Baia, in the Campania region of the south of Italy was once the Las Vegas of the Roman Empire where anything went and parties were had. A prominent resort city for centuries, the town was dedicated to the recreational whims of rich and powerful Romans looking to blow off a little steam. In fact, some of the most famous and influential figures of antiquity are known to have visited on multiple occasions, with some even building holiday homes there. Among these was Nero, Cicero and Caesar. This all came to a grinding halt when the town was sacked by invading Saracens. By 1500, it was completely abandoned and the water level slowly rose so that the land was reclaimed by the sea.
Now it is one of the world's only underwater archaeological parks with ruins that are both submerged and above ground. If you want to see this unique spot for yourself, find a villa with pool in Campania and make your way there.
The waters surrounding the Archaeological Park of Baia have been a protected marine area since 2002 and it is absolutely breathtaking place to explore. While the same volcanic activity that made the town a spa destination led to bradyseism phenomena, where the ground has sunk due to seismic activity, and much is now underwater and not particularly well-preserved, it is still a fascinating site.
The waters surrounding the Archaeological Park of Baia have been a protected marine area since 2002 and it is absolutely breathtaking place to explore. While the same volcanic activity that made the town a spa destination led to bradyseism phenomena, where the ground has sunk due to seismic activity, and much is now underwater and not particularly well-preserved, it is still a fascinating site.
Diving tours are the best way to fully experience the old Roman town and, as so much is underwater, these are organised through local diving centres. However, some of the structures lie in quite shallow waters and can be explored by snorkelling if you can't, or don't want to, dive. There are also glass-bottomed boats which go out on the water and from which you can see the ruins at your leisure and comfortably without having to get wet! Diving, however, remains the way to get the fullest access to the ruins and the stunning marine. It will allow visitors to wander an underwater world that includes paved plazas, statues and other archaeological intrigues and, especially, the beautiful statue of Dionysus which is rahter amazingly preserved after all these years.
There are only certain days when the entrance fee to the park is payable, such as Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. During these days it’s possible to buy tickets from Palazzina Ferretti in via Lucullo 94 at the head office of the Parco Sommerso, who acts as a ticket office from 9.00 until one hour before sunset. Bear in mind, however, that Palazzina Ferretti is down the hill from the entrance to the Archaeological Park, so buy your ticket on the way or you'll have to make an extra trip each way!
Combining culture and history with adventure and natural beauty, this is a very special and rare archaeological experience that anyone visiting Campania should try not to miss!
There are only certain days when the entrance fee to the park is payable, such as Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. During these days it’s possible to buy tickets from Palazzina Ferretti in via Lucullo 94 at the head office of the Parco Sommerso, who acts as a ticket office from 9.00 until one hour before sunset. Bear in mind, however, that Palazzina Ferretti is down the hill from the entrance to the Archaeological Park, so buy your ticket on the way or you'll have to make an extra trip each way!
Combining culture and history with adventure and natural beauty, this is a very special and rare archaeological experience that anyone visiting Campania should try not to miss!
Photo credits
picture 1: Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: AlMare / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: AlMare / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0
