About this activity
Baia's underwater park is a wonderful marine protected area which lies on the coast north of the Gulf of Naples. Also known as "Underwater Pompeii" for its urban structure, the reserve was established in 2002 by the Ministry of the Environment and Land Protection and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities. Baia Sommersa is a unique example of its kind in the Mediterranean and was created with the aim of protecting the area's sunken archaeological heritage and wildlife landscape.
Incorporated into the Campi Flegrei Park, the submerged site of Baia has been affected by the volcanic phenomenon of the bradyseism that has always affected this stretch of the Campanian coastline. Over the past 2,000 years, such seismic movements have caused the land to shift many meters, causing the Roman coastline to sink 6-8 meters.
The history of Submerged Bay
Baia has been a popular urban center over the centuries for its mild climate, dreamy landscapes and the beneficial properties of its thermal waters known since the 2nd century BC. In fact, it has been an important resort for Roman aristocrats and members of the imperial family Until the third century CE.
The ancient inlet of Baia was at first occupied by Lake Baianus Locus, which communicated with the sea through a canal, on the banks of which many Roman villas were built. Among the most illustrious owners were Julius Caesar, Gaius Marius, Mark Antony, Cicero, Claudius, Caligula, Nero, and Hadrian. The first indications of the slow movement of slippage toward the sea began in the late 4th century AD. Because of this sinking of the coast many villas were abandoned, and the remains have since come down to us in the underwater park of Baia. In 1969 two marble statues were accidentally found in Epitaph Point, which depict Ulysses and Polyphemus.
Archaeological excavations then began in the area in the early 1980s, uncovering a large rectangular room with an apse that corresponded to a nymphaeum-triclinium. After a long restoration phase, the unearthed statues and part of the architectural decorations have been displayed at Baia Castle in a dedicated room. In addition to the nymphaeum, Baia's underwater park also includes the Portus Iulius, the Villa dei Pisoni and the Villa a Protiro.
What to see in Submerged Bay
Portus Iulius
Construction of Portus Iulius began in 37 B.C. by the architect Cocceius. In ancient times, the port was protected by a long and narrow seawall that started at Punta Epitaffio and ended at Punta Caruso. Unfortunately, its military life was rather short as already in 12 B.C. the naval fleet was moved to the port of Miseno due to the slow silting up of the area. The harbor was then converted for civilian use, becoming a place dedicated to spa treatments and the construction of luxurious housing.
In the centuries that followed, the dam disappeared swallowed up by water and Lake Lucrino itself became a pond. Portus Iuliusis then rediscovered only in the years of World War II, thanks to the aerial and underwater photographs of American soldiers. Since then, the conservation and preservation work began, which involved only the eastern part of the complex consisting of warehouses and the manor house, while everything else is still unexplored.
Villa of the Pisoni
The Villa dei Pisoni was identified in the late 1960s 150 meters southeast from Punta Epitaffio. However, the first real topographical survey came only in the 1980s thanks to some volunteers from the Centro Campano di Archeologia Subacquea. This building was erected in the first century AD and was later restored.
The villa is built around a central rectangular courtyard and was equipped with landing basins. It is currently possible to carry out a guided tour which runs through a significant part of the site. The maximum depth is 6 meters along a 150-meter route that requires 40-50 minutes of diving.
Villa in Protiro
This area consists of a vast basin used as a landing for boats protected on the southern side by a double series of piers. The most prominent urban complex consists of a 120-meter villa preceded by a group of stores.
The house was divided into a thermal and a residential section, divided by a rectangular basin communicating with the sea and decorated with statues. In the northeastern corner of the main atrium can be seen a black and white mosaic with a hexagonal weave. All around then one can see marbles, remains of frescoes, columns and amphorae. Also at Villa a Protiro a guided trail has been established with a rope showing divers the path to follow.
How and why to visit Submerged Bay
Today, Baia Sommersa is one of Campania's main attractions and is perfect for those who enjoy diving in places rich in history and archaeology. However, those who are not familiar with diving can still visit the underwater park aboard the cymba boats which have a windowed underwater keel from which the ancient artifacts can be safely observed. These boats are also equipped with a cozy outdoor area where you can listen to the guide's narration.
The Baia submerged park extends along the Pozzuoli and Bacoli coastline between the southern pier of Baia harbor and the pier of Lido Augusto, touching a maximum depth of 15 meters. The area is divided into 3 zones: integral reserve (A), general reserve (B) and partial reserve (C), with different protection regime.
To admire the beauty of Baia Sommersa, it is necessary to go to the port of Baia in Via Molo di Baia Bacoli. Guided tours are run by the official body and generally take place between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
