Pozzuoli is the most important town of the Phlegrean Fields.
In antiquity it was known as Puteoli (or "small wells" with which the area is densely characterized along with natural spa springs) and was the most important harbour in the Mediterranean, long enjoying significant wealth as demonstrated by the imposing ancient remains.
The Serapium or Temple of Serapis, so-called after the finding on that spot of a statue of the god Serapis, was the ancient city's Macellum, or public market, and not a temple, and is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind. The Serapium is also concrete testimony of the phenomenon of bradyseism, which has affected the city since the first century, when the lower level of Pozzuoli began to sink.
The oldest part of the town is Rione Terra, abandoned in the 80's due to the effect of bradyseism, but now under restoration. Archaeological excavations are revealing the fascinating texture of this Roman city, preserved intact underground. The most significant monument of the area is the Temple of Augustus, rediscovered after the Baroque Cathedral of San Procolo burned down in 1964: it is, in fact, the Capitolium, the temple of the Capitoline trinity cult.
The Amphitheatre dates to Flavian times, and is the third largest in the world; it is an excellent example of the exceptional technological levels reached in that era.
Pozzuoli does not just offer archaeological remains. With its port (departure point of the ferryboats to the islands of the Gulf of Naples), its streets, small squares, lovely seafront and many bars, make this a lovely place to spend pleasant hours.