Parco Archeologico Pausilypon - World Heritage Site

About

The Parco Archeologico Pausilypon is an archaeological gem perched on the Posillipo headland, offering sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and the Gaiola islands. The park preserves the remains of the grand imperial villa of Vedius Pollio, built in the 1st century BC, including a magnificent theatre, an odeon, and a series of porticoed rooms that once hosted the emperor’s grand entertainments. Visitors journey through the 770‑metre‑long Tunnel of Sejanus (Grotta di Seiano), a marvel of Roman engineering, before reaching the ruins of the villa and the panoramic lookout that crowns the cliff. Guided tours, available Monday through Friday, provide rich historical commentary, while free admission allows anyone to explore at their own pace. A stay of about one and a half hours is ideal to appreciate the ruins, the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation, and the breathtaking sea vistas, making Pausilypon a must‑visit destination for history lovers, families, and anyone yearning for a blend of culture and natural beauty. To visit the park, you can book a guided tour via the official website or simply walk in with free entry. Guided tickets cost €7 for adults and €4 for children aged 7–14, while infants under seven enter free. The park is open daily, with guided tours commencing at 11:00 AM from Tuesday to Friday, and earlier tours at 10:30 AM and 12:15 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Free admission begins at 9:15 AM Monday through Sunday. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the light highlights the ruins and the crowds are thinner.

Highlights

• Tunnel of Sejanus
• Imperial Theatre
• Panoramic Viewpoint

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets & pricing