The Campi Flegrei, the legendary Burning Fields, on the Gulf of Pozzuoli near Naples is undoubtedly one of Italy's most fascinating geological and archaeological areas. What is not so well known is that it is also an extremely interesting nature park, rich in biodiversity.
A group of local cultural associations, clubs and cooperative groups, with the support of the WWF, Legambiente and other important regional organizations, have launched an imaginative and busy programme of events and tourist visits highlighting the special attractions of the area.
The programme runs throughout the spring and early summer and includes photographic tours with an expert photographer, boat trips, archaeological tours, star gazing sessions, art exhibitions, music and theatrical performances.
These are just a few examples:
On the 1 April 2012, there is a guided walk around the crater of Europe's youngest volcano, from Monte Nuovo to Lake d'Averno, through typical Mediterranean vegetation and historic vineyards. The excursion will be repeated on the 27 May.
On the 4 May 2012, the visit to Lake d'Averno (believed by the ancients to be the entrance to the Underworld) will take place at the evocative hour of sunset, when Proserpina, the Queen of the Underworld, will appear to reveal the myths and secrets of the lake. She will be on hand again on the 1 June.
Other theatrical performances are planned on the 13 May 2012, with the Sybil Cumana and the god Apollo discoursing in the Cuma excavations, accompanied by readings from Virgil's Aeneid.
Photographers will delight in the excursions programmed with the help of an expert. One will be held on the 13 May 2012 in the Archaeological Park di Baia and on the 22 April among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Grotto of the Sybil, rounding off with tastings of local products at the Historic Mirabella Vineyard.
The emphasis is on astronomy on the evening of the 20 May 2012 during the Natural Nocturnal Lights of Averna where participants can view the stars and learn about the constellations and star- gazing by boat on the tranquil waters of Lake Miseno takes place on the 22 May 2012.
On Saturday 28 April 2012 Nature lovers can take a trip to explore the magical Forest of Cuma with its unique ecosystem and listen to legends of the ancient Greeks and Romans, while on the same evening the 180th anniversary of the death of the great German poet, Goethe, who admired this area, will be commemorated with readings from his Travels in Italy, followed by a concert of classical Neapolitan songs spanning three centuries.
A glow-worm spotting session is programmed among the vineyards of the Azienda Agricola Piscina Mirabile on the evening of the 25 May 2012.
Meanwhile, the Pozzuoli Jazz Festival will be in full swing between April and June, along with a succession of sports events, concerts, gastronomic tastings, book presentations and art exhibitions.
See the Campi Flegrei website for full details of the programme, as well as the regular boat tour around the Bay of the Caesars.
For information: Tel 3926421465 www.flegreapark.it- info@flegreapark.it
