Underwater excavations, geological investigations, museum display, restoration

Underwater archaeological excavations, geological investigations, restoration, enhancement and museum display at the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia – Naples

The work involved the recovery, restoration and enhancement of the Punta Epitaffio archaeological complex within the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia, in the Municipality of Bacoli (NA). In particular, the planned activities were aimed at: 1) bringing the Nymphaeum of Punta Epitaffio back to light, following archaeological excavations carried out between 1980 and 1982 and its subsequent reburial to ensure greater protection; 2) restoring the visibility of the paved road known as Via Herculanea, which runs from the Nymphaeum area towards Lake Lucrino; 3) extending research into the ancient road network by carrying out a series of investigations in the submerged area of the breakwater that once enclosed a basin of Portus Julius and along which Via Herculanea probably ran; 4) setting up a coordinated system for public access to the area, both for divers and for people without a diving licence; 5) carrying out a series of initiatives aimed at promoting and communicating the work undertaken to both scientific and general audiences.

Client: Baia Sommersa scarl – Superintendency for Archaeological Heritage of Naples and Province – 2008