Acquario di Napoli: A Dive into Marine History
Explore the wonders of marine life at Europe's oldest aquarium, a historic research center in the heart of Naples' Villa Comunale.
The Acquario di Napoli, officially the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, is a historic institution dedicated to marine research and education. Founded in 1872 by Anton Dohrn and opened to the public in 1874, it is one of the oldest aquariums in Europe. Dohrn, inspired by Darwin's theories, sought to create a research center that could study marine life and disseminate knowledge to the public. The aquarium is located within the Villa Comunale, a park along the Naples seafront that was once the Royal Promenade for King Ferdinando IV Bourbon. The building itself retains its original architecture, with natural light filtering through side windows and skylights to create an immersive experience. The aquarium's tanks are connected to the sea via an underground canal, providing a direct link to the marine environment. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of Mediterranean marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. The aquarium also features a museum area with fossils and artifacts found in the Gulf of Naples. In addition to its exhibits, the Acquario di Napoli is an active research center, contributing to the study and conservation of marine life.
Local tips
- Visit during the weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the Villa Comunale to enjoy the surrounding park and sea views.
- Check the official website for current opening hours and any special events or temporary closures.
A brief summary to Acquario di Napoli
- Villa Comunale, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80121, IT
- +390815833442
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Piazza del Plebiscito in the historic center, walk along Via Partenope towards the seafront. Continue along the promenade until you reach the Villa Comunale, where the aquarium is located. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
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Public Transport
Take Metro Line 2 to Piazza Amedeo station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk (700 meters) to the Villa Comunale. Alternatively, take Metro Line 1 to Municipio station, then transfer to Line 6 to San Pasquale station, which is a short walk from the aquarium. Several bus lines, such as 140 and 151, also stop near Villa Comunale. A single metro or bus ticket costs €1.30-€1.50.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Naples. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Villa Comunale will cost approximately €15-€20, depending on traffic. Be sure the taxi is using a meter, or negotiate a fixed fare before starting your journey.
