Lake Averno is a small lake of volcanic origin formed within the basin of a now extinct volcano. It falls within the municipality of Pozzuoli and more specifically between the hamlet of Lucrino and the Archaeological Park of Cuma.

It is the second largest lake in the province of Naples and today is a beautiful natural oasis very fascinating showing a diverse flora and fauna. In the past, however, the landscape was completely different, as sulfurous fumes from the water did not allow animals to live.

Lake Avernus in Augustan times housed the military port Portus Iulius, of which it was the inner basin. In addition, it is a location full of mystery and according to ancient mythology, it represented the gateway to the afterlife.

Origins and history of Lake Avernus

The word Avernus seems to derive from the Greek and means "without birds." In fact, it is said that this lack of birds in the vicinity of the lake was due to the fact that gas fumes were released from the water that did not allow birds to live here. This is because Lake Avernus is located in a volcanic crater that has been inactive for 4,000 years.

Both Greek and Roman mythology believe that this place is the gateway to the underworld realm ruled by the god Pluto. It would also be the earthly seat of the fallen angel Lucifer, which is why the Roman underworld was also called Avernus. According to some then the trees around the shores of the lake inspired the famous dark forest Dante talks about in the Inferno.

Also speaking of Lake Avernus is the Latin poet Virgil, who in Book VI of the Aeneid tells of how Aeneas consults the Cumaean Sibyl in her cavern at Cumae, asking her to guide him to the Underworld, whose gateway is precisely at the lake.

Ancient legends then tell that Zeus fought and defeated the Titans in these waters, and it was also here that the Carthaginian leader Hannibal allegedly offered sacrifices to Pluto to ingratiate himself in his favor ahead of the important Battle of Cannae.