Tour
Bourbon Tunnel
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The Bourbon Tunnel is a fascinating subterranean network carved under Naples' hills, originally commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1853 as a military escape route from the Royal Palace to the barracks. The project was abandoned after the king's death, but during World War II, the tunnels were repurposed as air-raid shelters, capable of holding thousands of people. Today, guided tours lead visitors through dimly lit passages, past original graffiti, abandoned cars, and wartime relics. The experience is both eerie and educational, offering a glimpse into Naples' layered history. Highlights include the 'Gallery of the Minister of the Interior' and the 'Cisterns,' where water was once stored. The tour also includes a visit to the 'War Museum' with artifacts from the 1940s.
Don't miss
- The original 19th-century tunnels with exposed tuff rock walls.
- WWII-era graffiti and inscriptions left by shelterers.
- Abandoned cars and machinery from the post-war period.
- The Cisterns, used for water storage and now reflecting lights.
- The War Museum displaying gas masks, helmets, and ration cards.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Bourbon Tunnel
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGalleria Borbonica Entrance Ticket in Standard Route4.8★ · 2,731 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →
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Private & flexibleNaples Private Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems with Local4.9★ · 300 travelers2–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$81 per personSee dates →More attractions in Naples