Located in the municipality of Pozzuoli, Lake Lucrino has a curious and fascinating history concerning its continuous morphological change over the centuries. The ancients linked many myths to this body of water, while the Romans exploited its many morphological features. One of four lakes in the Phlegraean area, Lake Lucrino today is a beautiful Nature Oasis.
The Naturalistic Oasis of Monte Nuovo
Lake Lucrino lies in a park, the Monte Nuovo Nature Oasis. The name is taken from the pyroclastic cone formed after a volcanic eruption in the 16th century. The entire park can be visited in a few hours, perfect for a day trip out of town. There are marked and flat trails, such as the one that traces the crater's circumference, and more challenging ones, such as the one to reach its mouth. Nothing is impossible; just equip yourself with a trekking pole. The breathtaking view from the top of the mountain will repay the effort.
From origins to eruption: the Lake and Monte Nuovo
Initially, the Lake was connected to the sea by a navigable canal, but seismic activity typical of the area indelibly changed the landscape. In the first half of the 16th century, Mount Nuovo arose from a powerful eruption, erasing the entire urban aspect of the ancient village of Tripergole that stood in the area. Not only that, almost nothing remained of the numerous buildings and thermal facilities of Roman origin that had made Lago Lucrino one of the most renowned Campanian residential areas of the of the Phlegraean area. The resulting wave motion then continued to transform the geography of the place over time, permanently separating the natural inlet from the sea.
The Roman period, the golden age of Lago Lucrino
In ancient times, Lake Lucrino was home to a large fish farm, particularly oysters. The activity was so profitable that the area derived its name from the word lucrum, gain. It became a sought-after destination for the Roman ruling class, who also took advantage of the majestic landscape to relax at nearby thermal facilities derived from nearby volcanic springs. Many prominent and oustanding people of the time built their finest villas here, which were later lost to the 16th-century eruption.
The Myth and the Via Herculea
According to a myth, Heracles created the isthmus separating Lake Lucrino from the sea. The road built on this strip of land bears his name: Via Heraclea. Today, due to bradyseism, the ancient street remains almost always submerged by the sea. It becomes visible only during sea storms, through diving or aerial views.
How to get to Lake Lucrino from Al Chiar di Luna
Lake Lucrino is just under 10 km from our facility. You can reached it in 20 minutes by car or cab. Otherwise, you can use public transport. A journey of about 45 minutes will take you to your destination.