Points of Interest

Baia Castle – Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields
Baia Castle, built by the Aragonese between 1490 and 1493 and expanded over the following centuries, is now home to the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields. Inside, it preserves the remains of a prestigious Roman villa dating back to the 2nd century BC, possibly once owned by Julius Caesar. The museum route unfolds through courtyards, panoramic terraces, and ancient structures, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the remarkable volcanic landscape of the Phlegraean Fields.

The Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia
The Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia is a protected marine area that preserves extraordinary submerged remains of the ancient Roman city. Featuring mosaics, roads, columns, and villas—including the famous Villa del Protiro, which can also be explored while snorkeling—it offers a unique experience where history and nature meet. Many artifacts recovered from the seabed, such as statues and vases, are now displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Baia Castle.

The Baths of Baia
The area around the Gulf of Baia reveals an extraordinary archaeological stratification dating back to the Roman era. Over time, large thermal complexes and luxurious villas were built one upon another, taking advantage of the region’s volcanic and hydrothermal resources. The so-called “domes” of Mercury, Diana, and Venus were actually part of innovative thermal facilities and represent some of the earliest examples of concrete roofing. Originally, the site was occupied by spectacular multi-level villas overlooking the sea. Over the centuries, its function changed, becoming a thermal spa area and later falling into gradual abandonment during the Middle Ages, leaving behind a unique archaeological heritage.

Piscina Mirabilis
The Piscina Mirabilis in Bacoli is a monumental Roman cistern located near Miseno, the terminal point of the Augustan Aqueduct. Measuring 70 meters in length and supported by 48 pillars, it served as a water reserve for the imperial fleet. Designed like an “underground cathedral,” it could hold more than 12,000 cubic meters of water. Equipped with stepped entrances and maintenance systems, it remains one of the masterpieces of Roman hydraulic engineering and is still remarkably well preserved today.

Church of Saint Anne
The Church of Saint Anne, patron saint of Bacoli, stands on the shores of Lake Miseno and is one of the area’s most important places of worship. Built in 1696 in the Baroque style and later reconstructed in the early twentieth century after a fire, it now features Neo-Renaissance and eclectic architectural forms. Inside, visitors can admire frescoes and sacred decorations depicting religious episodes, while its panoramic setting makes it a place of spirituality and great charm. This year, the parish celebrates its Jubilee marking the 330th anniversary of the church’s foundation.

Casina Vanvitelliana
The Royal Bourbon Hunting Lodge of Fusaro, a late-Baroque masterpiece by Carlo Vanvitelli, was built in 1782 for King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon as a hunting and fishing residence. Situated on a small island in Lake Fusaro, it features a dodecagonal floor plan and two terraced levels. The main floor houses the Hall of Wonders, decorated with works by Hackert and royal apartments reserved for the sovereign’s family. It later became a residence for distinguished guests of the Kingdom of Naples.

Lake Miseno
Lake Miseno, also known as “Lago Maremorto” (“Dead Sea Lake”), is a saltwater lagoon of volcanic origin connected to the sea by two artificial channels. Linked to the myth of Misenus, the trumpeter of Aeneas, it was used during Roman times as a harbor and shipyard for the imperial fleet. Located between Bacoli and Monte di Procida, it is home to marine species such as mullet and sea bass and today represents a fascinating area of great historical and environmental significance.

Cape Miseno Lighthouse and the Birds’ Trail
The Cape Miseno Lighthouse, active since the early nineteenth century, illuminates the Gulf of Pozzuoli and the Procida Channel, one of the busiest maritime routes in the region. Rebuilt in 1948 after the bombings of the Second World War, it is now a highly attractive panoramic landmark, open to visitors only on special occasions. From the promontory, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Procida, Ischia, Capri, and Mount Vesuvius. Nearby is also the scenic “Birds’ Trail” hiking path.

Villa Ferretti
Villa Ferretti in Bacoli is a property confiscated from organized crime and returned to public use. Overlooking the sea, it includes a park with beach access and green spaces open to visitors. Today, it stands as a symbol of legality and social reuse, hosting public, cultural, and recreational activities. Its enhancement combines memory, environmental stewardship, and civic participation, making it an open and welcoming space for both residents and visitors to the Phlegraean Fields.

Lake Fusaro
Lake Fusaro, once identified with the mythical Acherusia Palus, is a volcanic lake located between Torregaveta and Cuma. Already in Roman times, it was exploited for mussel farming, and remains of patrician villas—now lost—have been discovered in its waters. During the nineteenth century, it was also renowned for lamprey breeding. At the center of the lake stands the Casina Vanvitelliana, the former Bourbon hunting lodge, now connected to the shore by a bridge and surrounded by a natural landscape of exceptional beauty and ecological value.