Overview
In Roman times, it was called Puteoli after the small wells emitting sulphurous vapours. Today, it’s a lively town facing the islands of Ischia and Procida. Pozzuoli has had a long history worth exploring.
Start in Rione Terra, the oldest part of the city on a rocky outcrop 30 metres above sea level. It dates back to Greek times but its golden days were with the Romans as the largest port in the Empire.
The heart of the modern city is Piazza della Repubblica, full of cafes and restaurants. Visit the cathedral dedicated to San Procolo Martire, built on an older Temple of Augustus and the Molo Caligoliano, a pier named after the emperor who had it built to connect the city to Ischia. From the harbour, you can see the columns of the Temple of Serapis, which was actually the ancient market, or Macellum. A little further, you will come across the Flavian Amphitheatre, the third largest in Italy.
Complete the tour exploring the Sanctuary of San Gennaro with the stone on which the saint was beheaded. Nearby is the Solfatara with its volcanic activity producing fumaroles and jets of mud.
