©MarinaDeFranceschini - Progetto Accademia
From the Paved Roadway to the Nymphaeum above the Canopus
This area was created for the official receptions of the Emperor, and was very monumental and spectacular.
It was accessed through a dedicated entrance, the Paved Roadway (n. 47), next to which there is the so-called Antinoeion (n. 48).
From the Paved Roadway a large stair went up to the Vestibule (n. 49) (altitude m. 91), which gave access to the Canopus area, which was c a long and narrow valley bordered by two hills on either side.
The eastern side of the valley, towards the Praetorium Esplanade (n. 41) is bordered by massive retaining walls with buttresses, which reach as far as the Nymphaeum above the Canopus (n. 52), located at an altitude of 108 m.
On the opposite side of the valley, towards the west, there are the West Substructures of the Canopus (n. 50).
In the center there is the Canopus (n. 51) (also called Serapeum) preceded by a long water basin, the Euripus, at an altitude of 100 m.
Behind it another hill is visible, the top of which is the Area of the Accademia.
Only a part of the Vestibule and of the Canopus-Serapeum can be visited. The rest is closed and is outside of the visiting itinerary.