The Naples Aquarium isn't particularly large or especially high-tech, but it's quite special for one specific reason: it's the oldest aquarium in Italy and one of the world's oldest continually active aquariums. It's located inside the charming and majestic Villa Comunale, located along Naples' beautiful seashore.
As you wander through the various rooms illuminated by evocative blue reflections, you can admire the Naples Aquarium's vintage seawater tanks filled with magnificent Mediterranean creatures. It's like a journey through space and time to discover the hidden underwater world as well as the history of marine biology.
If you're traveling with children, make sure your itinerary includes a visit to the Naples Aquarium. You'll delight in exploring the aquarium's fascinating history that spans over 150 years.
History of the Naples Aquarium
"Aquarium Napoli," as it's officially called, was inaugurated in 1874, making it the oldest public aquarium in Italy as well as one of the oldest in Europe and the world.
It was founded by Anton Dohrn, a German zoologist and naturalist. It belongs to the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn or National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology. It's one of the best marine biology research institutes in the world, and it studies and protects the biodiversity of the Gulf of Naples.
When it first opened, the Naples Aquarium covered an area of over 5,600 square feet and housed exclusively Mediterranean fauna. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, and it now contains approximately 30 tanks with over 200 marine species. The species living here include octopuses, turtles, and tropical fish, which reflect the ecological changes underway in the Mediterranean.
What to see
The Aquarium isn't particularly large, but it provides an ample demonstration of Mediterranean underwater life. The aquarium doesn't offer the type of interactive or high-tech experience you may expect to see in other more recently opened oceanariums or aquariums. However, here you'll embark on an evocative experience nonetheless, one that you won't find anywhere else, given the Naples Aquarium's unique history.
As you walk through the aquarium's dimly lit rooms, you'll be able to gaze at themed tanks, each of which represents a different marine habitat. You'll find yourself immersed in a world of posidonia meadows, corals, native fish, and even tropical organisms that have recently begun to populate the Mediterranean Sea as a result of climate change.
The structure of the aquarium itself is a fascinating example of historical architecture. It boasts an original 19th-century design that has over time been integrated with modern technology to ensure the well-being of the marine creatures living there. The tanks are embellished with columns and wooden frames and are directly connected to the sea via an underground canal. This ingenious system was designed by William Alford Lloyd, an English self-taught zoologist who became the first professional aquarist.
Make sure you visit the unusual moray eel habitat (murenario), which shows ancient Roman moray eel breeding techniques, discovered in the underwater archaeological area of Gaiola at Capo Posillipo. Another must-see is the octopus tank, which is dedicated entirely to this ancient and extraordinarily intelligent organism.
The Darwin-Dohrn Museum
In front of the aquarium in the Casina del Boschetto, your entrance ticket to the Naples Aquarium also gives you access to the Darwin-Dohrn Museum (DaDoM), which is dedicated to evolution and marine biology.
This museum opened recently and is home to dioramas, interactive stations and multimedia installations dedicated to marine evolution and Mediterranean fauna.
The Stazione Zoologica also includes the Turtle Point in Portici, a sea turtle recovery center. If you're traveling with children who love animals, we highly recommend a visit here. However, keep in mind that there are also some injured and sick specimens housed here, which could be upsetting to some children.
Prices and opening hours
Opening hours:
The Naples Aquarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Before visiting, we recommend you check the current opening hours at the official Dohrn Foundation website.
Tickets:
The ticket also includes a visit to the Darwin-Dohrn Museum (DaDoM), which is located practically in front of the aquarium and has the same opening hours.
Full ticket: €10
Reduced ticket: €7 (children from 4 to 12 years old, university students with a student card, companions of disabled people)
Free admission: children up to 4 years old, disabled people
Practical information:
Dogs are not allowed inside the Naples Aquarium. In the event of any weather alerts, the only access available is via Riviera di Chiaia 246, at the intersection with Piazza San Pasquale.
How to get to the Naples Aquarium
The aquarium is located inside the Villa Comunale, a large park along the Naples seafront, easily reachable from every area of the city.
Public transport
You can take Metro Line 1 to the Municipio stop. From there, continue with line 6 to the San Pasquale station (Metro 6 operates with a reduced timetable, the last ride leaves from Municipio at 2:50 pm), or continue by bus. Several bus lines, such as 140 or 151, stop at Piazza Vittoria or near Villa Comunale.
On foot
From the historic center, you can reach the aquarium with a nice walk of about half an hour. If you start from Piazza Plebiscito, you can follow a very scenic route along the seafront, passing in front of the Fontana del Gigante, Castel dell’Ovo, and Via Caracciolo.
By taxi
You can get dropped off in front of one of the entrances at Villa Comunale.
Things to do in the surrounding area
The Aquarium is located in a very beautiful area of Naples, right in front of the sea. You can easily plan to visit to the aquarium and also see other important attractions in the city.
Castel dell’Ovo, one of the most important Neapolitan monuments, is a short distance away, as is the famous Mergellina promenade, with pizzerias, restaurants, and lively bars overlooking the sea.
The entire area of Riviera di Chiaia and Piazza San Pasquale, a few minutes' walk from the Aquarium, is perfect for an aperitif and shopping.
Our insider tip: Right in front of the Villa Comunale, along the Riviera di Chiaia, is the Villa Pignatelli museum. It's one of the most beautiful monumental villas in Naples, with ceramics, period furniture, works of art, and a carriage museum. It's not very well known, which makes it ideal for getting away from the crowds.
Where to eat nearby
There are numerous restaurants and pizzerias near the Naples Aquarium where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
We recommend taking a walk along the pedestrian promenade of Via Partenope and choosing the restaurant you prefer, or perhaps simply the one with the shortest line! You'll find renowned names in the Naples restaurant scene, such as the pizzerias Porzio or Sorbillo, among others.
On the opposite side, in the direction of Mergellina, you can taste the famous pizza of 50 Kalò.
If you'd like a fish-based lunch, continue to Borgo Marinari, in the shadow of Castel dell’Ovo, to taste the typical cuisine of Zi Teresa. We strongly advise you book in advance.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Is the Naples aquarium suitable for children?
Visiting the Naples aquarium with children is an excellent idea. Even if it isn't particularly interactive or high-tech, children will be fascinated by the large monumental pools and the historic atmosphere. We recommend combining your aquarium visit with a visit to the more modern Darwin-Dohrn Museum, just opposite the aquarium, where you can enter with the same ticket.
The aquarium offers free entrance for children up to age 4.
Is the Naples aquarium accessible to people with disabilities?
The Naples aquarium is accessible to people in wheelchairs, who are entitled to a free ticket.
Where is the Naples Aquarium located?
The Naples Aquarium is located inside Villa Comunale, between the seafront and the Riviera di Chiaia. You can arrive on foot from the historic center in about half an hour, or also get there by taking taxi, the subway, or a bus.