Parco archeologico di Elea-Velia

About the museum

Elea was founded in the second half of the 6th century BC by Phocaean exiles who arrived from Ionia to escape military pressure from the Persians. The foundation came after the battle of Alalia, fought by the Phocaeans against a coalition of Etruscans and Carthaginians, which can be dated between 541 and 535 BC. In Roman times the city was known by its Latin name, Velia.

Elea is linked to the Eleatic school, a philosophical movement whose members included Parmenides, Zeno of Elea and Melissus of Samos; Xenophanes of Colophon was also long considered part of this tradition.

Of the ancient settlement remain the port area, Porta Marina, Porta Rosa, the Hellenistic and Roman baths, the agora, the acropolis, the southern quarter and the archaic quarter. Porta Rosa, a Greek-period arch, is considered one of the oldest round arches in Italy; on the acropolis are a theatre, an archaic temple of Athena and the Tower of Velia, from which there is a wide view. The archaeological area is part of the Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia and, together with Paestum, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Highlights

• Porta Rosa, a Greek arch among the oldest in Italy
• Porta Marina, southern access to the city with the tower
• Acropolis with theatre, archaic temple of Athena and Tower of Velia
• Hellenistic and Roman baths
• Birthplace of the Eleatic school of Parmenides and Zeno

Permanent exhibitions

• Città bassa – Route between Porta Marina, Porta Rosa, the baths and the quarters of ancient Elea.
• Acropoli – Climb to the acropolis with the theatre, the archaic temple of Athena and the Tower of Velia.

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia

Visitors per year

approx. 27,127

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month.

The ticket is a combined one, valid for three days, covering the archaeological area of Velia, the archaeological area of Paestum and the Paestum museum. The full fare of €15 applies from March to November. The ticket office is at the entrance to the site.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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 path to Porta Rosa is an uphill dirt track, and the acropolis involves steep climbs with stairs and walkways near the tower. For visitors with mobility difficulties the park offers an off-road electric vehicle (Zoom Uphill), which must be booked.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car: exit at Battipaglia on the Salerno – Reggio Calabria motorway, then SS18 towards Agropoli and the signs for Ascea; the entrance is just before Ascea Marina.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Near the entrance are the ticket office, toilets and a shop selling guides and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit