engineering, art, and mystery.
Useful Information and Tips
Duration of the visit: the standard tour lasts about 1 hour. However, longer or themed routes are also available, such as the “Adventure” or “Memory Route”, which allow visitors to explore lesser-known areas.
Accessibility: the gallery is not fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, due to stairs and narrow passages. It is advisable to contact the organization in advance to check for possible adapted routes.
Temperature and clothing: the temperature remains constant throughout the year, around 15°C. Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended, as well as a light jacket even during the summer months.
Opening hours and prices: the Bourbon Gallery is open all year round, with guided tours available on weekends and public holidays. Ticket prices vary depending on the chosen route. You can check the updated calendar and purchase tickets on the official website www.galleriaborbonica.com.
Recommended times: to avoid crowds, it is best to book the morning or mid-afternoon tour. Moreover, the artificial lighting during evening visits creates an evocative atmosphere, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Photography: photos are generally allowed, as long as no flash is used. However, in some areas the use of cameras may be limited for safety or conservation reasons.
How to Get There
On foot: the main entrance to the Bourbon Gallery is located at Vico del Grottone 4, near Piazza del Plebiscito and the San Carlo Theatre. It can be easily reached on foot from Via Toledo or Piazza Municipio in about 10 minutes.
By metro: the nearest station is “Toledo” on Line 1, one of the most beautiful in Europe. From there, walk along Via Chiaia or Via Toledo following the signs to Piazza del Plebiscito.
By bus: several city bus lines stop nearby, including R1 and 151. Alternatively, you can get off at Piazza Trieste e Trento and reach the entrance in just a few minutes.
By car: Naples city centre is subject to limited traffic zones (ZTL). Therefore, it is advisable to park in private garages on Via Santa Lucia or Via Chiatamone, both just a few minutes’ walk from the Gallery.
By train: from the Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi), take Metro Line 1 to Toledo station, then continue on foot. The total journey takes about 20–25 minutes.
By camper or tourist bus: the most convenient parking areas are located along Via Marina or Corso Garibaldi. From there, you can reach the seafront area and continue towards Piazza del Plebiscito using public transport.
Other Destinations
🔐 Some images on this page are used under Creative Commons license:
By Baldo Simone – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons –
By Architas – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons –
By Francesco Mocellin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons –
By Luca Aless – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons –
By Repuli – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons –
By Associazione Culturale Borbonica Sotterranea – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons