Rione Terra

Rione Terra is the historic acropolis of Pozzuoli, built on a tuff promontory above the gulf. Narrow streets and later buildings rise over the remains of Roman Puteoli, making the quarter a particularly dense example of a city built in layers.

Why it matters

The district brings together ancient urban life, the medieval fortified settlement and the history of modern Pozzuoli. Its commanding position above the harbour helps explain why the rock remained important through major changes in the city's fortunes.

What to notice

Closely joined buildings and small lanes give the upper quarter a compact character. Beneath them survive Roman streets and commercial spaces. The cathedral incorporates the ancient temple traditionally known as the Temple of Augustus, an especially striking meeting of Roman architecture and later Christian use.

Context and history

The area's ancient history includes Greek Dicearchia and the Roman colony founded in 194 BC. In later centuries settlement concentrated around the fortified promontory. The bradyseismic crisis led to evacuation on 2 March 1970. Excavations beginning in 1993 exposed substantial Roman remains, while restoration gradually recovered parts of the upper quarter and the cathedral.