CAMPIDOGLIO
Protected Area
Area naturale marina protetta Secche di Tor Paterno
Why dive here
With 136+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobula rays (devil rays), octopuses and sea turtles - CAMPIDOGLIO offers some of Naples & Campania's richest wreck diving.
Campidoglio isn't about deep dives or big pelagics. This is a shallow, historical wreck site, barely two metres down, and it's absolutely one of our favourite dives in the region, especially if you're into something a bit different. You’ll be floating over the remains of an ancient Roman barge, right near the coast, and the sheer antiquity of it is what makes it so special. Imagine light streaming through the surface, illuminating ancient timbers and amphorae scattered across the seabed. We love spotting the resident octopus, often tucked into a broken jar, or watching schools of juvenile ornate wrasse dart between the fragments. It's a fantastic spot for photographers, particularly on a sunny afternoon when the light is at its best, creating incredible shafts of light through the water. While it's shallow, the historical context gives it real weight. This is a perfect site for snorkelers, freedivers, or anyone who appreciates history without needing a full tank and rig. It’s calm, accessible, and provides a genuinely unique connection to the past.
Typical CAMPIDOGLIO Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
CAMPIDOGLIO Wreck History
Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
The Campidoglio is one of the many wrecks that litter the floor of the Bay of Naples, a direct result of the fierce fighting that took place there during World War II. While its specific history is not well-documented, it was almost certainly a civilian merchant or cargo vessel caught up in the conflict that engulfed the strategic Italian port city.
The vessel likely met its end in September 1943. As Allied forces advanced on Naples, the retreating German army systematically sabotaged the port to render it useless. Dozens of ships, including the Campidoglio, were deliberately sunk-or scuttled-to block shipping channels and deny the Allies a functional harbor. The Campidoglio was sunk in the shallows, a permanent obstacle and a casualty of a brutal military tactic.
Today, the wreck of the Campidoglio provides an exceptionally accessible dive. Lying in just 2 meters of water, it is easily explored by snorkelers and novice divers. The description notes that portions of the hull or superstructure are still visible, breaking the surface. Divers can swim around the skeletal remains, which are bathed in Mediterranean sunlight, offering a unique and poignant underwater monument to the turbulent history of Naples.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAMPIDOGLIO
Dive shops near CAMPIDOGLIO
CSP REPARTO ROMA
Mare Nostrum
DIVE SECURESUB
A.S.D. ROMA SUB
DIVE BLU ASD
DIVING LINE
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Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAMPIDOGLIO
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