The History of the Roman Murenario on the Coast of the Gods, Told by Our Skipper Federico

The Ancient Roman Fishery, a Submerged Treasure on the Coast of the Gods between Tropea and Briatico

Sailing along the Coast of the Gods, between Tropea and Briatico, lies one of Calabria’s most fascinating and mysterious places: the Roman Murenario, a submerged archaeological site that tells over two thousand years of history, sea and civilization.

According to local tradition, the Murenario was built by Senator Crassus Murena in the second century A.D., and takes its name from him. A monumental work created to intelligently exploit the sea’s resources, in a stretch of coast already considered extraordinary for its pure waters and strategic position for maritime trade.

Federico, Skipper and local guide, who daily accompanies our guests during boat excursions from Tropea to discover the most authentic secrets of the Coast of the Gods, tells us about this unique place.

What is the Roman Murenario and why is it so important

The Roman Murenario was an ancient Roman complex designed for the conservation and breeding of fish and tuna, fundamental elements of the Roman maritime economy. The structures, dating back over 2000 years, demonstrate the high level of Roman coastal and maritime engineering.

👉 The Romans created pools carved directly into the rock, connected to the sea through channels, to keep fish and tuna alive before trading or processing.

According to Federico:

“Here the Romans had everything: clean sea, perfect currents and rocky seabeds. It was the ideal place for this type of facility.”

Where is the Roman Murenario of the Coast of the Gods located

The Roman Murenario is located on the Coast of the Gods between Tropea and Briatico, in a stretch of coast still not easily accessible by land today. This has allowed the site to remain extraordinarily preserved, immersed in crystal-clear sea, among the cleanest in Calabria.

Reachable almost exclusively by sea, the Murenario is a special stop on our boat tours on the Coast of the Gods, where history and nature merge uniquely.

Skipper Federico’s story: between history and sea

Federico has been navigating these waters for years and knows the Murenario like few others.

“Every time I bring someone here it’s like entering another world. The sea is so transparent that it feels like flying over history.”

For Federico, the Murenario is:

• historical memory of the territory
• testimony to Roman greatness
• an open-air underwater museum

Snorkeling at the Roman Murenario: a magical experience

Snorkeling at the Roman Murenario is a truly magical experience. The sea here is crystal-clear, with exceptional visibility that allows you to clearly observe both the archaeological remains and an extraordinary marine world.

During swimming stops, Federico takes you to discover a wonderful ecosystem, populated by:

• colorful fish swimming among the ancient pools
• starfish resting on the seabed
• octopuses hidden among the rocks
• anemones and small corals
• rich Mediterranean biodiversity

👉 Swimming here means immersing yourself in a perfect balance between history and nature, where archaeology has become part of the marine landscape.

What you can see today during the excursion

During a boat excursion from Tropea, with calm sea, you can observe:

• Roman pools carved into the rock
• Connection channels with the sea
• Snorkeling, discover a wonderful marine world
• Structural remains still clearly visible
• Fish that have transformed the ancient Murenario into their home

With mask and snorkel, the experience becomes unforgettable.

Why visit the Roman Murenario by boat

Advantages of a sea tour

• Exclusive access to a site not reachable by land
• Historical explanation from expert local skipper
• Guided snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Authentic experience away from mass tourism

Federico accompanies each group with passion, telling stories, legends and historical details that make the visit unique.

A heritage to respect and protect

The Roman Murenario is a protected site:

• don’t touch
• don’t remove anything
• observe with respect

As Federico says: “This sea has protected us for centuries. Now it’s our turn to protect it.”

An ideal experience for those who love sea, history and authenticity

The visit to the Roman Murenario is perfect for:

• history and archaeology lovers
• snorkeling enthusiasts
• curious families and groups
• travelers seeking the real Calabria

Discover the Roman Murenario with our boat tours from Tropea

The Roman Murenario between Tropea and Briatico is one of the most exciting stops on our boat tours on the Coast of the Gods.

🚤 Available tours:

• Shared tours (small group 8-12 people maximum on board) https://www.seasports.it/en/tours-tropea/murenario-fishpond-3-5-hour-tour/
• Private exclusive tours (just you with your family or friends) https://www.seasports.it/en/tours-tropea/exclusive-4-hour-tour-from-tropea/
• Daily excursions along the entire Coast of the Gods https://www.seasports.it/en/tours-tropea/coast-the-gods-from-capo-vaticano/

📍 Departure: Port of Tropea 📞 Reservations: +39 328 286 6652 (WhatsApp) 🌊 Sea Sports Tropea in Barca

 

 

SEO FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Roman Murenario

Who had the Roman Murenario built? According to tradition, it was built by the Roman emperor Murena, from whom it takes its name.

Where is the Roman Murenario located? On the Coast of the Gods between Tropea and Briatico, accessible mainly by sea.

Can you snorkel at the Roman Murenario? Yes, and it’s a magical experience thanks to the crystal-clear sea and rich marine life.

 

SEO Keywords integrated

Roman Murenario, Roman Murenario Tropea, Roman Murenario Briatico, snorkeling Coast of the Gods, clear sea Tropea, boat excursions Tropea, underwater archaeology Calabria, boat tours Coast of the Gods.