Pozzuoli is the Phlegraean Peninsula's main city and is located in the center of the Campi Flegrei, also called the Phlegraean Fields. This volcanic area is so magnificent that it was once thought to be the entrance to hell. The fields cover a large geographical area that stretches from the western Naples neighborhood of Posillipo to the city of Cuma and the western coast of the Bay of Naples; they also encompass numerous islands, including Ischia and Procida.
Entrance costs 4 euros and grants visitors access to most sights in the region for two days, including the crater lakes, Cuma Archaeological Park, the Temple of Serapis, the Flavian Amphitheater and the Baia Archaeological Museum. A notable exception is the Solfatara, a bubbling pool of lava and the location of hell's entrance. Admission 7 euros adults. http://www.solfatara.it.
Getting to the Phlegraean Fields from Naples' city center takes about 20 minutes. Take the Metronapoli toward Pozzuoli and get off at the Montesanto stop; there you will find the Circumflegrea and Cumana railways. The Circumflegrea takes visitors to Licola and Cuma, where the cave once inhabited by the oracle Sybil can be visited. The Cumana goes to Pozzuoli, Baia and Fusaro.
Main sights in Pozzuoli include the Solfatara, the Flavian Amphitheater (closed Tuesday), and the Temple of Serapis; main sights in Baia include the Archaeological Museum (closed Monday), located inside the Castello di Baia; the main sight in Fusaro is the beautiful Lake Fusaro, separated from the ocean by thin strip of land that has created a unique, thriving ecosystem. Sights open daily 8:30 am until one hour before sunset.
Navigating the sights requires taking five- to 20-minute rides on buses and trains; an all-day ticket (6.30 euros) gives you access to both modes of transportation. The tourist office in Pozzuoli has lots of helpful information. Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm. Phone 81-526-1481 or 81-526-6639. http://www.icampiflegrei.it/index-eng.htm.
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