Star of the volcanic area of the Phlegreaen Fields, the Solfatara is a major attraction also for local tourists. This amazing place just outside of Naplse host 40 ancient volcanoes and many historical buildings like the Flavio Amphitheatre, the Acropolis of Cuma, the Thermae of Baia and the Temple of Serapides. Spanning approximately 33 hectares, it is a wildlife preservation site which offers the starting point for an interesting hike with the presence, in addition to the renown volcanic phenomena, such as the fumaroles, the mofete and small mud volcanoes, even of woods and areas of Mediterranean maquis as well as natural, geological and botanical-faunal wonders. The best way to visit the Solfatara is going on a relaxing hike. Many signs and informative signboards accompany the visitor along the pathway and provide useful information on the many characteristical points and the natural peculiarities. The visit to the Solfatara goes back to ancient times since it was one of the necessary stops of the “ Grand Tour”, an educational and leisure trip that the European aristocrats would accomplish especially in Italy and France already in the Eighteenth century.
The average visit last 45 minutes and to fully enjoy it we recommend you to hire one of our professional guides. During the visit to the volcano two phenomena can be observed which cause awe and amazement to the visitor: Condensation of vapor: one of the more dazzling phenomena of the Solfatara is that of condensation of water vapor which is obtained placing a small flame close to the fumarole: the vapors appear gradually stronger since both the tiny solid particles produced through combustion as well as the ions of the atmospheric gas close to the flame behave from condensation nuclei of the vapor itself. The rumble of the ground: Another shocking phenomenon is that caused by a rock, which, left to fall to the ground from a small height, in certain points of the crater, causes a dull rumble which gives the feeling of the presence of large underground cavities. Actually, they are only micro cavities produced from the gas of the fumaroles in a ground of its nature pretty porous. Absolute must see of the Solfatara are the mud pit, the main fumarole called Large Mouth, the mineral water Well and the old Saunas – ancient natural thermal baths.