Among the various Phlegraean eruptions reconstructed only thanks to geological research, one was told and documented in all its moments and manifestations by passionate chroniclers, who did not want to miss the opportunity to directly verify such a particular and spectacular natural event.
It was September 29, 1538 when, after days marked by a notable seismic activity, the sea withdrew in front of Pozzuoli. The next day, on a site behind Lake Lucrino, an eruption began and forced the inhabitants to flee to Naples. The materials erupted in just two days formed a new volcanic building, which became visible only in early October, when the cloud of ash cleared. And then it became clear that the village of Tripergole and numerous Roman artifacts in that area had been completely buried. Starting with Cicero's villa, known as the “Academia”, together with spa facilities.
Precisely due to the presence of renowned thermal waters used for therapeutic purposes, the town of Tripergole had arisen in the vicinity of the Lucrino since the Middle Ages, which developed above all in the Angevin era. There Charles II of Angiò had a hospital built, as well as a royal residence for hunting. And over time the village had grown. But the eruption had not spared him and the viceroy Don Pedro of Toledo, who rushed to the Campi Flegrei to become aware of the events, also had to take note of it. He was not the only one. Taking advantage of the reduced activity in the days following the eruption, several visitors ventured near the volcano. It was for this reason that, when a new violent release of materials suddenly occurred on 6 October, several victims were counted. And then a procession with the relic of the head of San Gennaro left from Naples to stop the phenomena. Finally, in the following days the area of the new crater calmed down.
After five centuries, Mount Nuovo has two calderas, the smallest of which has been home to a pine forest since 1930. A luxuriant holm oak tree grows in the shady part of the greater caldera, while the entire mountain is covered with vegetation, mostly Mediterranean scrub. A natural oasis which, today, is the ideal destination for excursions for trekking enthusiasts.
Precisely due to the presence of renowned thermal waters used for therapeutic purposes, the town of Tripergole had arisen in the vicinity of the Lucrino since the Middle Ages, which developed above all in the Angevin era. There Charles II of Angiò had a hospital built, as well as a royal residence for hunting. And over time the village had grown. But the eruption had not spared him and the viceroy Don Pedro of Toledo, who rushed to the Campi Flegrei to become aware of the events, also had to take note of it. He was not the only one. Taking advantage of the reduced activity in the days following the eruption, several visitors ventured near the volcano. It was for this reason that, when a new violent release of materials suddenly occurred on 6 October, several victims were counted. And then a procession with the relic of the head of San Gennaro left from Naples to stop the phenomena. Finally, in the following days the area of the new crater calmed down.
After five centuries, Mount Nuovo has two calderas, the smallest of which has been home to a pine forest since 1930. A luxuriant holm oak tree grows in the shady part of the greater caldera, while the entire mountain is covered with vegetation, mostly Mediterranean scrub. A natural oasis which, today, is the ideal destination for excursions for trekking enthusiasts.
