The Astroni Crater, located near Naples in the Campi Flegrei, is a fascinating natural monument that has captivated locals and tourists alike throughout the centuries. This 247 hectare crater of a dormant volcano is one of the most well-preserved structures in the area, and offers 15 kilometres of trails to explore its unique geology and history. In this article, we will explore the history of the Astroni Crater, its geological features, and the various activities that can be enjoyed there. The History of the Crater The Astroni Crater was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that occurred over 4100...
Phlegrean Fields
The Phlegraean Fields region of Campania preserves an exceptional archaeological and natural heritage. Even today, despite the presence of severe urban decay and the social problems, known to all, related to waste disposal and overcementation, the Phlegraean area gives off an archaic charm that the current enhancement of its archaeological sites helps to keep alive.
Lakes of Campi Flegrei
Campi Flegrei (from the Greek phlegraios = on fire) is a volcanic area to the northwest of Naples, extending from the Agnano crater to Cuma. Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida and Quarto, some northern districts of Naples. In this area there are three coastal lakes: Fusaro, Miseno, Lucrino. Lake Fusaro, between Cuma and Monte di Procida, in the municipality of Bacoli, is the largest by surface (1 sq km). A coastal dune with Mediterranean scrub is located between the lake and the sea, exchanging water through three channels. It has a volcanic origin and a smaller basin size compared to...
Campi Flegrei: Supervolcano
The Campi Flegrei, with Ischia and Procida, represent a complex volcanic system consisting of a series of nineteen craters concentrated in an area of about 65 km² and arranged according to an east-west alignment. These craters are so close together that in several cases they overlap; it is thus that an older crater has been partially destroyed by the formation of a more recent one. The volcanic activity of Campi Flegrei predates that of Vesuvius and the area seems to have remained in a state of quiescence during historical times with the exception of the eruption of the Solfatara volcano...
What are Campi Flegrei?
The name “Campi Flegrei”, Phlegrean Fields, indicates the portion of the Campania coast, in the province of Naples, which describes an arc extending from the offshoots of the Posillipo hill to Capo Miseno. Integral and typical elements of the Phlegraean area, consisting of a collapsed part, called the caldera, about 12 km in diameter and with at least 20 volcanic cones, are the lakes Lucrino, Miseno and Fusaro, with brackish waters, and the Averno lake, freshwater. The volcanic islands of Ischia, Procida and Vivara complete this area. The name Campi Flegrei already highlights the particular nature of the soil of...
English