Rione Terra

Rione Terra: Dicaearchia and Puteoli

Rione Terra is the historic heart of Pozzuoli, a majestic tuff spur jutting into the Gulf that holds centuries of history and unique layers of civilization.
This ancient acropolis, founded centuries before Christ, represents the original roots of the Campi Flegrei and the resilience of the people of Pozzuoli.

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Historical Layering: From Greek Colony to Imperial Port

• Greek Roots (6th century BC): the colony of Dicaearchia, chosen for its strategic and impregnable position.
• Roman Splendor (from 194 BC): renamed Puteoli, it became the emporium maximum, Rome’s main port for grain, spices, and marble.
• Medieval Castrum: after the decline of the Empire, the population took refuge in the fortified fortress, building houses and churches on top of the Roman structures.

The Open Wound of 1970

On March 2, 1970, due to the Phlegraean bradyseism, Rione Terra was urgently evacuated.
Damaged houses forced residents into a sudden departure: the village turned into a “ghost town” for over thirty years, a wound still alive in the collective memory of Pozzuoli.

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The Underground Archaeological Path

After long restoration works, Rione Terra is open to visitors once again.
The true wonder is the underground path that allows you to walk among the ancient tabernae, the horrea (warehouses), and the paved streets of Roman Puteoli, all perfectly preserved.

Note: access to the underground path is occasional and subject to booking. Always check the official website of the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park.