On this tour of Lake Avernus, we'll have the opportunity to discover the secrets, stories and legends that surround this volcanic lake.
Tour Details
We'll meet at the indicated time at the Lucrino train station and, once we're ready, we'll set off on a walk towards the Lake of Avernus, located about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from the meeting point. Are you ready to discover what was once said to be one of the gates to the underworld?
After about 20 minutes on foot, we'll arrive at the lake, a volcanic body of water that has been involved in two major eruptions, the first about 8000 years ago and the second about 4000 years ago. Walking along the path that borders it, we'll talk about the first Roman colonies that settled around the lake in the first centuries BC.
We'll also delve into the history of the Portus Julius, the great Roman port that today is submerged in the waters of the Lake of Avernus. Did you know that it's considered a masterpiece of engineering from the Augustan period? Or that it served as a base for the military fleet?
Continuing our tour, we'll come across the majestic temple of Apollo, in the Grotta di Cocceio. This artificial tunnel, which was dug by the Romans, was built to connect the lake with Cuma and the Grotta della Sibilla, which was believed to be the home of the prophetess.
We'll also see the vineyards around the lake, guardians of the Campi Flegrei wine tradition.
Finally, we'll return to the starting point, where we'll conclude the route after 2 hours.