Cratere degli Astroni
Napoli (NA)
KnownVolcanoes
The story
An extinct crater enclosed by wooded walls, with small lakes and silent trails: once a Bourbon hunting reserve, today an oasis where the woodpecker marks the time.
Access
€ oasis
The story
The Crater of the Astroni, at Agnano, is one of the best-preserved craters of the Campi Flegrei: since 1987 it has been a state nature reserve run by the WWF. For centuries it was the hunting reserve of the kings of Naples, and this saved it from urbanisation, leaving it an oasis of wood and water right up against the city.
What to see
A natural amphitheatre of about two hundred and fifty hectares, with internal hills, small lakes (the Lago Grande) and a luxuriant forest, where the vegetation is laid out in reverse — scrub on the rim, humid wood at the bottom. A refuge for birds and wild animals, surprising so close to Naples.
Tips
The reserve is visited with its own arrangements (often by booking, with WWF routes and activities): check days, hours and admission on the official site before going. You enter from via Agnano agli Astroni, from the ring road (Agnano exit). Walking shoes are useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Crater of the Astroni?
A volcanic crater of the Campi Flegrei, since 1987 a state nature reserve run by the WWF: an oasis of wood and small lakes, once a Bourbon hunting reserve.
How do you visit the Crater of the Astroni?
With its own arrangements, often by booking and with WWF routes: it is best to check days, hours and admission on the official site.
Where is it?
At Agnano, in Naples, with entrance from via Agnano agli Astroni (ring road, Agnano exit).
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