Pozzuoli and Campi Flegrei: volcanoes, Roman history and bradyseism west of Naples
The Campi Flegrei are one of the most geologically fascinating and historically rich areas in the Mediterranean, located west of Naples around the town of Pozzuoli. This vast active volcanic caldera — whose Greek name means "burning fields" — is the stage for unique volcanic phenomena: the Solfatara is a walkable crater where the ground is warm to the touch, jets of sulphurous steam hiss from fumaroles and boiling mud pools serve as a constant reminder that we are standing on a living volcano. The phenomenon of bradyseism — the slow rising and sinking of the ground caused by underground magmatic activity — has been documented since Roman times and has shaped the very appearance of the Phlegraean coastline. The Anfiteatro Flavio in Pozzuoli is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy (after the Colosseum and that of Capua), with an original capacity of 40,000 spectators and an extraordinarily well-preserved underground structure. Lake Averno, surrounded by woodland, was considered by the ancient Romans to be the entrance to Hades — Virgil described it in the Aeneid. The Rione Terra, the oldest part of Pozzuoli, is a unique archaeological park: an entire Roman quarter excavated beneath the modern city. O'Vesuvio B&B in Torre del Greco is the ideal base for exploring the Campi Flegrei, reachable in 50 minutes.
How to Get There
From Torre del Greco by car towards Naples and then the western tangential road to Pozzuoli: approximately 50 minutes. By train: Circumflegrea or Metro Line 2 to Pozzuoli. For Solfatara: Via Solfatara, Pozzuoli. For Lake Averno: Via Lago d'Averno, Bacoli.
Highlights
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Solfatara: accessible volcanic crater with fumaroles, steam jets and boiling mud pools
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Bradyseism: a unique geological phenomenon causing the ground of Pozzuoli to rise and sink
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Anfiteatro Flavio: third largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy with a perfectly preserved underground
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Lake Averno: legendary mythological entrance to Hades, surrounded by ancient woodland
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Rione Terra: underground archaeological park with intact Roman streets and shops
💡 Practical Tip
Always check Solfatara's opening status before visiting — the area has had temporary closures in recent years for safety reasons. Rione Terra can only be visited on a guided tour — book in advance.
Stay at O'Vesuvio B&B
Just 20 minutes from the main attractions of the Bay of Naples. Book directly and save on commissions.