Lago
Lake Lucrino and its history
Lake Lucrino is situated on the coast of Campi Flegrei, in Naples. It was formed in ancient times, as a result of the sea waves that closed a natural inlet with an isthmus. In Roman times, the lake was known for its fish farms. The Roman senator, Sergio Orata, established fish farms and especially oyster farms in the first century BC. Over time, the lake was damaged due to the descending bradyseism. The Roman road, Via Herculea, ran on the embankment that separated the ancient Lake Lucrino from the sea and was raised by Julius Caesar.
Fish farms
The name Lucrino comes from the Latin word "lucrum" for the fish and especially oyster farms that generated a lot of money. The restoration and elevation works of the isthmus that separated the lake from the sea were carried out by Julius Caesar in response to the damage suffered by the fish farmers. The famous glass fiaschette puteolane from the 4th century show the oyster farming facilities, such as grids of piles.
Via Herculea
The road from the mainland to the isthmus was called "Via Herculea" in memory of Hercules. In the first century BC, Julius Caesar raised it to counteract the damage caused by sea waves. Agrippa cut the isthmus and the road in 37 BC. He allowed the ships to access the basin of Lake Lucrino, partially transformed into a military harbor, and reconnected the two road sections with a mobile wooden bridge. The road today is on the isthmus between the sea and the current Lake Lucrino.
How to reach the underground lake
Lake Lucrino is now known for its beauty, even if most of the ancient basin is submerged, and is located not far from Lake Averno. You can conveniently reach it thanks to the proximity of the town of Pozzuoli, an important tourist center in the Campania area. It is a small underground lake that you can reach on foot and that offers a fascinating view of the wonderful Campania landscape. The beauty of these places needs to be explored, so enjoy the journey!
