Macellum of Naples

Naples, Italy

The Macellum of Naples was the macellum or market building of the Roman city of Neapolis, now known as Naples. Due to the rise of the ground level the macellum is now located beneath the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. The first construction dates to 5th or 4th century BC when the area was the location of the agora during the Greek period. When Neapolis became a Roman possession it was eventually transformed into a macellum. This structure was covered by a mudslide in the 5th century AD, probably as a result of flooding.

An early Christian basilica was constructed over the remains of the covered macellum. Consequently, this basilica was replaced by new construction over the centuries. As a result, the mud slide preserved the remains of the macellum,

The macellum had an entrance to the north, where the Via dei Tribunali runs now. The rectangular building consists of a porticoed area with workshops and an internal open courtyard with mosaic floors. In the middle of the courtyard was a tholos, a circular building used for food selling. Small tabernae, a laundry and the treasury can still be recognized.

Today the macellum can be visited as a part of the monumental complex of San Lorenzo Maggiore.

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Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Address

Vico Maiorani 31, Naples, Italy
See all sites in Naples

Details

Founded: 400-500 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Lama Barr (2 years ago)
Interesting sight. Entrance costs 9 eur. We paid an extra 2 eur on site for a guided English tour, which was worth it for the additional context and history. The museum, which is also included in the ticket, wasn’t too interesting and only includes signage in Italian.
童嘉儀 (2 years ago)
1. So worth to visit the underground tour, with total €9 (student ticket) you could enjoy the back knowledge of the whole archaeological site, suitable to visit before Pompei!
Mayflower 2012 (2 years ago)
Wonderful experience, would recommend to anyone visiting Naples for a city break. Ticket purchase in advance is recommended.
Magnus Eriksson (2 years ago)
Huge place with a lot to see if you enjoy fancily decorated interiors, grand buildings, old paintings and sculptures. Good to combine with a visit to the castle that is just beside it.
Romein Ivo (2 years ago)
Good place for those with interest in early medieval / late antiquity Napoli and in possession of a bit of fantasy. It is wonderful to imagine who lived and worked in these streets, the sounds, and the smells coming from the 1500 year old bakery.
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