Archaeological park of Cuma – a jewel of Campania

History and Description

Located in the area of the Phlegraean Fields, Cuma, founded around 730 B.C. by Greek colonists, is one of the earliest Hellenic colonies in Italy, later ruled by the Samnites and the Romans. After a long period of abandonment, the city was rediscovered thanks to archaeological excavations that began in the 17th century, which led to the discovery of the Cave of the Sibyl—a tunnel carved into tuff—the Byzantine Tower and Belvedere, remnants of ancient fortifications, the Temple Terraces (divided into upper and lower levels), and the Lower City, which preserves the Roman forum, thermal baths, and necropolis.

Curiosities

The park’s fame, beyond the archaeological significance of its ruins, is closely tied to the myth of the Cumaean Sibyl, also recounted by Virgil. According to legend, the Sibyl of Cumae, a priestess of Apollo, presided over the oracle of Cumae near Lake Avernus, communicating with the gods and foretelling the future. Her prophecies were later compiled in the Sibylline Books. Today, the Sibyl’s Cave remains preserved in a way that evokes the mystical atmosphere of the myth, with lighting and side cisterns that seem to recall the oracular mouths.

Access Information

The Archaeological Park of Cuma can be reached by car, taking the Naples ring road toward Pozzuoli, by train in the same direction, or by local bus.

Visiting the Archaeological Park of Cuma means not only walking through history but also stepping directly into one of the most legendary myths of all time — a truly unmissable destination!

Photo credits: MentNFG (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0