The crater of Astroni, with its area of 247 hectares, was originated about 5.000 years ago together with the violent eruption that originated the Avernus. The etymology of its name is unsure, but probably it is refers to the presence of birds (sturnis) or that one of witches and wizards that met here to carry out their magical rituals (li striguni). The extraordinary natural climate of this place has favored the so-called “vegetation reversal”, so that some hill vegetation species have begun to grow up in the lowest layer of the crater (11 meters on the sea level), while the Mediterranean scrub has grown up in the middle-up layers. This Natural Oasis, controlled by the WWF, also presents different species of fauna that contribute to make unique this place. Finally you can see the so-called Vaccheria, a hunting lodge wanted by king Charles III of Bourbon in the 18th century.
Oasi degli Astroni
Via Agnano Astroni, 468 - Napoli (Agnano)
Ph. 081.5883720
website: www.wwf.it
Entrance: on weekdays 9.30/14.00
On Sunday and holidays guided tours by reservation only at 10.00, 11.00 and 12.30
Closed: Tuesday, 1st January, Easter Monday, 15th august
Free entrance
