Weekend in Pozzuoli

A working fishing harbour with a long promenade. Views of the Bay of Naples and the volcanic island of Nisida. Watch the fishermen sort their catch.

Tip: Grab a coffee at Bar del Porto (€1.10) at dawn to see the ferry departures. No entry needed—it's the public seafront.

17th-century cathedral built inside the shell of a Roman temple to Augustus. Six original Corinthian columns from the temple survive, integrated into the nave walls. Free to enter;

Tip: Look up at the wooden ceiling — the original 1650s painted panels survived the 1964 earthquake but the modern ones are a different shade of blue. Spot the join.

The original Roman acropolis of Pozzuoli. A network of ancient streets, temples and houses built into the rock, with a modern cathedral on top. Free access to the upper area and the archaeological sit

Tip: Look for the floor-level glass panels on Via Duomo – they show the old Roman street grid below. The underground area is free but check opening times at the tourist office as it's sometimes closed for events.

Volunteer-run walking tour covering Pozzuoli's history, from Greek origins to modern day, focusing on the harbour, amphitheatre, and bradyseism effects. Runs every Saturday morning.

Tip: No booking needed—just show up at the tourist info booth in Piazza della Repubblica at 10:00. Tips appreciated but not required. In Italian with some English.

Ancient Roman marketplace ruins with standing marble columns. The three main pillars show clear marks from marine borers, evidence of the bradyseism phenomenon that has raised and lowered the ground o

Tip: Visit late afternoon when the low sun hits the marble columns — the light makes the borehole marks on the columns much easier to spot.

Working fish auction and retail market under a concrete shelter on the harbour. Fishermen sell direct from wooden crates — octopus, langoustines, and oddities like mantis shrimp. No entry fee; just sh

Tip: Come by 07:00 if you want to see the auction — it finishes by 08:30. The stall at the far right sells grilled baby octopus on focaccia for 3 EUR, which is the best-value lunch in town.

Ruins of an ancient Roman market, now partially submerged due to bradyseism (volcanic ground movement). The three standing columns show clear tide marks from the 1970s uplift.

Tip: Best seen at low tide when the ancient mosaic floor is visible. No ticket needed—just walk in through the gate at the eastern end of the main square.

A working fishing port with a daily fish market under the arcades. Watch the fishermen unload their catch from small boats, then buy fresh octopus, anchovies or clams from the stal

Tip: Come before 9am to see the auction. The walkways along the old harbour walls are free and give great views of the Bay of Pozzuoli and the islands. No entrance fee, but bring cash for a €2 coffee at the bar on the corner.

A 2km waterfront promenade running from the port past the Temple of Serapis to the commercial port. Benches, palm trees, and views of Capri and Vesuvius.

Tip: Start at the port at sunset for best light. The benches near the Neptune statue are a good spot for people-watching. No need to pay for a cafe seat.

An excavated Roman market building, misnamed the Temple of Serapis. Its three standing marble columns mark ancient sea levels.

Tip: Bring a torch to see the marble floor mosaics clearly in the dim light. Free entry, no ticket needed.