Pozzuoli

Campania, Italy

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Pozzuoli is a historic coastal town in Campania, Italy, near Naples, known for its rich Roman heritage and volcanic landscape.

It was a major Roman port called Puteoli and served as the empire's foremost trade hub, with significant archaeological sites like the Flavian Amphitheater, Italy’s third-largest amphitheater used for gladiator contests. The Rione Terra is an ancient acropolis with underground Roman ruins that have been restored and are open for tours, showcasing the city's layered history.

Pozzuoli is also famous for its nearby Solfatara volcano, a volcanic crater with fumaroles and mud pools, attracting many visitors interested in natural phenomena. Other landmarks include the Temple of Serapis, an ancient Roman market mistakenly identified initially as a temple due to a statue found there, and the Cathedral of San Procolo built over a former Roman temple.

The town’s harbor, once used by Emperor Caligula to connect to the island of Ischia, remains lively, and it is known for being the site where Saint Paul first landed in Italy. Pozzuoli offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty on the Bay of Naples.​