The Velia Archaeological Park, in the heart of Cilento, preserves the remains of ancient Elea (Hyele), one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia. Founded around 540 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea, in present-day Turkey, the city later became a prosperous Roman centre and took the name Velia in 88 BC.
Elea was a major cultural and scientific centre of the ancient world. The famous Eleatic School was founded here by the philosophers Parmenides and Zeno, profoundly influencing Western thought. Alongside philosophy, a renowned school of medicine also developed, contributing to the city’s fame throughout the Mediterranean.
Today, the archaeological site allows visitors to explore the remains of an ancient city that once covered approximately 90 hectares, divided into districts connected by streets, monumental gateways and paved routes. Walking among the ruins offers a fascinating insight into the urban and cultural significance of this extraordinary settlement.
Among the most fascinating areas is the Acropolis, where dwellings dating back to the Archaic period can still be seen. Over the centuries, this area became the city’s main religious centre, while new districts developed along the slopes and terraces of the hill.
Access to the southern and northern districts was protected by imposing city gates, true masterpieces of ancient architecture. Along the ridge leading to the Acropolis are small sanctuaries, altars and votive stones dedicated to deities such as Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, Demeter, Hera and Persephone, bearing witness to the city’s profound spirituality.
Important remains from the Roman period include two thermal bath complexes and the impressive Cryptoporticus, a public building constructed in the first century BC which, according to many scholars, may have housed Velia’s renowned school of medicine.
Visiting the Velia Archaeological Park means immersing yourself in more than two thousand years of history, where philosophy and archaeology meet landscapes overlooking the Cilento coast. An unmissable destination for guests staying at Villa Comics who wish to discover one of Campania’s most fascinating UNESCO sites.