Macellum di Pozzuoli

About the museum

The Macellum of Pozzuoli, also called the Tempio di Serapide (Temple of Serapis), stands in the centre of the town, near the harbour. For a long time it was thought to be a temple, but it was in fact a covered public market for selling food. The popular name comes from a statue of the Egyptian god Serapis found in the area.

The building dates from the late Flavian age, with alterations from the Severan period and the addition of a tholos in the 3rd century AD. It takes the form of a large rectangular courtyard of about 58 x 75 metres, surrounded by porticoes with granite columns and rows of shops; at the centre stands a circular tholos with a fountain, and there were also public latrines.

The columns bear holes left by marine molluscs, which document the ground movements linked to the bradyseism of the Campi Flegrei; for this reason the site has become a reference point for the study of the phenomenon. Abandoned in the late 4th century AD and partly buried, it was excavated in the 18th century on the orders of Charles of Bourbon and studied by scientists such as Charles Lyell and Charles Babbage.

Highlights

• Granite columns with holes left by marine molluscs
• Circular tholos with a fountain at the centre of the courtyard
• Rectangular plan of about 58 x 75 metres with shops
• Historic indicator of the bradyseism of the Campi Flegrei

Operated by

Parco archeologico dei Campi Flegrei

Visitors per year

approx. 6,768

Admission & discounts

The site is temporarily closed to the public; the Parco does not give opening hours or prices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

According to the official listing, the site is not accessible to people with mobility disabilities.

Kids & families

The site is temporarily closed to the public; the Parco does not give opening hours or prices.

Getting there & parking

By car: Tangenziale di Napoli, take the Pozzuoli/Arco Felice exit, then follow the signs towards Pozzuoli.

Amenities & dining

The site is temporarily closed to the public; the Parco does not give opening hours or prices.

Events & venue rental

The site is temporarily closed to the public; the Parco does not give opening hours or prices.