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Pozzuoli and Solfatara

The volcanic region

Pozzuoli holds the distinction of being the main city in the Campi Flegrei, gracefully nestled along the coastline. The village has enjoyed a rich heritage of cultural significance throughout its history. Its primary treasure resides in the vibrant harbor, where substantial trade once thrived with the East. This historical commerce bestowed Pozzuoli with a wealth of splendid glass art, ceramics, fragrances, textiles, and intricate ironwork.
Among the notable attractions there is the Flavian Amphitheatre, ranking as Italy's third largest, dates back to the late 2nd century B.C. This theater hosted a variety of events, including thrilling sword fights, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators. Presently, visitors can explore the underground chambers that once gave rise to spectacular special effects.
The Temple of Serapis leaves a truly captivating impression, it gained its name from the Egyptian god Serapis after the discovery of one of his statues, leading to the misconception that it was dedicated to him. The ancient Macellum (market) stands adjacent to the harbor, still preserving its intact state. Formed like a square with an inner courtyard, it housed trading spaces, public baths, and shops, featuring a central round temple adorned with pillars.
Pozzuoli has been uniquely shaped by the mesmerizing phenomenon of bradyseism, a natural process where the Earth's surface gracefully ebbs and flows, adding a touch of enchantment to its surroundings; traces of water elevation are visible on the temple's pillars. The captivating landscape around Pozzuoli continues to be gently sculpted by the phenomenon known as "geosismic bradyseism". The rise and fall of ground levels create a gentle push, causing the Earth's crust to shift underneath.

Within Pozzuoli, one can find the ancient acropolis (uninhabitable since 1970 due to bradyseism), the temples of Augustus and Neptune, and the necropolis.For visitors to Pozzuoli, exploring the Solfatara Volcano is a must. This remarkable volcano offers a unique open-air laboratory experience.

Solfatara
The Solfatara is one of the well-known natural wonders in our region that is recognized worldwide. The steamy displays of Solfatara are truly exceptional and captivating. The Solfatara Crater officially opened to the public in 1900, but during the 1700s and 1800s, it was already a popular destination for the "Grand Tour," a trip taken by young European aristocrats for their education. In addition to Solfatara, the tour included Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum. Among the main attractions within the Solfatara Crater are:
The Solfatara Mud Pool: a pond of rainwater mixed with condensed water vapor from the fumaroles. The water temperature averages around 90°C, and gas bubbles rise to the surface due to the fumaroles, agitating the water. The resulting mud is rich in volcanic minerals and is considered beneficial for use in spas. The surface hosts colonies of bacteria that can thrive in extreme conditions of acidity and temperature.
The Grand Fumarole of Solfatara: an area with the highest concentration of fumaroles within the crater. The temperature varies over time but averages around 160 degrees. Stones are stacked near the main fumarole, allowing minerals present in the steam to crystallize. As a result, the stones display a range of patina, from yellow to fiery red, indicating deposits of sulfur and realgar.
The Mineral Water Well: used since the Middle Ages, it gained more significance in the 1800s for collecting alum and for its thermal activity. The waters were considered miraculous remedies for various ailments.
The Solfatara Stoves: two small man-made caves, later enclosed by brick structures. They were used as natural saunas, where visitors could stay for only a few minutes. Temperatures under the canopies of these caves reach around 60 degrees in one and 90 degrees in the other.
Our selection in Pozzuoli, Solfatara, or nearby:
Villa Giulia - Casa Lora