The Piscina Mirabilis

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Information for the visitor

How to reach the Piscina Mirabilis

 

 

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Certainly it is the biggest Roman cistern ever known till now with a volumetric capacity of 12.600 m3 of water, to which it is possible to accede from Via S. Anna.

This building of Augustan Age, situated up the hill facing the sea, was the terminal point of the aqueduct of Serino and had to provision the Classis Praetoria Misenensis.

The cistern is architecturally spectacular, dug in the tuff for 70 metres of length, 25.50 of width and 15 of depth. The building presents a rectangular plan with 48 pillars in reticulated work with components of tuff and divided into four lines which delimitate the inner room of the cistern.

Bacoli: Piscina Mirabilis

Picture by: Mimmo Jodice

The remarkable architectonic effect led antiquarians to attribute to the building the name “Piscina Mirabile” (Admirable Piscina), with which it is known still today.

The walls of reticulated work with lateritious components are covered with a thick layer of cocciopesto (mortar with potsherd); there is a basin of 1.10 metres, probably a polishing pool, that is a waste-bath for the maintenance of the cistern, in the floor of the nave.

Probably the water was drawn from the cistern by hydraulic machines and then it was canalized. This hypothesis seems to be confirmed by the lack of openings at the walls. There is a terrace of cocciopesto (mortar with potsherd) at the entrance, supported by the barrel covering of the cistern.

Maria Rosaria PUGLIESE

Information for the visitor

 

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Open every day from 9.00 am to one hour before sunset.

Apply to the custodian. Free entrance.

Entrance allowed to domestic animals, provided that they are safe for the security of the personnel, of the other visitors and of the archaeological structures in general (use of muzzle and leash).

The guide service is available only on application. Click on GUIDE to book a guided visit or to ask for information about the conducted tour.

It is possible to take pictures or to effect shots except if they are for commercial purposes. 

How to reach the Piscina Mirabile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Road network:

from Naples (highways)

Enter the Tangenziale of Naples direction Pozzuoli. Exit n. 14 Pozzuoli - Arco Felice. Follow indications for Napoli-Pozzuoli, Baia and Bacoli covering first via Licola-Patria, then via Miliscola (going along the shores of the lake Lucrino). Continue for via Montegrillo (Commune of Bacoli) as far as piazza De Gasperi (little square of Baia with bus terminus) from which go on for via Lucullo and then for via del Castello. Continue for Bacoli. Arrived at the lake turn left continue as far as skirting the sea on the left side. At the cross road go on keeping left. It is recommended to reach the Sacellum of the Augustales by foot (especially in summer) for the narrowness of the street and the impossibility of parking in proximity to the site. Private adjoining parking places for cars and buses.

from Naples (downtown - main station of piazza Garibaldi)

Direction Porto - Piazza Municipio. Continue for Mergellina and Fuorigrotta. Here it is possible to enter the Tangenziale direction Pozzuoli, or to go on for via Domiziana as far as passing the centre of Pozzuoli (direction Roma - via Domiziana). Follow indications for Baia and Bacoli covering first via Licola-Patria, then via Miliscola (going along the shores of the lake Lucrino). Continue for via Montegrillo (Commune of Bacoli) as far as piazza De Gasperi (little square of Baia with bus terminus) from which go on for via Lucullo and then for via del Castello. Continue for Bacoli. Arrived at the lake turn left continue as far as skirting the sea on the left side. At the cross road go on keeping left. It is recommended to reach the Sacellum of the Augustales by foot (especially in summer) for the narrowness of the street and the impossibility of parking in proximity to the site. Private adjoining parking places for cars and buses.

from Rome to Naples - via Domiziana

Continue for Baia Domizia, Mondragone, Castel Volturno. Then cover the freeway SS. n° 7 Quater which takes on the Tangenziale of Naples (Exit Pozzuoli - Arco Felice), or cover via Domiziana (SS. n° 7 Quater). Follow indications for Napoli, Pozzuoli, Baia and Bacoli covering first via Licola-Patria, then via Miliscola (going along the shores of the lake Lucrino). Continue for via Montegrillo (Commune of Bacoli) as far as piazza De Gasperi (little square of Baia with bus terminus) from which go on for via Lucullo and then for via del Castello. Continue for Bacoli. Arrived at the lake turn left continue as far as skirting the sea on the left side. At the cross road go on keeping left. It is recommended to reach the Sacellum of the Augustales by foot (especially in summer) for the narrowness of the street and the impossibility of parking in proximity to the site. Private adjoining parking places for cars and buses.
Railway:

from Naples (main station of piazza Garibaldi)

Underground direction Pozzuoli. Napoli-Montesanto stop. Reach (about 100 metres) the station of the Ferrovia Cumana. Napoli-Torregaveta line. Baia stop. Bus terminus for Bacoli.

Estimated time: about 70'
 

 

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 Bus:

from Naples (main station of piazza Garibaldi)

SEPSA Bus Lines. Napoli-Torregaveta route, Baia line. Bacoli stop.

Estimated time: about 60'