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Tomb of Agrippina: A Misunderstood Roman Relic

Explore the Tomb of Agrippina in Bacoli, a misidentified Roman theater-nymphaeum offering a unique glimpse into ancient seaside villas.

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The Tomb of Agrippina in Bacoli is not actually a tomb, but the remains of a Roman theater-nymphaeum from an imperial villa. Despite its misnomer, the site offers a glimpse into ancient Roman architecture and seaside living.

A brief summary to Tomb of Agrippina

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photos.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the scenic coastline for stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain around the site can be uneven.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Bacoli, reaching the Tomb of Agrippina is easily done by foot. Start at Piazza della Repubblica, the central square, and head towards Via Roma. Walk along Via Roma towards the waterfront. Once at the waterfront, turn right and walk along the promenade. Turn left onto Via Privata Falci, and the Tomb of Agrippina will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    From Naples, take the Cumana train line to either Fusaro or Lucrino station. From either station, take an EAV bus to the Via Risorgimento-Via Roma stop in Bacoli. From there, walk towards the waterfront, turn onto Via Privata Falci, and the Tomb of Agrippina will be on your left. Bus tickets cost around €1-€2.

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Discover more about Tomb of Agrippina

The so-called Tomb of Agrippina, located on the shore of Bacoli, is a historical site shrouded in misinterpretation and intrigue. For centuries, travelers on the Grand Tour believed this site to be the final resting place of Agrippina the Younger, the mother of Emperor Nero, who was murdered in 59 AD on the orders of her son. However, archaeological investigations in 1941 revealed that the structure was not a tomb at all, but rather a theater-nymphaeum (a combination of a theater and a water sanctuary) that was part of a vast, luxurious maritime villa. Tacitus, the Roman historian, recounts that Agrippina, having narrowly escaped drowning, was assassinated by Nero's henchmen, and her loyal servants erected a modest tomb for her along the road to Miseno, not far from Caesar's villa. The current structure's proximity to the sea and distance from the ancient road led historians to believe it could not be Agrippina's tomb. Originally built as an odeion (a small, roofed theater for musical performances) during the Augustan or Julio-Claudian era, the structure was transformed into a nymphaeum with an exedra (a semi-circular recess) between the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD, likely due to partial submersion caused by bradyseism (gradual uplifting or sinking of the earth's crust). Today, visitors can see three semi-circular corridors, two upper ones at the same level and a lower one about 1.3 meters below the current beach level. Despite its inaccurate name, the Tomb of Agrippina remains a fascinating site, offering insights into Roman coastal architecture and the opulent lifestyle of the imperial elite. The location provides a tranquil setting for contemplating the area's rich history, far from the bustling crowds of other historical attractions.

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