Archaeological park of Posillipo, Archaeological park in Posillipo, Italy
The archaeological park of Posillipo includes Roman structures spread across the slopes of Posillipo hill, among them a theater carved into the rock and underground passages. A long tunnel made of tuff stone crosses the mountain and links the upper areas to the coastal sections of the site.
The Roman knight Vedius Pollio built his villa here and left it to Emperor Augustus in the year 15 AD. After this donation the site became part of imperial property and served later rulers as a retreat.
The name Pausilypon means in Greek "place that makes sorrow cease", referring to the calm this stretch of coast offers. The remains of the Roman villa show how wealthy Romans used such locations for rest and social gatherings.
Guided tours must be booked in advance, with access to certain sections on set weekdays. The visit covers both surface ruins and passages through underground corridors, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Part of the complex lies underwater, where Roman ruins at a depth of around 5 meters (16 feet) become visible through the clear Mediterranean water. These submerged structures show how the villa extended to the shoreline of that time.
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