Exploring the LAPIS Museum in Naples is a captivating opportunity to uncover the city’s remarkable underground world. On this guided tour, visitors can descend into ancient aqueducts and cisterns, marveling at the impressive Greco-Roman engineering feats that have endured for centuries. With an Italian-speaking guide providing in-depth historical insights, the tour promises to transport guests back in time and reveal the hidden gems that lie beneath the vibrant surface of Naples. Advance reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot on this popular excursion.

Contents show

Key Points

Guided visit to the LAPIS Museum in Naples, Italy, featuring an exploration of the city’s underground aqueducts and Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli.
Tour includes a 35-meter descent via an ancient elevator and a visit to Greco-Roman cisterns with enhanced lighting.
Guided by an Italian-speaking guide, providing insights into the site’s rich history and architectural engineering.
Tour duration is 75 minutes, with a group size limited to 10 participants and advance reservation recommended.
Suitable for visitors interested in the historical and engineering aspects of Naples’ underground water systems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided visit of the LAPIS Museum in Italian lasts 75 minutes and is limited to a group size of 10 participants.

This is a popular tour, so visitors are advised to reserve their spot in advance. A "pay later" option is available, making it convenient to secure a place.

The tour highlights include exploring underground aqueducts, visiting the Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli, and descending 35 meters via an ancient elevator.

Guests will also experience enhanced lighting in the Greco-Roman cisterns and admire the Basilica of Pietrasanta and Submerged Decumanus.

Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Naples

Highlights of the LAPIS Museum Visit

Exploring the underground aqueducts of Naples is a highlight of the guided visit to the LAPIS Museum.

Visitors descend 35 meters via an ancient elevator to experience the Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli. Here, they’ll admire the Greco-Roman cisterns illuminated by enhanced lighting, showcasing the historical hydraulic engineering.

The tour also includes a visit to the Basilica of Pietrasanta and the Submerged Decumanus, built on the remains of an ancient Temple of Diana.

Throughout the 75-minute experience, the small group of up to 10 participants is led by an Italian-speaking guide, providing insights into the site’s rich history and significance.

Exploring the Underground Aqueducts of Naples

As visitors descend 35 meters via an ancient elevator, they’ll find themselves immersed in the captivating Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli, part of the LAPIS Museum’s guided tour.

This underground journey reveals the city’s intricate aqueduct system, built on the remains of an ancient Temple of Diana. Designed by architect Cosimo Fanzago in the 17th century, the hydraulic engineering project revitalizes these Greco-Roman cisterns, showcasing enhanced lighting that allows visitors to admire the impressive Basilica of Pietrasanta and the Submerged Decumanus.

This unique experience offers a glimpse into Naples’ rich historical and architectural heritage.

Descending Into the Museo Dell’acqua Di Napoli

As visitors descend 35 meters via an ancient elevator, they’ll find themselves immersed in the captivating Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli, part of the LAPIS Museum’s guided tour. This underground experience showcases the city’s intricate hydraulic engineering, with enhanced lighting illuminating the Greco-Roman cisterns.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Cisterns | Built on the remains of an ancient Temple of Diana |

| Architecture | Designed by architect Cosimo Fanzago in the 17th century |

| Significance | Revitalizes ancient cisterns, a remarkable hydraulic engineering project |

Visitors can admire the Basilica of Pietrasanta and the Submerged Decumanus, discovering the historical significance and engineering marvels hidden beneath the streets of Naples.

More Great Tours Nearby

Experiencing the Greco-Roman Cisterns

Visitors enjoy the captivating atmosphere of the Greco-Roman cisterns, their enhanced lighting casting a warm glow over the ancient structures.

These remarkable underground reservoirs, built upon the remnants of a temple dedicated to the goddess Diana, showcase the ingenuity of 17th-century hydraulic engineering. Guests descend 35 meters via an ancient elevator, experiencing the grandeur of these cavernous spaces firsthand.

The cisterns’ historical significance is palpable, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence for the city’s rich past.

Intricate Greco-Roman architecture
Innovative 17th-century engineering
Timeless connection to Naples’ history

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Naples might interest you

Admiring the Basilica of Pietrasanta and Submerged Decumanus

After exploring the captivating Greco-Roman cisterns, the guided tour leads visitors to the Basilica of Pietrasanta and the Submerged Decumanus.

The basilica’s impressive Baroque architecture stands in stark contrast to the ancient, submerged ruins beneath.

Descending further, the tour showcases the Submerged Decumanus – a section of the city’s ancient main street that now lies underwater.

The guide explains how this hydraulic engineering project revitalized the ancient cisterns, preserving a remarkable piece of Naples’ history.

Visitors can admire the stunning interplay of old and new, marveling at the ingenuity that brings these historic sites to life.

Historical Significance of the LAPIS Museum

The LAPIS Museum is built upon the remains of an ancient Temple of the goddess Diana, offering visitors a glimpse into Naples’ rich history.

Designed by architect Cosimo Fanzago in the mid-17th century, the museum’s hydraulic engineering project revitalizes these ancient cisterns, showcasing:

Sophisticated Greco-Roman architectural features
Innovative water management techniques of the past
Enduring significance of this historical site to the city’s development

This unique setting allows guests to enjoy the captivating story of Naples’ hidden underground world and the ingenuity of its past builders.

Important Information for Visitors

What should visitors keep in mind before embarking on this guided tour? The LAPIS Museum tour is not suitable for individuals with limited mobility or wheelchair users as it involves descending 35 meters via an ancient elevator. Visitors should contact the provided phone number for any assistance or changes during the tour. The overall tour experience has been highly rated by past participants, with the Italian-speaking guide and value for money receiving particular praise.

| Key Factors | Ratings |

|————-|———|

| Overall Experience | 4.6/5 |

| Guide Quality | 4.8/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.7/5 |

Common Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should check with the tour guide beforehand. Some areas may have restrictions due to preservation or safety concerns. Visitors should be respectful and not disrupt the experience of others.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specified dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves exploring underground cisterns and aqueducts. Casual attire is acceptable.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly as they may offer special rates that aren’t listed in the overview.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

No, participants cannot leave the tour group to explore on their own. The tour is a guided visit with a fixed itinerary, and the group size is limited to ensure a personalized experience. Wandering off is not permitted for safety and logistical reasons.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any restroom facilities along the route. However, participants can likely use the restrooms at the LAPIS Museum before or after the guided visit, which lasts approximately 75 minutes.

The Sum Up

The LAPIS Museum in Naples offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating underground aqueducts. Guided by an Italian-speaking expert, visitors can descend 35 meters to discover ancient Greco-Roman cisterns and the Museo dell’Acqua di Napoli, marveling at the engineering feats and rich history. Due to the tour’s popularity, advance reservations are highly recommended.