Visit the Neapolitan Crypt

The Neapolitan Crypt, also known as the Posillipo cave, is a tunnel dug in the Augustan age that connected ancient Neapolis to Pozzuoli.

Today, a short section of the Crypt can be visited from the Piedigrotta entrance.

The Neapolitan Crypt has its main entrance in the Vergiliano Park in Piedigrotta, which is located right near the Mergellina station.

At the entrance to the Crypt there are some frescoes and the plaque commemorating Giacomo Leopardi. Furthermore, it is believed that Virgil’s remains are in the Roman tomb.

According to legend, this 700 meter long and 5 meter high tunnel was dug by the magic of Virgil who in medieval times was believed to be a powerful wizard by the Neapolitans. In truth, this work was carried out to connect Naples to Pozzuoli in the Augustan era.

The Crypt is also considered a place of worship, where initiatory rites were often held, such as those dedicated to the god Priapus. From the bas-relief depicting Mithras found in the Crypt, it is deduced that Mithraism was also practiced in its rooms.