Dragonara Cistern
Explore ancient Roman cisterns on Ponza, a marvel of engineering and water management. Guided tours reveal history and ingenuity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Intimate and magical atmosphere
Dragonara Cistern
Best Time
Intimate and magical atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman cisterns on Ponza, a marvel of engineering and water management. Guided tours reveal history and ingenuity.
"It was truly amazing to be able to see such an ancient and well-preserved work in person."
🎟️ Book via Pro-Loco
Tickets must be booked at the Pro-Loco office in Ponza harbor. Plan ahead, especially for evening tours!
⏳ Tour Duration
Expect tours to last about an hour, covering both the Dragonara and Cisterna Corridoio.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Roman Engineering
Dragonara Cistern
Marvel at the impressive Roman cisterns, a testament to ancient engineering and water management skills.
Cisterna Corridoio
Adjacent to Dragonara Cistern
Explore the unique corridor cistern, showcasing the ingenuity of water distribution systems from centuries ago.
Passionate Guided Tours
Dragonara Cistern
Learn from knowledgeable guides like Sara, whose passion brings the history and construction of these cisterns to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Best Time for a Magical Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book via Pro-Loco
Tickets must be booked at the Pro-Loco office in Ponza harbor. Plan ahead, especially for evening tours!
⏳ Tour Duration
Expect tours to last about an hour, covering both the Dragonara and Cisterna Corridoio.
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced around 8.50€, offering great value for a historical experience.
🗣️ Engaging Guides
Guides like Sara are highly praised for their knowledge and passion, making the visit truly memorable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book via Pro-Loco
Tickets must be booked at the Pro-Loco office in Ponza harbor. Plan ahead, especially for evening tours!
⏳ Tour Duration
Expect tours to last about an hour, covering both the Dragonara and Cisterna Corridoio.
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced around 8.50€, offering great value for a historical experience.
🗣️ Engaging Guides
Guides like Sara are highly praised for their knowledge and passion, making the visit truly memorable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Dragonara Cistern as an impressive testament to Roman engineering and a highly recommended historical site on Ponza. The guided tours are a significant highlight, with guides like Sara lauded for their passion and knowledge, making the experience both educational and engaging. While the site itself is remarkable, the quality of the tour elevates the visit.
"Beautiful roman construction. In autumn there are guided tours at 11:00 and at 17:00 during weekdays. You can even book extra time tours with 24h of advance. You need to book the ticket at the Pro-Loco office.
Price around 9€"
Deborah Laroccia
"We did a visit at 7:15pm yesterday night. It was only my fiancé and I and our guide that was very nice. Thank you very much Sara for the tour of those 2 cisternas. I highly recommend to visit, it’s impressive what the Roman built and the skills and competences that you can still wonder nowadays. Sara knew what she was talking about and you could even tell that she was passionate about it."
Timothé Bourit
"Guided tours must be booked via the tourist office of “Pro Loco di Ponza” in the harbor."
Damien Robyr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dragonara Cistern is located on the island of Ponza. You'll need to take a ferry to Ponza from the mainland. Once on the island, the cisterns are accessible via guided tours booked through the Pro-Loco office in Ponza harbor.
Parking on Ponza can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's best to rely on walking or local transport once you arrive in Ponza town. The Pro-Loco office is centrally located in the harbor.
No, visits to the Dragonara Cistern are only possible with a guided tour organized by the Pro Loco of Ponza. Independent exploration is not permitted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price is approximately 8.50 euros per person. This fee covers the guided tour of both the Dragonara Cistern and the Cisterna Corridoio.
Tickets must be purchased at the Pro-Loco office located in the harbor of Ponza. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for specific time slots.
Tours are typically offered twice a day, usually around 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. Evening tours are particularly recommended for a unique experience.
Yes, advance booking is strongly advised, ideally 24 hours prior to your desired tour time. This ensures you secure a spot, especially for popular evening tours.
Yes, you can book extra time tours with 24 hours' advance notice, offering a more personalized experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour typically lasts for about one hour, encompassing visits to both the Dragonara Cistern and the adjacent Cisterna Corridoio.
You'll explore impressive ancient Roman cisterns, learning about their construction, engineering, and the vital role they played in supplying water to the island.
The tour involves walking and exploring underground structures. While generally suitable, consider mobility for younger children or those with walking difficulties.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always best to check with your guide on the day of your visit for any specific restrictions. The unique lighting can create stunning shots.
The cisterns are a remarkable example of Roman engineering, demonstrating their advanced techniques for water collection and distribution on an island where water is scarce.
📸 📸 Photography
Evening tours offer a unique, atmospheric light that can be fantastic for photography. The way light filters in creates a magical effect.
While generally permitted, it's wise to confirm with your guide. The enclosed spaces and unique lighting can be challenging but rewarding for photographers.
Expect dramatic shots of ancient stonework, reflections on water, and the interplay of light and shadow within the underground chambers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book tours in advance to secure spots, especially for less crowded times if possible. Discuss the concept of ancient water systems beforehand to build anticipation. The experience provides a tangible link to the past that textbooks can't replicate.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Highlights for history buffs: Pay close attention to the construction techniques, the scale of the cisterns, and the historical context provided by the guides. The preservation of these structures offers a rare glimpse into Roman ingenuity. Consider booking an evening tour for a more atmospheric and potentially less crowded experience.
📸 Photography Lovers
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the cisterns. Experiment with long exposures if lighting conditions allow. Always be respectful of the site and other visitors, and confirm any specific photography guidelines with your guide.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenuity of Roman Water Systems
Visiting these cisterns offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to appreciate the skill and foresight of ancient engineers. The sheer scale and preservation of these underground networks are awe-inspiring, especially when considering the tools and technology available at the time. It's a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and our ability to adapt to and shape our surroundings.
Modern-day Ponza still relies on water transported by tankers, highlighting the enduring importance of these ancient solutions. The guided tours provide in-depth explanations of how these systems functioned, from collection points to distribution channels, making the visit both educational and fascinating.
Experiencing the Dragonara Cistern with a Guide
These tours offer a unique perspective, revealing details that might otherwise be missed. The guides often share anecdotes and answer questions thoroughly, making the history come alive. One visitor specifically mentioned how the guide's passion was evident and how she answered all their questions completely.
Opting for an evening tour can add an extra layer of magic. The subdued lighting and the intimate setting, sometimes with just a few visitors, create a memorable atmosphere. This personalized approach, combined with the historical significance of the site, makes the Dragonara Cistern a highly recommended stop on any Ponza itinerary.
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