Starting from: 0 per person
1h
Italian
Unlimited
Archaeological Area
Suitable for children
Suitable for couples
Pets allowed
Parking available
Barrier-free
Language supports
The entrance fee for the Sybil's Cave is paid separately (4 € full, 2 € reduced)
L'Cavern of the Cumana Sibyl, is one of the most visited places in the Archaeological Park of Cumae, an ancient Greek colony. The site is part of the archaeological circuit of the Phlegraean Fields.
The cavern is a stone tunnel, said to be one of the world's most famous oracles, the Sibyl, bestowed in this place his mysterious prophecies.
According to the opinion of some archaeologists, however, it could be a simple defensive work, as there is no certain evidence that this tunnel is really the place where the Sibyl performed divinations.
Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious, magical and fascinating places in Italy, because legend ascribes an absolutely special value to it and because even today it is still not known exactly who built it, when and why.
L'Sybil's Cavern is located immediately after the driveway of the Archaeological excavations of Cumae, accessible from a small yard on the left.
The tuffaceous gallery was discovered in 1932 by Amedeo Maiuri, a noted Italian archaeologist, and is 5 meters high and over 130 meters long.
Along the way, other alleys open on both sides that were used for lighting and ventilation, later used as cisterns in Roman times and as burial places by Christians. Walking through the tunnel is a truly evocative experience.
The Cumaean Sibyl was one of the most important Sibyls of the ancient world, priestesses, usually devoted to Apollo, who had the gift of clairvoyance.
According to legend, the priestess of Cumae used to receive those eager to have her responses in this cave, now known as theSybil's Cavern, carrying out his oracle activity in a state of semi-trance, generating disquiet and fear even in the souls of the bravest.
It is said that the God Apollo had fallen in love with her, and had granted her the gift of immortality, but not the gift of eternal youth: thus it was that the Cumaean Sibyl he lived for more than 1,000 years, but his body grew smaller and more worn out, like that of a cicada.
She was locked in a cage inside the temple of God until her body disappeared and only her voice remained.
Another element related to the legend concerns the oracles of the Cumaean Sibyl. The oracles were collected in books of prophecies that the priestess offered, in exchange for a fee, to the last of the seven kings of Rome, Tarquinius the Superb.
The famous Sibylline Books were kept in the Capitoline Temple in Rome and consulted by the Senate during emergencies. They burned along with the Temple in 83 BC.
One of the most structurally fascinating features of the Antro della Sibilla Cumana is undoubtedly its curious trapezoidal shape.
Over time scholars have advanced explanations for this, and the most credited one sees this archaeological site as an example of the mastery achieved by ancient architecture.
The trapezoidal shape of the upper part of the tunnel would, in fact, be a clever earthquake-proof device borrowed from Greek architecture, given the strong seismic risk present in the area of the Phlegraean Fields.
Through this expedient, an archaeological treasure with a unique historical and mythological atmosphere has come down to the present day.
With Movery you always have a digital assistant at your side. Before booking we are at your disposal to clarify any doubts, after booking we will send you all the partner's information with which you can define the last little details. Don't worry until the experience is completed (and even during) our assistant will be there to resolve any unforeseen issues and clarify any doubts.
From Piazza Garibaldi take the A56 motorway from Corso Novara and Corso Malta, then follow A56 in the direction of Via Toiano in Pozzuoli. Take exit 13 towards Cuma. Follow Via Montenuovo Licola Patria, Via Arco Felice Vecchio and Strada Provinciale Cuma Licola to your destination.
Metro: from Piazza Garibaldi take metro line 2 and get off at Montesanto stop, here change to Circumflegrea.With Circumflegrea get off at Fusaro stop. Get to the EAV Miseno-Fusaro-Miseno bus stop and get off at the Capolinea Cuma Scavi stop. Bus: from the Piazzetta Circumvesuviana stop at Piazza Garibaldi in Naples, take the EAV Napoli-Monte di Procida bus and get off at the Via Cuma stop. From there, continue on foot following the signs to the Archaeological Site.
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