Excursion to the Phlegraean Fields:
Campi Flegrei or the Burning Fields. A legendary area that became the scene of great historical events of the Roman Empire – intrigues for power, orgies, and banquets that the Caesars indulged in excessively.
The Phlegraean Fields (“burning fields” from the Greek phlegreios) is a large volcanic caldera in the Italian region of Campania, located on the western outskirts of the city of Naples. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth.
On several kilometers of coastline, legends have mixed with ancient history, and natural beauty with unusual volcanic phenomena. Snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy secluded coves, reefs, wave-rounded cliffs, and a sea rich in life. Gastronomic travelers will not be disappointed either: several routes dedicated to seafood and local wines with an ancient pedigree pass through this area.
Pozzuoli is the largest settlement in the Phlegraean Fields. The town has preserved several monuments from the era of Ancient Rome. Once, in terms of trade turnover and population, Pozzuoli was second only to Rome, as evidenced by the ruins of two entire amphitheaters.
The “Rione Terra” district – this ancient district of Pozzuoli is noticeable from any point in the Phlegraean Fields, as it is located on a hill. By the way, under the cathedral, at a depth of about three meters, a preserved fragment of Roman pavement was discovered.
The Flavian Amphitheater – appeared during the reign of Emperor Nero. It is the third largest in Italy: Some
elements of the amphitheater have been excellently preserved, as they were covered by volcanic ash.
The Temple of Serapis (Macellum) – in antiquity, the building of the temple was used as a bathhouse, so calling it a temple is not entirely correct. During archaeological excavations in 1750, a statue of the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered in it, which is why the name “Temple of Serapis” became established.
The Duomo and the Temple of Augustus – the cathedral in Pozzuoli was built on the site of a much older temple, which is now called the “Temple of Augustus.”
The Solfatara Volcano – has an oval-shaped crater (770-580 m), formed about 4000 years ago. From several of its fumaroles, hot steam is constantly emitted. Its last eruption was in 1198. Bocca Grande is the largest fumarole of Solfatara. A column of superheated steam exits from it at a temperature of 160 °C.
Stufe Antiche – these are two brick-lined caves that were used as baths. They are called “Purgatorio” and “Inferno” (“Purgatory” and “Hell” respectively) due to the temperature difference. Currently, they are no longer used as baths.
The Archaeological Park of Cuma – the ancient Cumae are located at the northern border of the Phlegraean Fields. They were founded in the 8th century BC by a group of Greek colonists from Chalcis. Here, an ancient Roman crypt (an underground gallery), a grand building of baths, and an amphitheater were also discovered. As well as numerous burials from the ancient Roman and Greek periods. Near Cumae is the Arco Felice, a viaduct built during the time of Domitian, connecting Pozzuoli with the road to Rome.
The Cave of the Sibyl – a long gallery was discovered by archaeologist Maiuri in 1932. In it, the prophetess Sibyl received visitors to whom she predicted the future.
The Temple of Apollo – appeared on this site as early as the 6th century BC, but it was dedicated to Apollo only during the era of Ancient Rome. In the central part of the temple was a sacred room divided by two rows of columns, and to the south of the temple, there are two more small rooms. In the 5th century AD, the temple was transformed into a Christian basilica.
The Temple of Jupiter – the largest temple of the acropolis is traditionally attributed to Jupiter. It was probably built at the end of the 6th century BC.
The Forum Baths – the baths were built in the center of the city, southwest of the forum. The building of the baths was richly decorated, as evidenced by the preserved decorative elements: marble slabs, porphyry cornices, black-and-white mosaics.
Lake Averno – still water, a harsh landscape of shores surrounded by wooded hills: this is how, according to ancient people, the entrance to the underworld looked (“Aeneid”, “Odyssey”). Even the name of the lake translates from Greek as “without birds.” In the 1st century AD, Emperor Augustus decided to establish a military port here, naming it Portus Julius, connecting the two lakes with the sea via canals. But very soon the water body became shallow, so the naval base moved to Misenum, and villas and baths appeared on the shores of the lake.
The Oasis of Nature Monte Nuovo – appeared as a result of the eruption of 1538, when a hill formed around the crater (between Lake Lucrino and Arco Felice). From here, panoramic views open up, and it is quite possible to walk to the top. From above, views from Posillipo to the Bay of Pozzuoli are visible. If you walk around the crater’s edge, the lakes Lucrino and Averno with the islands of Procida and Ischia in the distance become visible.
