Montenuovo presents itself: it's a new mountain. Literally. It is the last volcano born in Europe, 500 years ago. In geological terms, it is a newborn. And where was this little volcano born? On the inside of a Supervulcano, the Campi Flegrei one.
Protected by a regional park with the same name, Campi Flegrei area is one of the most active and dangerous volcanic areas in the world: there are only 13 on the whole planet! There are many small volcanoes around Campi Flegrei, some even 40,000 years old, some have become lakes, some inspired the imagination of many poets and travelers. But let's go back to Montenuovo.
This small cone about 150 meters high rises on the coast of Pozzuoli, next to the lakes Lucrino and Averno. Born on 29 September 1538, it erupted three times in a week and destroyed the medieval village of Tripergole, reduced the surface of Lake Lucrino by 90% and isolated Lake Averno from the sea. A bang and then quieted down, Montenovo is off. Few fumaroles around the arena remind us of its volcanic nature, today it's a natural oasis managed by the Municipality of Pozzuoli
It is possible to visit it in complete safety, climbing to the top and admiring the landscape from the crater, walking along its entire perimeter and then descending on the slope that leads to Lake Averno. Here the forest ends and the “modernity” of the young volcano gives way to a much older colleague. Yes, because Lake Averna also has volcanic origins, it erupted about 4000 years ago.
Greeks and Romans believed that it was the access to the world of the dead, since its gaseous fumes killed every bird flying over.
This is the place Virgil chose to set the VI chapter of the Aeneid. We can sleep tight though: the volcano is now extinct and full of birds, vineyards growing on its banks and there are remains of ancient thermal sites. And if crossing those vineyards, you should feel hungry, there are farmhouses all around the area. An easy excursion, rich in nature and history, just outside Naples, perfect for those who want to go hiking.
Technical Details:
Difficulty: T (easy/medium)
Length: 6 km,
Duration: about 3 hours
Recommended Equipment: technical trekking shoes required(the use of any other kind of shoes will preclude participation for safety reasons), trekking poles, comfortable layered clothing, windproof jacket/vest, hat/sunglasses and spare clothing to take with you or to keep in the car.
