Macellum of Pozzuoli – an ancient and well-preserved commercial port

History and Description

The Macellum of Pozzuoli, also known as the Temple of Serapis, is a Roman archaeological complex dating back to the 1st century B.C., located in the heart of the ancient city of Puteoli, an important commercial port of the Roman Empire. Originally built as a covered market (macellum), the building features a rectangular layout with a large central courtyard surrounded by porticoes supported by columns. The structure is made of tuff and brick, with elegant Corinthian capitals adorning the columns. The market served as the vibrant center of the city’s economic life, where fresh food, fish, and other goods were sold. Over the centuries, the building was partially transformed and integrated with a temple dedicated to the god Serapis, from which it derives its name “Temple of Serapis.” This overlap of commercial and religious functions makes the Macellum a unique site blending sacred and civic architecture.

Curiosities

The Macellum is famous for its columns partially submerged by seawater due to bradyseism, a natural phenomenon of slow ground uplift and subsidence typical of the Phlegraean area.

Access Information

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Macellum is freely accessible.

Directions

Located in the historic center of Pozzuoli, the site can be reached by car via the western ring road from Naples, by bus through various local routes, or by train, arriving at the Pozzuoli railway station.

The Macellum of Pozzuoli is a must-see for anyone wishing to explore the roots of ancient Roman commercial life and admire a unique archaeological site that combines remarkable historical and geological features.

Photo credits: NorbertNagel (Wikipedia) – Licensed by CC 3.0