The Lake of Avernus is located in the heart of the Phlegraean Fields, near Lake Lucrino and the towns of Pozzuoli and Bacoli. Lake Avernus lies within the crater of a volcano that formed around 4,000 years ago and is now dormant; it has a depth of approximately 34 meters and tells an ancient story filled with fascinating myths and legends. The Greeks called this lake "àornos," meaning "without birds," due to the continuous sulfur emissions that caused the death of all birds flying in the area.
The great Roman poet Virgil, in his most famous work The Aeneid, which tells the legendary story of the hero Aeneas fleeing the city of Troy, placed the entrance to the Underworld at Lake Avernus, the realm of the dead. Lake Avernus is also a place of great natural beauty, with its calm, dark waters surrounded by gentle hills that create a captivating landscape. Walking along the lake’s shores, you can follow a path of about 3 kilometers, lined with vineyards, citrus groves, and historic ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, dating back to the 1st century A.D. If you’re passionate about ancient history, mythology, and the beauty of nature, a walk around Lake Avernus will give you a truly beautiful experience.
If you’d like to treat yourself to some relaxation, after visiting Lake Avernus, you can head to one of the thermal complexes nearby, where you can indulge your body and mind in hot thermal pools, saunas, and massages—just as the emperors and nobles of ancient Rome once did. Moreover, you can try local cuisine, with dishes from the Neapolitan tradition and wines of the highest quality from the area. If you’d like to visit Lake Avernus and the Phlegraean Fields, contact me, and together we will organize a wonderful experience for you.
