Phlegraean Fields: Archaeological treasures just outside Naples

Cumae Archaeological Park: the oldest Greek colony in the West

Founded by the Euboeans in the 8th century BC, Lokanta Cuma It is considered the oldest Greek colony in the West. The site extends on the hill overlooking the sea and preserves remains from the Greek and Roman eras. A full ticket for the Cumae Archaeological Park alone costs €5, reduced €2 for 18-25 year olds from the EU, free for under 18s. The ticket can be purchased exclusively online on the Musei Italiani portal (the physical ticket office will be closed from April 2026).

Antro of the Sibyl

The route starts from theAntro of the Sibyl, a trapezoidal tunnel about 130 meters long dug into the tuff in the Greek era (5th-4th century BC). Here, according to legend, the Sibilla Cumana He pronounced his oracles, made famous by Virgil in the Aeneid. Entrance is limited to a maximum of 25 people at the same time, with a maximum stay of 120 minutes.

Acropolis and Temple of Apollo

On the top of the acropolis are the remains of the Temple of Apollo (6th century BC) and of the Temple of JupiterFrom the panoramic terrace you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Gulf of Pozzuoli, Cape Miseno, and the islands of Ischia and Procida.

Forum and Arco Felice

Downstream, the Roman forum preserves the remains of the Capitolium, the baths and the theatre. Not far away, theHappy Arch It is an imposing Roman engineering work (1st century AD) over 20 metres high, built to support the Via Domitiana.

Flavian Amphitheater in Pozzuoli: the third largest Roman amphitheater

The Flavian Amphitheatre of Pozzuoli is the third largest Roman amphitheater in Italy after the Colosseum and the Campanian Amphitheater of Santa Maria Capua Vetere. Built under Vespasian (1st century AD), it could accommodate up to 40.000 spectators. Entrance fee: full €5, included in the combined ticket for the Circuito Flegreo (€10 for 4 sites, valid for 3 days).

Particularly impressive is the underground level, where you can admire the service corridors, the cages for the beasts and the complex lifting systems used during the gladiatorial games. Walking along the steps you can notice the effects of the bradyseism: the geological phenomenon that characterizes the entire Phlegraean Fields area, with the rising and falling of the ground that has modified its structure over the centuries.

Archaeological Park of the Baia Thermal Baths and Aragonese Castle

The ancient Bay It was the most exclusive spa resort in the Roman Empire, frequented by Julius Caesar, Nero, and Hadrian. Today, the Archaeological Park of the Baths of Baia preserves the remains of the impressive imperial baths, with mosaics, nymphaeums, and thermal pools (full price €5).

A few steps away stands the Aragonese Castle of Baia, built in 1495 at the behest of Alfonso II of Aragon and designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It houses the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields, with finds from all over the area: from the plaster casts of the Baia Baths to the famous Nymphaeum of Punta Epitaffio, one of the most spectacular underwater archaeology discoveries. Throughout summer 2026, evening openings every Saturday until 10:00 PM (last admission 22:00 PM), with €5 admission and a €21 MyCastello Card for unlimited annual admissions.

Pozzuoli Solfatara: the active crater just a stone's throw from the city.

La Solfatara It is a dormant, active volcano characterized by intense fumaroles, steam jets over 100°C, and sulfur springs. The pedestrian path inside the crater allows for close-up observations of volcanic phenomena: the fumaroles of the Bocca Grande, the boiling mud pots, and the characteristic sulfur formations. Admission: €10, reduced €7. The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 18:00 PM (summer) and 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM (winter).

The area is subject to frequent seismic activity: in February 2025 a seismic swarm with over 50 tremors affected the area of Pisciarelli, the epicenter of volcanic activity in the Phlegraean caldera. Bradyseismic phenomena continue to shape the landscape and are regularly monitored by the INGV.

Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields: Must-See Masterpieces

Housed in the Aragonese Castle of Baia, the museum collects the most significant finds from the Phlegraean Fields. The main sections include: Sacellum of the Augustales of Miseno, the plaster casts of the Baths of Baia (plaster copies of classical Greek statues), the Submerged Nymphaeum of Punta Epitaffio (reconstruction of the imperial nymphaeum now submerged by bradyseism) and the rooms dedicated to Cumae, Pozzuoli, and ancient Baia. Admission: €5 full price, or €10 cumulative Phlegraean Circuit.

How to get to the Phlegraean Fields from Naples

• Metro/CumanaCumana Line (EAV) from Naples Montesanto to Pozzuoli, Baia and Fusaro (every 15-20 minutes)
• Subway 2 Line: from Naples Piazza Garibaldi to Pozzuoli Solfatara
• EAV bus: connections from Pozzuoli to the individual archaeological sites
• CarsNaples ring road, Pozzuoli exit, then follow signs to the sites; parking available at each site

Tickets, prices and season tickets 2026

Sito	one piece rubber	Reduced (18-25 years)	Free
Single site	€5	€2	Under 18
Phlegraean Circuit (4 sites, 3 days)	€10	€5	Under 18
MyFleg Card (annual)	€20
Solfatara	€10	€7	Under 10

The Phlegraean Circuit ticket includes Cumae, the Baia Thermal Baths, the Flavian Amphitheater, and the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Museum. Starting in 2026, tickets can be purchased exclusively online on the Musei Italiani portal.

FAQ about the Phlegraean Fields

What does Campi Flegrei mean?

It derives from the Greek phlegraios, meaning "burning" or "fiery." The name was given by the Greeks due to the intense volcanic activity that characterizes the area.

How long does it take to visit the Phlegraean Fields?

A complete visit (Cuma, Flavian Amphitheater, Baiae Baths, and the Museum) requires at least two days. The Phlegraean Circuit is valid for three consecutive days, allowing you to plan your visit at your leisure.

Are the Phlegraean Fields dangerous?

The area is monitored 24 hours a day by the INGV (Vesuvian Observatory). Bradyseismic phenomena and seismic activity are constantly monitored. Visits to the archaeological sites and the Solfatara are safe.

Can I visit the Phlegraean Fields with children?

Yes. The Solfatara and the Flavian Amphitheater are particularly suitable for children, who are fascinated by the fumaroles and the amphitheater's underground passages.

Which sites are accessible to people with disabilities?

Cumae and the Baths of Baia have partially accessible routes. Baia Castle has an elevator. The Flavian Amphitheater is the most accessible site.