This amazing Archaeological Museum, also known as the Baia Archaeological Museum, is housed in a 15th century Aragonese castle which is standing on a hill facing the Bay of Pozzuoli, close to the little town of Baia. The modern castle building rises above the remains of a huge Roman residence which was investigated recently by the archaeologists who excavated under the castle (in 2020) and found traces of an Imperial villa which is supposed to be the one where most of the Roman emperors used to spend their holidays.
The museum boasts numerous artifacts and archaeological findings from the ancient Phlegreian Area. The Aragonese castle offers different view points from which it is possible to look at the entire spectacular Gulf of Pozzuoli: the green Ischia island, the little and colorful Procida island, the beautiful Capri island and the stunning Mount Vesuvius.
The first section of the museum is an exhibition of all the artifacts from ancient Cumae, the first Greek settlement in the Western Countries and its surroundings.
The second section houses many findings from the ancient town of Pozzuoli, the famous Dicearchia, which was used as a commercial port by the Greeks and by the Romans.
The third section includes artifacts from the Rione Terra, the ancient underground area of Pozzuoli on the hill next to the modern town.
The visit to the Archaeological Museum of Baia lasts a couple of hours. It is highly recommended to book also a tour of the Archaeological Complex of the Thermal Baths of Baia which are in the nearby area.
A private or public transportation is needed to reach the area of the Museum.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at: belsannino@gmail.com or phone me at +39 3393982433 for further information.
© Maria Sannino 2020-2021
Dr Maria Sannino 