Piscina Mirabilis

Bay of Naples


You'll need to book (by phone) at least two hours ahead to visit the world's largest Roman cistern, but it's well worth the effort to stand in this underrated ancient wonder. Bathed in an eerie light and featuring 48 soaring pillars and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, the Marvellous Pool is more 'subterranean cathedral' than 'giant water tank'. While there is no entrance fee, a small tip (around €3 per person) is appropriate.

The cistern was an Augustan-era creation, its 12,600-cu-metre water supply serving the military fleet at nearby Miseno. Fresh water flowed into the cistern from the Serino river aqueduct, which was then raised up to the terrace with hydraulic engines, exiting through doors in the central nave. Engineers still marvel at its technical sophistication.

Transportation

  • train: Cumana to Fusaro, then EAV bus to Bacoli

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bay of Naples attractions

1. Museo Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei

1.08 MILES

This usually crowd-free museum occupies the commanding Castello di Baia, built in the late 15th century by the Aragonese as a defence against possible…

2. Spiaggia del Castello

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Right below the Castello di Baia sits the wonderful Castle Beach. A sandy double-sided affair, it's only accessible by boat (adult/child return from €3/1…

3. Parco Archeologico di Baia

1.68 MILES

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4. Monte Nuovo

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5. Rione Terra

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6. Mercato Ittico

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7. Tempio di Serapide

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Just east of the port, sunken in a leafy piazza, sits the Tempio di Serapide, which can be viewed from the street but not visited. Despite its name, it…

8. Lago d'Averno

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