Lake Avernus, located near Lucrino, a hamlet of Pozzuoli (NA) is volcanic in nature. It has an elliptical shape with a perimeter of approximately 3km, a depth of 34m and steep sides covered with thick vegetation. Amidst the woods, vineyards and trails that surround its shores, it is possible to find historic ruins such as those of the Temple to Apollo, a thermal bathing complex that harnessed the heat from the lake’s fumaroles.
It is said that birds would not fly over the water’s surface because of the gas emanating from it which lead to the lake being considered a doorway to the underworld in classical Greek Roman culture. Its name, Averno, refers to Roman term for the kingdom of Hades.
It is possible to witness a Fata Morgana mirage here, this phenomenon takes its name from the famous Celtic fairy (Morgan Le Fay) who illuded sailors with visions of castles in the air or on the ground only to take them to their death.
Film Commission Regione Campania
Piazza G. Bovio, 14 — 80133 Napoli
Phone: +39 0814206091
Fax: +39 0817904221
Email: info@fcrc.it