While Italy is a popular tourist travel destination, tourist frequently overlook several hidden gems. A short train ride from the Amalfi coast lies the ancient city of Pozzuoli. This port city, the birth place of legendary screen star Sofia Loren, is home to many important Italian historical sites that are not to be missed.
Amphitheatre Flavius
Skip the overcrowded coliseums of Rome and Verona and check out the third largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, the Amphitheatre Flavius. This well preserved site is never crowded and is well preserved. The underground passages are open to the public.
Il Vulcano Solfatara
Il Vulcano Solfatara has been popular since ancient Roman times. This dormant volcano is home to many interesting sights, including a large mud pit, mounds of sulfuric rock, in addition to several ancient steam baths. If you’re feeling brave, slip into one of the ancient Roman steam bath houses to see how long you can stand the heat! Locals say it does amazing things for your skin.
Tempio di Serapide
Next on your list should be the Tempio di Serapide. This temple was actually an ancient Roman marketplace that archeologists misnamed when early excavations revealed a statue of the goddess Serapide. This site has actually been underwater several times over the past centuries due to the bradyseism (rising and lowering of the ground due to volcanic activity) in the region.
Acropolis
Literary and history buffs will definitely want to tour the Acropolis. The views are amazing, and the site is also where an ancient Greek colony was established. Fans of Virgil’s Aenid should be sure to get a peek at the cave of the Sybil.
Baia Marinella
After a fun day of sightseeing and exploring, the dining options in Pozzuoli are sure to delight you. One restaurant not to be missed is the Baia Marinella. This first class restaurant sits right on the water, where you can enjoy a view of the sea while you dine. You can also opt to grab a drink at the bar and head out to the solarium to lounge in the sun while listening to the waves. A favorite dining locale of local celebrities, Baia Marinella is the place to be.
Break away from the crowds during your next Italian holiday and discover the real Italy, away from the tourist traps and the expected. You are sure to love what you find in Pozzuoli, a modern city with an ancient history.
