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Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia: A Submerged Roman City

Discover a hidden Roman city beneath the waves at the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia, near Naples.

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Explore the fascinating Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia, where the ruins of an ancient Roman resort lie submerged beneath the sea. Once a playground for the wealthy elite, Baia now offers a unique glimpse into the past through snorkeling and scuba diving among well-preserved mosaics, statues, and villas.

A brief summary to Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia

  • Via Lucullo, 94, Bacoli, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80070, IT
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability for snorkeling or diving.
  • Consider a glass-bottom boat tour for a dry and accessible way to view the underwater ruins.
  • Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer, though rentals are available.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as visibility can be affected by sea conditions.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days, for sun protection during boat tours and snorkeling.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Naples, take the Cumana train line from Montesanto station to Torregaveta. From Torregaveta, several bus lines (e.g., 101, 102, 146) connect to Bacoli. Get off near Via Lucullo and walk a short distance to the park entrance. Bus tickets cost around €1-€2. Alternatively, the 101 bus runs directly from Naples (Molo Beverello) to Bacoli (Via Lungolago) , costing €3-€5 and taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Naples, a taxi to the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia takes approximately 30 minutes and costs between €60 and €80. Taxis are readily available at Naples Airport and train station. Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Naples.

  • Ferry

    Ferries connect Bacoli to nearby islands like Procida and Ischia. From Procida or Ischia, you can take a ferry to Bacoli, arriving at Porto di Acquamorta, about 3.5 km from the park. From the port, take a local bus or taxi to Via Lucullo. Ferry tickets from Ischia to Bacoli start at €4. A taxi from the port to the park will cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia

The Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia is a protected marine area established in 2002 to preserve the submerged remains of the ancient Roman city of Baia. Located in the Gulf of Naples, near Pompeii, this underwater park offers a unique blend of history and adventure. Baia was once a luxurious resort town favored by the Roman elite, including figures like Caesar, Cicero, and Nero, who built lavish villas and indulged in the city's pleasures. Seneca described the city as a place of revelry, with music and parties echoing from boats and villas. The phenomenon of bradyseism, a gradual sinking of the land due to volcanic activity in the Phlegraean Fields, caused a large part of Baia to submerge over time. This natural event has created an extraordinary underwater archaeological site, with over 177 hectares of submerged structures, including roads, walls, mosaics, and statues. Today, visitors can explore the underwater ruins through snorkeling, scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat tours. Key sites include the Nymphaeum of Emperor Claudius, a rectangular structure with a semicircular apse and niches containing statues. The Villa a Protiro features a courtyard with a stunning black and white mosaic floor. Divers can also see the remains of thermal baths, villas, and the ancient harbor of Portus Julius. The park is actively managed to protect and enhance the submerged remains. Archaeologists continue to consolidate structures, monitor their condition, and create detailed maps of the ancient city. While the original statues are housed in the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields, the underwater sites feature accurate reproductions, offering visitors a glimpse into Baia's opulent past.

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