Background

Macellum (Temple of Serapis) in Pozzuoli

Discover the Macellum of Pozzuoli, an ancient Roman market and witness to the area's unique geological phenomenon of bradyseism.

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Explore the ruins of the Macellum, erroneously known as the Temple of Serapis, an ancient Roman marketplace in Pozzuoli. Witness the impact of bradyseism on the site, and admire the remaining columns and structures of this once-bustling commercial center.

A brief summary to Macellum Temple of Serapis

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven.
  • Bring water, especially during hot weather.
  • Check the opening hours, as they can vary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Naples, take the Metro Line 2 (the green line) towards Pozzuoli. Get off at the 'Pozzuoli' station. From there, walk southwest on Via Napoli, continue onto Via Campana, then turn right onto Via Serapide. The Macellum Temple of Serapis will be on your left. A single metro ticket costs around €1.30.

  • Walking

    From the port of Pozzuoli, the Macellum is a short walk inland. Head along Via Serapide; the site will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

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Discover more about Macellum Temple of Serapis

The Macellum of Pozzuoli, often called the Temple of Serapis due to the discovery of a statue of the Egyptian god Serapis, was actually the ancient public market of the Roman city of Puteoli. Dating back to the Flavian era (2nd century AD), this site offers a glimpse into the commercial heart of the city. The Macellum consisted of a rectangular building with a colonnaded inner portico, around which thirty-six shops once operated. In the center, sixteen Corinthian columns supported the roof. Marine motifs, like shells with dolphins, adorned the Corinthian capitals, symbolizing Puteoli's flourishing maritime trade. The market also featured a circular tholos with an octagonal fountain in the center. The site's columns bear witness to the phenomenon of bradyseism, the gradual rising and sinking of the land due to volcanic activity. Perforations in the columns, left by marine mollusks, show how deeply the edifice was submerged over the centuries. Despite these changes, the Macellum has attracted scholars and tourists for centuries, drawn to its archaeological value and the region's unique volcanic activity. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once-grand marketplace, imagining the hustle and bustle of daily life in ancient Puteoli. Although the valuable sculptural and architectural elements were removed to embellish the Royal Palace of Caserta, the site remains a testament to the city's rich history and geological significance.

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