Baia Castle

Baia Castle

The Aragonese Castle of Baia is one of the most striking fortresses in the Campi Flegrei.
Imposing and majestic, it dominates the Gulf of Pozzuoli from atop its promontory, enclosing centuries of history spanning from Roman times to the Spanish Viceroyalty.
Today it houses the Archaeological Museum of the Campi Flegrei, guardian of the most important artifacts from the Phlegraean territory and the nearby Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia.

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History and Architecture

Construction of the Castle began between 1490 and 1493, under the Aragonese, and was later reinforced between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries during Spanish rule,
becoming a crucial defensive stronghold for the Gulf.

The Roman Villa beneath the Fortress

Beneath the walls lie the remains of a grand Roman maritime villa (2nd century BC), attributed by some scholars to Julius Caesar.
In the underground areas you can admire mosaics and decorated signinum floors, evidence of the luxury of Roman residences.

The Parade Ground

Through historic ramps and staircases you reach the large Parade Ground, which offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples,
the island of Ischia and the volcanic landscape of the Campi Flegrei.

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The Archaeological Museum of the Campi Flegrei

Since 2010 the Castle has housed the Archaeological Museum of the Campi Flegrei, organized into different sections within the historic halls.
Among the artifacts, those from the Underwater Park of Baia stand out, recovered from the sea, telling the story of life and luxury in ancient Imperial Baia.

• Thematic sections dedicated to Roman maritime villas.
• Statues, mosaics and sculptures from nymphaea and residential complexes.
• Exhibition paths that reconstruct the connection between land and sea in the Campi Flegrei.