Posillipo is an upscale residential quarter located along the northern Coast of the Gulf of Naples. From the first century, elite Romans built their villas here. Still today plush villas are scattered upon the hills overlooking the seaside in this suburb.
Located on a spot nearby is the Seiano Cave (or the Crypta Neapolitana). It is not really a natural cave, but a tunnel built through Posillipo Hill. It connects Naples on the eastern end with the Phlegraean Fields (a volcanic area, much of it underwater) and the ancient town of Pozzuoli on the west. FYI - Apparently there is also a modern city nearby of the same name.
The original tunnel was built circa 37 BC and was enlarged a bit in the first century AD. It is said that the tomb of the poet Virgil (70-19 BC) is located here. Abandoned and forgotten over the centuries, it was rediscovered by chance during new road construction in 1841. It was soon restored for a tourist attraction. In WWII it was used as a bomb shelter. Currently it is part of an archaeological park.
The tunnel is almost a half mile (over 700 meters) long and 23-98 feet (7-30 meters) high. At 13-20 feet (4-6 meters) wide, it could easily accommodate a carriage with a team of horses. There are also secondary tunnels shooting off to the side which originally let in light and fresh air from the sea cliffs.
Lighting was at a bare minimum today and the floor of the tunnel was rough walking with stone construction. It looked musty, but was actually quite dry and comfortably cool.
We were really happy to get to the other end without mishap.
Second smaller amphitheatre.
Baths.
The area is still under restoration. Read more about this interesting town at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozzuoli.
At the end of the trail and off the point was this small island. Legend says it is cursed. Apparently the ruthless owner and his family were murdered here in ancient times by rebelling slaves. Throughout its history a number of families have moved in, renovated, and moved out because of "bad luck." It remains long abandoned at this time.
There was no shortcut back, so we returned the way we came. Once outside we noticed this mascot bird who sang a sweet song. His t-shirt says "white and blue are the colors of my heart!" Not quite sure what that means, but I'm thinking something to do with the sea and foamy waves. Who knows, maybe its for a sports team.
Located on a spot nearby is the Seiano Cave (or the Crypta Neapolitana). It is not really a natural cave, but a tunnel built through Posillipo Hill. It connects Naples on the eastern end with the Phlegraean Fields (a volcanic area, much of it underwater) and the ancient town of Pozzuoli on the west. FYI - Apparently there is also a modern city nearby of the same name.
We were really happy to get to the other end without mishap.
At tunnel's end, we came across abundant local greenery with a well worn path winding its way to the sea and the ancient town of Pozzuoli. It was originally a Greek colony and was later established as a Roman port in 194 BC. It drew imports of grain from Alexandria and exports of Italian products such as glass, mosaics, wrought iron, and marble.
Along the way we saw this pretty kitty hanging out in the lush flora. You know me and cats!!
The ruins remember a bustling town, including a marketplace, the Flavian amphitheater (third largest in Italy), Temple of Neptune baths, and a number of other structures.
Baths.
At the end of the trail and off the point was this small island. Legend says it is cursed. Apparently the ruthless owner and his family were murdered here in ancient times by rebelling slaves. Throughout its history a number of families have moved in, renovated, and moved out because of "bad luck." It remains long abandoned at this time.
We did not make it to Pisa on this trip, but we saw these "twin towers" of Pisa on the wall next to the restroom.
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