The Archaelogical Marine Park in the Bay of Naples draws diving enthusists by the thousands in the summer months. Our intreped crew in Agrippa’s Map spend an exciting afternoon floating in the blue waters off the western shore of Italy. The main sites range from 5 to 13 meters deep, so snorkling and scuba diving are available. For more information on exploring the hidden sites below the waves, I recommend visiting https://www.subaia.com/underwater-archaeological-park-of-baia/ or https://www.parcoarcheologicosommersodibaia.it/en/product-2/book-your-dive/.* For those not interested in getting wet, glass-bottom boats ply the waters, allowing tourists to get a glimpse at the treasures below.
Ancient Baiae offered a welcome respite for the elite in Rome. Julius Caesar, Caligula, Nero, and Hadrian were just a few of the wealthy that built luzurious villas in the city known as a Mecca for luxury and pleasures frowned upon in the capital. But for all its beauty, Baiae lived in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius and was damaged heavily in the eruptions that claimed Pompeii. The 8th century was also a difficult period for the city, as the movement of undergound magma, a process known as “Brandyism” resulted in large portions of the city sinking into the sea. To make matters worse, the city was sacked several times by Muslim invasions during the 8th century. A series of malaria outbreaks caused the city to be deserted in the 15th century. Fortunately, today the city has been revitalized – in large part due to the Archaeological Marine Park and responsible oversight by local officials.
*These sights seem to offer good information. However, I have not used their services in the past and am not offering an endorsement at this time.
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