Longola Park is an archaeological and naturalistic area located in the municipality of Poggiomarino, in the province of Naples, about 10 km east of Pompeii.
This strategic location in the Sarno Valley offers an area rich in historical evidence, dating from the second millennium B.C. and the sixth century B.C.
When people speak of Longola in Poggiomarino, they are referring to a unique perifluvial village built on artificial islets surrounded by navigable canals, in a marshy area that was the subject of major reclamation works as early as protohistoric times.
Thanks to the wet environment and the presence of marsh sediments, many wood, pottery, bone, and even dugout artefacts have come to us in an exceptional state of preservation.
This has enabled archaeologists to better understand the hydraulic engineering and architectural techniques used by the ancient inhabitants of the Sarno Valley, called Sarrasti.
The Longola Archaeological Complex is compared, for its characteristic organisation of canals and islets, to other realities still existing today in places such as Iraq (Marsh Arab) or Benin (Ganviè), where the population continues to live in villages built in symbiosis with the water.
Today, Longola Park is accessible thanks to a preservation and enhancement project that has included the creation of a real archaeo-river park, with educational paths, reconstructions of protohistoric huts and green areas equipped for visitors.
Inaugurated in 2018, the park is an alternative and fascinating stop for those who wish to learn more about the ancient history of the Vesuvian area, complementing their visit to the better-known site of Pompeii.
Where is it located?
Google MapsDiscovery of the Site and Start of Excavation
The site of Longola in Poggiomarino was discovered almost by accident in November 2000, during work on a water purifier for the Sarno River. Following the discovery of ceramic and wooden fragments, the relevant authorities, then represented by the former Superintendency of Pompeii (now part of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii), were immediately notified.
A study group was established under the direction of Professor Claude Albore Livadie (CNRS) and Dr. Caterina Cicirelli, who initiated preliminary excavation essays in late 2000 and early 2001.
As soon as they got their hands on the ground, the first finds and the structure of a village with exceptional characters emerged, with stratifications ranging from the Late Bronze Age (about 1000 B.C.) to the early 6th century B.C.
The discovery proved fundamental: for the first time in Campania, a continuous and articulated settlement could be studied, filling a knowledge gap between the Bronze Age and the founding of Pompeii.
The hypothesis, supported by several studies, is that the Longola area in Poggiomarino had the function of a river port on the Sarno, facilitating trade and commercial contacts between the hinterland and the inhabited coastal areas, such as those of Cumae and the island of Ischia.
The “Protohistoric Venice” of the Sarno Valley
Archaeologists have called the settlement of Longola “a Venice of 3500 years ago” because of its particular conformation.
The area was marshy at the time, and the inhabitants, perhaps for safety reasons or to take advantage of the commercial benefits of river navigation, built artificial islets consolidated by strong oak logs planted vertically, sometimes replaced by squared beams.
A network of navigable canals surrounded the islets, so much so that excavations have uncovered as many as three pirogues, one of which is almost entirely preserved.
This vessel, carved from an oak trunk about seven meters long, was intended to transport goods, such as grain or other commodities, along the Sarno River and its tributaries.
The excellent state of preservation of the wood and living structures is due to the humid, anaerobic environment that has protected the organic elements from degradation.
On individual islets, sub-rectangular huts with one or more apses were built, often with double-pitched roofs. Inside them were hearths or small domestic ovens, to which were added larger ovens outside, intended for craft work.
Prominent among the materials recovered are tools made of bronze, iron, bone, shell, glass paste, and amber, evidence of a community that had trade contacts with many regions of Europe and the Mediterranean.
History and Importance of the Site
Archaeological investigations show that the Longola settlement was frequented from the Middle Bronze Age until the early 6th century B.C., when it was most likely abandoned.
Some scholars speculate that the cause of abandonment was a flood. In contrast, others argue that the community gradually moved to safer and more profitable centres, perhaps contributing to the emergence of settlements such as Pompeii and Nuceria.
In the Hellenistic-Roman period (3rd-2nd centuries B.C.), the area underwent a partial refrequentation, but never returned to the importance of the past.
Finds include traces of specialised crops and a sporadic inhabited presence, probably related to the agricultural exploitation of the land. It was only with the modern era and the fortuitous discovery in 2000 that Longola returned to the focus of archaeological research and protection.
The historical and cultural value of this area lies in its uniqueness: it is, in fact, the only well-documented example of a perifluvial settlement of protohistoric age in southern Italy, analogous to those in northern Italy, Etruria and Latium, and comparable to ethnographic examples still existing in other parts of the world.
The abundance of organic finds (wood, animal and plant remains, boats) provides a detailed picture of a time we still know too little about.
The Enhancement Project: Birth of the Longola Archaeo-Fluvial Park
The Superintendence and Municipality of Poggiomarino and other entities (Campania Region, Ministry of Cultural Heritage, local associations and archaeological groups) developed an ambitious valorisation project to protect these significant remains.
After several vicissitudes – including the need to cover part of the site with clay to prevent it from deteriorating – it was decided to create an archaeo-fluvial park to reconstruct, at least in part, the original appearance of the islets and huts.
The project “Longola Archaeological-Fluvial Site” was presented in 2014, and work on it began in July of the same year.
After several steps of progress, the official opening took place in February 2018, with the presence of the authorities and the opening to the public. Longola Park covers about 30,000 m² around the excavation area, the latter still under the jurisdiction of the Soprintendenza (now the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, then passed to the Campania Regional Museums Directorate according to the most recent provisions).
In the free-access area, visitors find an itinerary that includes:
- Reception and parking area: to ensure the convenience of those arriving by car or bus.
- Outdoor performance facility: a multipurpose space suitable for conferences, concerts or events.
- Rest stops and services: for a break during the visit.
- Phytoremediation tank: a sustainable solution for water treatment, also useful as a nature area.
- Play areas, vegetable gardens, and greenhouses: designed for educational activities and educational trails for schools or families.
- Bird-watching pavilion and multimedia classroom: to foster knowledge of avian species and enrich the educational experience.
The most impressive part is the reconstruction, to the east of the site, of a pile-dwelling village with protohistoric huts: here you can “go back in time” and imagine life three thousand years ago, observing faithful reconstructions of the canal network and construction methods of the time.
The Surrounding Area and the Importance of the Water Element
In ancient times, the Sarno River was navigable and represented one of the main communication routes in the area. The local population worshipped it almost as a deity, aware of the strategic importance of a waterway that allowed trade and commerce with the hinterland and the coast.
The settlement of the Sarrasti in Longolais based precisely on the presence of this river, around which it was possible to reclaim the marshy area and benefit from fishing, cattle, sheep and pig breeding, and the cultivation of cereals and vines.
Archaeobotanical studies have revealed the presence of oak and other tree forests (beech, fir, maple, willow, elm, ash, alder) in protohistoric times. Similarly, the marshy environment was rich in wildlife – wild boar, deer, roe deer, bears – which provided meat and hides.
The surplus food and raw materials from livestock and agriculture were probably exported by river to the sea to reach broader markets, particularly the Greek colonies.
The aquatic dimension also manifested itself in handicraft production: archaeologists have found jewellery and beads worked in glass paste and amber, evidence of contacts with northern European regions as well. In fact, Amber most likely came from the Baltic, demonstrating a trade network extending far beyond the Campanian borders.
The Area Today: Services and Tourism Prospects
To visit Longola Park today is to take a journey into the prehistory of the Vesuvian area, discovering an unsuspected cultural and technical vibrancy of the peoples who preceded the rise of great cities such as Pompeii and Nuceria.
The enhancement project aims to create a virtuous circuit, in synergy with the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii, Boscoreale, Castellammare di Stabia and Herculaneum, intercepting part of the international tourist flows.
The park’s educational and recreational spaces also make it a suitable destination for families and schools. Here, young children can learn, in an interactive way, about ancient weaving techniques, the use of kilns for firing pottery, and the construction of huts.
They can also explore the artificial canals that can be travelled on the water’s surface and try their hand at bird-watching.
Also crucial is the naturalistic component: the Sarno Valley needs redevelopment, and Longola Park could be a starting point to restore dignity to the once navigable and now unfortunately polluted river.
Establishing the Sarno River Regional Park and focusing on sustainable development could revitalise the entire area, combining interest in archaeology with environmental tourism.
Fun Facts about Longola Park
According to some studies, the inhabitants of Longola may have been the Sarrasti, mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid (VII, 738).
Archaeologists speculate that the origin of these people, who spoke an Indo-European language akin to the Samnite language, is Oscan. In the 5th century BC, the Samnites absorbed the Oscans culturally and politically, until Roman expansion decreed their final integration.
The village’s trade routes were probably extensive, with evidence of relations with Greece (sea route), northern European regions (amber importation), and even African peoples.
This trade network is reflected in the precious artefacts found (fibulae, necklaces, rings made of amber, bone, worked horn, glass paste, semi-precious stones, iron and bronze tools).
Another fascinating element is the presence of monoxylous dugouts, carved from oak logs.
One of these, after a preservation process, was temporarily displayed at Science City in Naples before the 2013 fire (fortunately, it was kept elsewhere at the time of the disaster and was saved).
How to Get to Longola Park
Poggiomarino is located about 30 km from Naples and 36 km from Salerno. It is easily reached from the A3 (Naples-Salerno) and A30 (Caserta-Rome) highways.
One exits Sarno (A30) for about 6 km, while from Pompei (about 8 km away) one can access the A3. The SS268 state road, with several exits dedicated to Poggiomarino, facilitates connections with the Vesuvian area. Those who prefer to travel by train can take advantage of the Circumvesuviana.
Poggiomarino boasts two stations: Poggiomarino (the most useful for reaching Longola Park, connected to the Naples-Pompei-Poggiomarino and Naples-Ottaviano-Sarno lines) and Flocco.
From Poggiomarino station, the park is about 4.5 km away, and it can be covered by bus, cab, or even on foot if you have some time and want to walk.
Rates, Schedules and Practical Information
Currently, the Longola Archaeological Complex can be visited by reservation by emailing info@longola.it. Openings are concentrated from March 1 to June 30 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and from September 16 to October 31 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). From November 1 to February 28, the site is generally closed except for special events or holidays.
Admission is free every first Sunday of the month (during open periods). There are different fees, depending on whether you want to access just the nature area or participate in educational workshops and guided tours.
Children up to 18 years of age, handicapped persons with accompanying persons, military personnel, students and faculty members of specific faculties (architecture, cultural heritage conservation, biological and natural sciences), and tour guides and interpreters, are eligible for free admission.
Below is an indicative summary of costs (subject to possible change):
- Adult site admission: €2
- Adult admission with host operators: €5
- Family unit 2 adults + 2 children (park and workshops): €15 (€ +3 for each additional child)
- Monthly nature area pass: €15
- School groups (park + 1 workshop + snack): €5 per child, with option to add additional workshops at €3 each
- Host operator: €3 (optional service)
We recommend that you write in advance to info@longola.it to agree on details, payment method and check availability. If you would like to learn more about the history of the site, check the updated timetables and entrance fees, or find out about upcoming workshops and special events, visit the official Longola Park website: you will find lots of information, photos and tips to better organize your experience in this extraordinary archaeological and naturalistic complex.
What to Expect from a Visit to Longola Park
A visit to Longola Park allows you to immerse yourself in an environment that recreates, as much as possible, the suggestions of the ancient village. You will be able to:
- Observe the reconstruction of the huts: made inspired by the techniques of 3,000 years ago, with wooden walls and double-pitched roofs.
- Walk among the canals: once navigable, here recreated to scale, to understand the hydraulic engineering adopted by the Sarrasti.
- Admire the local flora: thanks to plantings designed to reproduce the forest and marsh ecosystem of protohistoric times.
- Participate in educational workshops: perfect for children and anyone wishing to experience pottery making, spinning or weaving using ancient methods.
- Delve into the history of the Sarno River: a once clean and navigable vital waterway that was the “communication route” for commercial and cultural exchanges.
- Enjoy a moment of relaxation: in the green spaces, picnic areas and refreshment point.
The presence of guides and specialised operators will allow you to learn more about the artefacts, construction techniques, and aspects of daily life of a population so far back in time, but incredibly advanced in trade and crafts.
Conclusions
The Longola Archaeological Complex is an extraordinary testimony to protohistoric life in the Sarno Valley. Walking among the reconstructions of islets and huts, discovering the original artifacts and learning about the cultivation, breeding and craftsmanship techniques of three thousand years ago is a unique experience that complements a visit to the more famous excavations of Pompeii and gives an idea of the cultural complexity of this area even before the arrival of the Romans.
In addition to archaeology, the Longola Park aims to promote renewed attention to the Sarno River and the local ecosystem, hoping to one day see it return to its ancient function as a waterway. Suppose you are looking for an unusual, enriching itinerary in contact with nature.
In that case, Longola in Poggiomarino is your destination: a place where history, culture and the environment come together in a fascinating and still partly unexplored tale.
FAQ About Longola Park in Poggiomarino
The Park is located in Poggiomarino, which can be reached by Circumvesuviana (Naples-Pompei-Poggiomarino line or Naples-Ottaviano-Sarno line). Poggiomarino station is about 4.5 km from the Park. You can then take a cab or local bus, or walk the distance.
Longola Park is currently open by reservation during the indicated periods (March-June and September-October). To arrange a date, time, and method of visit, write to info@longola.it. You can also visit the official website of Longola Park to find out if any events or workshops are scheduled.
Absolutely. The park offers green spaces, play areas, and educational workshops ideal for young children. Children can learn while having fun, experimenting with ancient spinning, weaving or baking techniques in reconstructed ovens.
Yes, hiring a guide or reception operator for a fee is possible. The operator provides detailed information about the exhibits, site history, and reconstructions, making the visit more complete and enjoyable.
Duration may vary depending on interest and possible participation in workshops or special events. In general, a standard visit is recommended to take about two hours. If you wish to include educational activities, workshops, or more in-depth nature trails, you could devote half a day to visiting Longola Park.
