The building, constructed on the hill overlooking the port of Misenum to supply water to the Classis Praetoria Misenensis, is actually a huge cistern!
With a rectangular plan measuring seventy meters in length, about twenty-six meters in width, and twenty-five meters in depth. It is divided into five aisles on the long sides and thirteen on the short sides. The roof consists of vaults supported by arches and forty-eight cruciform pillars.
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Opening days
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
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Opening times
Entrance with escort every 30 minutes.
Period: April 1 – September 30
WEDNESDAY from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
SATURDAY and SUNDAY from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Period: September 30 – April 1
WEDNESDAY from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
SATURDAY and SUNDAY from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM -
Closing
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
- Web Piscina Mirabilis
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
Site Not Accessible -
Info Reservation
BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTES
The terminal point of the Augustan aqueduct of Serino, which conveyed water resources from the upper Sabato Valley in Irpinia, this immense basin, dating back to the early 1st century A.D., was perceived by 18th-century travelers as a great underground cathedral. It was intended to supply water to the Classis Misenensis and was therefore capable of meeting the needs of hundreds of military garrisons stationed in Misenum—garrisons essential for the control and security of Roman dominion along the coasts. Its water-holding capacity was 12,600 m³; its dimensions are 70x25 meters; the vaults are supported by 48 pillars. Since the moment of its “discovery” by travelers, scholars, and archaeologists, the monument has always held a strong evocative power, so much so that it became a favored setting for performances and films.
Additional Info
Limited Access
Reservation Required
Where
Via Piscina Mirabile, 27, 80070 Bacoli NA
Transportation
Train:
From Napoli Centrale station, take the Metro Line 2 train to Campi Flegrei, then bus line 101 to Bacoli – Via Lungolago. Walk for about 10 minutes.
From Montesanto station in Naples, take the EAV "Cumana" Line L9 train to the Torregaveta terminus, then take the “Baia – Torregaveta” bus to the “Bacoli – Centro” stop. From there, continue on foot.
Bus:
From Naples (stops at Via Cristoforo Colombo, Molo Beverello), take bus line 101 to the Via Risorgimento – Bacoli stop. Walk for about 6 minutes.
Airplane:
After arriving at Naples-Capodichino International Airport, you can:
– Take a taxi directly to Piscina Mirabilis
– Take the Alibus to Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi, then the Metro Line 2 train to Campi Flegrei, followed by bus line 101 to Bacoli – Via Lungolago. Walk for about 10 minutes.
Naples International Airport is about 26 km from Piscina Mirabilis.
Parking is available near the site entrance (Piscina Mirabile Farm Parking).
By Car:
From the A1 highway, take the Naples ring road (Tangenziale) exit toward Pozzuoli/Arco Felice/Bacoli. Continue to Via Pennata.
Parking is available near the site entrance (Piscina Mirabile Farm Parking).
