Piscina Mirabilis
The Piscina Mirabilis in Bacoli is one of the most impressive Roman cisterns of the ancient world,
built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD as the terminal reservoir of the Augustan Aqueduct (Aqua Augusta).
It supplied water to the Classis Misenensis, the Roman imperial fleet stationed at the port of Misenum,
the largest of its time.
Also known as the “Underground Cathedral,” it is an extraordinary example of Roman hydraulic engineering and monumental architecture.
A Masterpiece of Architecture and Engineering
The cistern, carved into the tuff, has a rectangular plan measuring 70 m x 26 m and a depth of 25 m.
The interior is divided into five aisles by 48 cruciform pillars supporting barrel vaults, creating a scenic effect
comparable to that of great basilicas.
Natural light filters through small openings, creating plays of shadow that captivated artists and Grand Tour travelers.
The walls are lined with waterproof cocciopesto and at the bottom is the piscina limaria for water sedimentation.
Its extraordinary state of preservation places it alongside other famous Mediterranean cisterns, such as the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.
The Visit Routes: Inside the Water Cathedral
1 The Entrance and Descent
- Access to the site with gradual descent into the great cistern.
- First glimpses of the imposing vaults and aisles.
2 The Five Aisles
- Walk among the 48 cruciform pillars supporting the vaults.
- Immersive experience between light and shadow, with evocative perspective effects.
3 The Piscina Limaria
- Sedimentation basin used for maintenance and purification of the water.
- Evidence of Roman functionality and attention to hygiene.
Monumental interior of the Piscina Mirabilis, the largest Roman drinking water cistern in the ancient world.
Info and Costs
Full accompanied admission: €5.00
Reduced: €2.00
Combined: €8.00 (Piscina Mirabilis + Cento Camerelle, valid 1 day)
- Free admission for categories provided by ministerial regulations.
- Ticket also available on mobile.
- Phone assistance available.
Tickets available for purchase on the official Coop Culture website
Opening Hours
April 1 – September 30: Wednesday 10:00 AM–3:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
September 30 – April 1: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Partially accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
How to Get There and Map
By car
- A1 Highway → Naples Ring Road exit Pozzuoli/Arco Felice/Bacoli, continue to Via Pennata.
Parking available at Azienda Agricola Piscina Mirabile.
By public transport
- From Naples Central Station: Metro Line 2 to Campi Flegrei + Bus 101 to Bacoli (Via Lungolago) + 10 min walk.
- From Naples Montesanto: Cumana to Torregaveta + bus “Baia–Torregaveta” to Bacoli Centro + 6 min walk.
- From Molo Beverello: Bus 101 to Bacoli (Via Risorgimento) + 6 min walk.
By plane
- From Naples International Airport (26 km): direct taxi or Alibus to Naples Piazza Garibaldi + Metro Line 2 to Campi Flegrei + Bus 101 to Bacoli.
