Lake Avernus Tour

On this tour of Lake Avernus, we'll explore the secrets, stories, and legends surrounding this volcanic lake.

Tour Details

We will meet at the Lucrino train station and proceed on a walk to Lake Avernus, located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the meeting point. This site was once considered to be one of the gates to the underworld.

After a 20-minute walk, we will arrive at the lake, a volcanic body of water that has experienced two major eruptions—the first approximately 8000 years ago and the second around 4000 years ago. We will discuss the first Roman colonies settled around the lake in the early centuries BC.

Additionally, we will cover the history of the Portus Julius, a great Roman port currently submerged in the lake, noted as a masterpiece of engineering from the Augustan period and a base for the military fleet.

Next, we will visit the temple of Apollo in the Grotta di Cocceio. This artificial tunnel, created by the Romans, was designed to connect the lake with Cuma and the Grotta della Sibilla, believed to be the home of the prophetess.

We will also view the surrounding vineyards, which uphold the Campi Flegrei wine tradition.

Finally, we will return to the starting point, concluding the tour after 2 hours.