LAES - NAPOLI SOTTERRANEA

This association was the first to open Naples' underground to visitors. Since 1988, it has been working to restore and publicize this underground heritage, whose history is intimately linked to that of the city above ground. As far back as Greek times, the tufa of the subsoil was exploited as a quarry to build the city, and was dug for cisterns and aqueducts. The supply of water to Naples through this gigantic network of galleries and wells only came to an end in 1885, following a cholera epidemic. After several decades of abandonment, the network was used as a bomb shelter during the Second World War, even becoming a real underground city with all amenities, sparing the lives of thousands of Neapolitans. Moving testimonies of this era remain, such as graffiti caricaturing Mussolini and Hitler, or representing the hopes and concerns of their authors. After the end of the fighting, the galleries were blocked by the rubble left by the bombardments. The LAES Association is patiently clearing away the rubble and restoring the galleries to their former glory. The tour, which concentrates on via Chiaia and the Spanish quarters, is a fascinating affair, enlivened on occasion by lively young Neapolitans who will tell you the picturesque legends associated with these underground passages. Even if you don't understand Italian, this tour won't leave you indifferent. Meeting point: Piazza Trieste e Trento (Gambrinus bar).