Grotta della Dragonara
Large Augustan-era Roman cistern carved into tuff at Capo Miseno (Cape Miseno), now partly submerged and visitable on an iron walkway.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Grotta della Dragonara is a Roman cistern from the Augustan period, carved into the tuff of the promontory of Capo Miseno (Cape Miseno), in the municipality of Bacoli, at the eastern end of Miseno beach. The name is said to derive from a Latin term linked to the rock: in the Augustan age it was called “Traconaria”, and in the Middle Ages it was known as “Bagno del Finocchio”.
Its original function is not entirely clear: it may have been a cistern built alongside the villa of Lucullus, perhaps for private use, or a reservoir intended to supply water to the ships of the Miseno fleet. In the 20th century the cave was used as a shelter, store and rubbish dump, before being developed as an archaeological site.
The cistern has a rectangular plan, is about 60 metres long and 6 metres wide, and is divided into five naves supported by tuff piers faced with opus reticulatum and covered by a barrel vault. Because of bradyseism, the monument is now partly submerged and is visited on an iron walkway. The site is managed by the Parco archeologico dei Campi Flegrei.
Highlights
- Augustan-era Roman cistern, among the largest in the Campi Flegrei
- Five naves with tuff piers and opus reticulatum
- Visit on an iron walkway above the water
- Close to the beach and the Miseno headland
- Operated by
- Parco archeologico dei Campi Flegrei
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission according to the Museionline portal.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The visit takes place on an iron walkway above the water.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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