Free walking tours in Pozzuoli and what to see

Must-sees

Pozzuoli is the main town of the Phlegraean Fields, west of Naples, facing the islands of Ischia and Procida. It was a great Roman port and you notice it straight away. By the harbour is the Macellum, the ancient public market, known as the Temple of Serapis after a statue found there, with its columns at water level. A little higher up is the Flavian Amphitheatre, one of the largest in Italy, with well-preserved underground passages.

On a promontory above the sea is the Rione Terra, the oldest core, with Roman streets excavated beneath the buildings. The cathedral of San Procolo was built over a Roman temple from the time of Augustus, whose columns can be seen inside. The volcanic landscape is everywhere: the Solfatara is a crater with fumaroles, though it is worth checking whether it is open before you go, and a few kilometres away, near Lucrino, is Lake Avernus, a flooded crater the ancients associated with the entrance to the underworld.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Pozzuoli, but there are paid guided walks of the town, covering the amphitheatre, the Macellum and the Rione Terra, which you can book on Civitatis. There is also a guided tour of Lake Avernus. Excursions to the Phlegraean Fields also leave from Naples.

How long to spend

The centre, the Macellum and the amphitheatre can be seen in half a day. If you want to go into the Rione Terra and visit Lake Avernus, allow a full day. With two or three days you can explore the Phlegraean Fields: Baia and its underwater archaeological park, Bacoli, Cumae and, by boat from the harbour, Procida or Ischia.

Where to stay

To get around on foot, it is best to stay in the centre, near the harbour, where there are B&Bs and small hotels, the train to Naples and the boats to the islands. In Lucrino and Arco Felice you will find hotels with more space and parking. If you prefer the city, Naples is half an hour away by train.