Parco archeologico di Posillipo
Archaeological park with the remains of the imperial Roman villa of Pausilypon, reached through the Grotta di Seiano; closed for restoration since 1 October 2026.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Pausilypon, a Greek name meaning “respite from care”, was originally the villa built in the 1st century BC by the Roman knight Publio Vedio Pollione, who had the residence built on the Posillipo promontory after the Battle of Actium. On his death the property passed to the imperial estate and was enlarged as a residence of the emperors; the last to live there was Adriano. The name was later extended to the whole promontory.
The villa included baths, gardens, staff quarters, areas for performances, port structures and a well-preserved system of fishponds. Of the complex, visitors can see today the remains of the theatre, which could hold about 2,000 spectators, of the odeion and of some representative halls, as well as the belvederes above the sea; the maritime structures are part of the nearby Parco sommerso di Gaiola (Gaiola underwater park).
Access is through the Grotta di Seiano, a Roman tunnel just under 800 metres long, dug beneath the Posillipo hill and enlarged in the 1st century AD at the wish of Seiano, which connects the Bagnoli plain with the Gaiola ravine. The park, reopened in 2009, is now managed, with guided visits and educational workshops, by the Centro Studi Interdisciplinari Gaiola; from 1 October 2026 it has been closed to the public for restoration and safety works.
Highlights
- Roman theatre for about 2,000 spectators and odeion
- Representative halls of the imperial villa of Vedio Pollione
- Grotta di Seiano, a Roman tunnel of almost 800 metres
- Belvederes over the Parco sommerso di Gaiola and the Scoglio di Virgilio
- Fishponds and maritime structures of the ancient villa
- Operated by
- Centro Studi Interdisciplinari Gaiola (CSI Gaiola onlus)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 6 · Guided tour: €4 for children aged 7 to 14, free up to age 6. |
| Accompanied entry without a guide (about 1 hour) | freeFree, with online booking |
Prices refer to the period of opening before the closure: guided tour €7 for adults. Online booking is required; during the works a signed waiver is required.
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 route of the theatre area is only partly accessible during the works.
Kids & families
The park has been closed since 1 October 2026 for restoration and safety works.
Getting there & parking
Entry is from the Grotta di Seiano, at Discesa Coroglio 36; the route passes through a tunnel of almost 800 metres beneath the Posillipo hill.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The park has been closed since 1 October 2026 for restoration and safety works.
Events & venue rental
The park has been closed since 1 October 2026 for restoration and safety works.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers the theatre, the odeion and the representative halls, with insights into history and archaeology, geology and volcanology, flora and fauna; the route ends at a belvedere over the islets of Gaiola. Accompanied entry without a guide lasts about one hour. Private groups, guides and schools should write to info@gaiola.org. |
