In the heart of the Villa Comunale in Naples, just a short walk from the waterfront, there is an aquarium quite different from large modern facilities: the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station Aquarium, inaugurated in 1874, is the first public aquarium opened in Italy and the oldest still in operation in Europe.
Its uniqueness lies not in its size or spectacular displays, but in the historical and scientific value of the site.
The aquarium was founded to allow scholars to observe marine organisms from the Gulf of Naples in their natural habitat, and even today, it is directly connected to the sea via an underground channel.
The historic tanks have been restored and equipped with modern technology, while preserving the original architectural layout.
A Journey Through the Environments of the Gulf of Naples
The tour takes families on a journey that begins at the coast and gradually moves toward the open sea and deeper environments. The tanks reproduce some of the Mediterranean’s most characteristic ecosystems: coastal reefs, caves and crevices, Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds, coralligenous habitats, pelagic environments, and deep-sea habitats.
Visitors can observe up close the organisms that inhabit these habitats and gain an appreciation for the rich biodiversity of the Gulf of Naples. The tour also allows visitors to discover how marine animals adapt to light, depth, water movement, and the characteristics of different seabeds.
Part of the exhibition is also dedicated to alien and tropical species that, due to rising sea temperatures, are appearing with increasing frequency in the Mediterranean. The large central tanks featuring a tropical coral reef help explain to children and teens how climate change can transform marine ecosystems.
The Octopus, Moray Eels, and the Roman Murenario
Among the most interesting tanks is the one dedicated to the octopus, an animal remarkable for its ability to learn, solve problems, and adapt to its environment. Watching it move, hide, or change its appearance is often one of the most fascinating moments of the visit for children.
Also quite unique is the moray eel enclosure, inspired by the structures used by the ancient Romans to breed moray eels. Some remains of these structures are still preserved in the submerged archaeological site of Gaiola, at Capo Posillipo. The tank thus serves as a meeting point between marine biology, history, and the archaeology of the Neapolitan region.
A Family-Friendly Visit
The Naples Aquarium is suitable for families with children of all ages. Younger children are naturally drawn to the fish, the colors, and the movements in the tanks, while children aged 6 and older can more easily grasp the in-depth information on ecosystems, biodiversity, and marine conservation. In fact, the Foundation recommends guided tours especially for children aged 6 and older.
The tour is compact and takes approximately one hour—a duration suitable even for children who tire easily. It’s a good idea, however, to explain before the visit that this isn’t a large aquarium with underwater tunnels or ocean animals: its main attraction is the opportunity to learn about the real marine environment of the Gulf of Naples, within a place that preserves over 150 years of scientific history.
During the visit, visitors are not allowed to touch or tap on the glass, use a flash, run, shout, or consume food and drinks. Pets are not allowed inside, with the exception of certified guide dogs and service dogs.
The Darwin-Dohrn Museum
Next to the aquarium is the Darwin-Dohrn Museum, also known as DaDoM, dedicated to the evolution of marine life and the scientific relationship between Anton Dohrn and Charles Darwin.
Combining the two visits allows older children and teenagers to first observe living organisms in the tanks and then delve deeper into the origin and evolution of life in the sea. The combined ticket is particularly appealing for families, but it’s best to allow about two hours in total and take a short break between the two tours, especially with younger children.