The fabled Virgil’s Tomb was closed as of this morning March 14th 2005

The fabled Virgil’s Tomb was closed as of this morning March 14th 2005, until further notice so urgent repairs and restoration can be undertaken by the Park Department of Archeology. The park, whose entrance is near the Mergellina train station, also offers a good view of the famous ‘Crypta Neapolitana’ the oldest tunnel roadway in Naples. The restoration work will update lighting of the park area as well as the installation of closed circuit cameras that will monitor the area. Also planned is the restoration of a short portion of a Roman aqueduct in the park as well as a fresco of the Madonna of Idria that is located on the left wall of the entrance to the ancient tunnel. What we wonder is why they chose this time to undertake the work because it is a real shame that the park will be closed to visitors as the citywide “Monuments in May” gets underway. For those interested, you may visit the UNDERGROUND TOURS OF NAPLES AND VICINITY section in our web site’s Forum and check with the “Crypta Neapolitana” section for news on when it will reopen.

Translation - Larry Ray