Baia: Ancient History Above and Below the Sea

Baia: History Above and Below the Sea

Baia showcases ancient history in two very different settings: beneath the surface of the sea and within the walls of the Castello Aragonese di Baia. Due to bradyseism, the ancient Roman coastal town of Baia sank below sea level. Just a few metres beneath the surface, mosaics, statues, columns, and architectural structures have been preserved. The Parco sommerso di Baia is a protected marine area in the Gulf of Pozzuoli—an unusual combination of archaeological heritage and maritime landscape.

Castello Aragonese and Archaeology

The Castello Aragonese di Baia was built towards the end of the 15th century as part of the fortification programme for the Kingdom of Naples promoted by the Aragonese dynasty. It stands on the remains of Roman residential structures and houses the Museo Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei. The museum collects and displays archaeological finds from Baia, Cuma, Puteoli, and Liternum. These include plaster casts from Baia, which are considered a unique testimony to Hellenistic and Roman casting art.

The “Mercury” Hall

According to current knowledge, the “Mercury” area contains the oldest known example of a large-scale hemispherical concrete dome. The “Mercury” Hall has been dated to the time of Augustus. Its architectural distinction is therefore linked to a clear historical context within the history of Roman construction.

Roman Structures Underwater

At the Parco Archeologico Sommerso di Baia, Roman villas, thermal complexes, roads, and harbours have been preserved across 180 hectares at depths of 4 to 8 metres. Since 2001, the sites have been made accessible through guided scuba-diving excursions, snorkelling tours, glass-bottom boat trips, and a small tourist submarine. Baia thus offers several perspectives on an archaeological heritage that can be appreciated both by looking beneath the surface and from a distance.

Getting There and Touring the Site

From Napoli Montesanto, you can take the EAV Ferrovia Cumana to Fusaro or Lucrino and then take an EAV bus or walk approximately 1 kilometre. Interurban EAV buses from Fuorigrotta or from Piazza Garibaldi or Porta Nolana run to the Baia – Via Castello stop, which is just a few steps from the entrance to the Castello Aragonese di Baia.

A visit to the Castello Aragonese di Baia leads through various separate parts of the complex to Piazza d’Armi. From Piazza d’Armi, there is a panoramic view across the entire Gulf of Naples. If you are planning Baia as a destination, you can choose your accommodation according to your interests: the museum and fortress, underwater archaeology, or an itinerary that combines both sides of the area.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning: Torre Annunziata, Somma Vesuviana, Agerola, Palma Campania, Roccarainola, Marina Di Varcaturo, Castellammare Di Stabia, Bacoli

For the main travel overview: Naples.