Pozzuoli and Solfatara

the volcanic region

Campania

The wonderful region of Campania Felix

Campania Campania is on of the the region most rich in art, history, traditions and culture of Italy. An immense artistic heritage makes it a favorite destination of world tourism. Naples as highlight of this wonderful region, the Royal Palace of Caserta, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Paestum are only part of the wonder of this region. In Campania you can experiment the richest archaelogical site in Italy from Baia, the submerged city, to Velia the Greek village in Cilento. Since the Roman epoch, the region of Campania has been known as Felix. It was the centre of nature’s bounty and abundance of gastronomy that the land has fertilized by the volcanic eruptions over time. The …

Pozzuoli is the main town of Campi Flegrei, located on a gulf, is a village of great cultural interest. Its fortune was mainly the flourishing port, where they had intense trade and cultural exchanges with the East, and will spread the art of glass, ceramics, perfumes, textiles and iron. What to see: a Pozzuoli is the Flavian Amphitheatre (the third in size of Italy), dating from the late second century. BC, which were located in gladiatorial games and could accommodate about 20,000 spectators, you can still visit today's underground rooms that were used to create spectacular special effects and dynamic scenes. Very impressive is the Temple of Serapis (named after the finding, in the eighteenth century, a statue of the Egyptian god Serapis). Other is not, in fact, that the ancient Macellum (the market) annexed to the port, the area, almost square, includes a courtyard, with rooms for trade, public baths and shops, and in the center, remains of a circular temple with columns. The phenomenon of bradyseism that affects Pozzuoli periodically raising and lowering the ground level, has plunged in the past and emerge from the water several times this place: the signs of this, and the levels reached by water, are evident in the columns of the temple. The city (as the whole area flegrea) is still subject to the phenomenon called geosismico bradyseism ie by alternating up and down, slow and steady the earth's crust because of the increased pressure below. Pozzuoli also still retains the ancient acropolis (the Rione Terra, uninhabited since 1970 because of bradyseism, which still retains its original street), the temples of Augustus and Neptune and the necropolis. For those visiting Pozzuoli can not miss a milestone such as that at the Volcano Solfatara, distinctive open-air laboratory! Every day from Pozzuoli a ferry make a ride to Ischia, the volcanic island.

Solfatara

The Solfatara is one of the natural attractions of our region more known in the world. The play of the fumaroles of Solfatara is truly unique and fascinating. The Crater of Solfatara officially opens to the public in 1900, but during the 700 and 800 had already fixed destination of the so-called "Grand Tour" trip for the education of young European aristocrats, who in Campania included, in addition to Solfatara , including Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum. Among the major attractions of the crater Solfatara include:   

• The mud pit of Solfatara: a pool of rainwater mixed with water vapor condensation of the fumaroles. The water temperature averages around 90 ° C, and the surface of gas bubbles due to the fumaroles, soil, across the water to rid the air. The sludge produced is rich in volcanic minerals and therefore excellent for use in spas. On the surface there are colonies of bacteria resistant to extreme conditions of acidity and temperature. 
• The Great Fumarola Solfatara: an area where the highest concentration of the fumaroles in the crater. The temperature varies over time but on average is about 160 degrees. Above the main fumarole, numerous stones are piled into a big basket to allow the minerals present in the steam, to crystallize. For this reason, the stones are covered with a patina ranging from yellow to fiery red, a sign of deposition of sulfur and realgar.  
• The Well of mineral water: it was used since the Middle Ages, but it is above 800 which was used both for the collection of alum for the thermal activity. These waters were considered miraculous cure for all diseases.  
• The Stoves Solfatara: they are two small artificial caves, around which was later built a brick entrance. They were used as natural saunas, where we could stay only for a few minutes. The temperature under the canopy of the two caves reaches 60 degrees in one and 90 in the other.

B&B Villa Giulia - Cuma (Napoli)

Bed&Breakfast near Naples with swimming pool, garden

Villa Giulia is located in Cuma near the Lake Averno, in the area of Campi Flegrei, area rich of archaeological Roman ruins, temples and museums. The house, renovated with great care, despite have all modern comforts, still recall all its ancient characteristics. It has a beautiful flower garden with a thousand scents and a large swimming pool. The Villa also enjoys a wonderful view of Ischia and Cuma. The owner, Giulia, lives in the Villa. Villa Giulia can accommodate 12 people in apartments of different square meters, completely independent and furnished with stylish furniture, precious fabrics and fireplaces.Facilities are barbecue, swimming pool, a well-kept garden. Excellent starting point for day trips or just relaxing in nature. Dinner: 25euro (on request) Cooking class = on request!