Lake Avernus Tour

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

Tour Details

We'll meet at the indicated time at the Lucrino train station. Once ready, we'll set off on a walk towards the Lake of Avernus, located about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from the meeting point. This area was once considered one of the gates to the underworld.

After about 20 minutes on foot, we'll arrive at the lake, which has experienced two major eruptions, the first approximately 8000 years ago and the second around 4000 years ago. We will walk along the path bordering the lake while discussing the first Roman colonies established in the region during the first centuries BC.

We will explore the history of Portus Julius, the Roman port currently submerged in the waters of Lake Avernus, noted as a masterpiece of engineering from the Augustan period and a base for the military fleet.

Continuing our tour, we will encounter the temple of Apollo in the Grotta di Cocceio, an artificial tunnel created by the Romans to connect the lake with Cuma and the Grotta della Sibilla, home of the prophetess.

We will also see the vineyards around the lake, essential to the Campi Flegrei wine tradition.

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