Archaeological Park of Cumae
The Archaeological Park of Cumae protects the ruins of Cumae (Cyme), the first ancient Greek colony established on the Italian mainland, founded by settlers from Euboea in the 8th century BCE. Renowned in antiquity as the seat of the Cumaean Sibyl — whose prophetic cave Virgil immortalised in the Aeneid — Cumae became one of the most politically and culturally influential cities of Magna Graecia, spreading Greek language and culture across the Bay of Naples and founding daughter colonies including Neapolis (Naples) and Pozzuoli.
At a glance
- Type
- Archaeological park — Greek colonial city (Magna Graecia)
- Period
- Founded 8th century BCE; occupied through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval periods
- Style
- Greek Archaic through Hellenistic; major Roman overbuilding; early Christian basilica
- Location
- Cuma, Bacoli / Pozzuoli, Metropolitan City of Naples, Campi Flegrei, Campania
- Coordinates
- 40.8491° N, 14.0543° E
Overview
Cumae was the first ancient Greek colony of Magna Graecia on the mainland of Italy, founded by settlers from Euboea in the 8th century BCE. It became a rich Roman city, the remains of which lie near the modern village of Cuma, a frazione of the comuni of Bacoli and Pozzuoli in the Metropolitan City of Naples. The archaeological museum of the Campi Flegrei in the Aragonese castle at Baia contains many finds from Cumae. The park forms part of the Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei, a UNESCO Tentative List volcanic heritage landscape.
History
The Cumaeans established a dominant position in central Italy by the 6th century BCE, defeating the Etruscans and Oscans in several battles, including the famous naval battle of Cumae (474 BCE) with the support of Syracuse. The Sibyl of Cumae was one of the most consulted oracles of the Mediterranean world; the Romans sent embassies to her for guidance on state affairs. Cumae came under Roman control in 338 BCE as a civitas sine suffragio and was fully romanised by the 2nd century BCE, serving as a wealthy resort district. The site was gradually abandoned in late antiquity and the Middle Ages as the coastline shifted.
What you see
The park’s signature monument is the Cave of the Cumaean Sibyl, a dramatic trapezoidal tunnel 131 metres long cut into the volcanic tufa of the acropolis hill, with lateral chambers that served as the oracular sanctuary described by Virgil. The acropolis also preserves the Temple of Apollo (converted to a Christian basilica in the 6th century CE), the Temple of Zeus, and sweeping views of the Phlegraean Fields and the sea. The lower city contains a Roman forum, cryptoporticus, and the ruins of the Arco Felice — a monumental Roman arch spanning the ancient Via Domiziana.
Cultural significance
Cumae holds a unique place in European cultural memory as the city whose Sibyl sold the Sibylline Books to the Roman king Tarquinius Superbus — texts that guided Roman religious policy for centuries. As the mother city of Naples, Cumae’s legacy permeates the entire civilisation of the Bay of Naples. The site is inscribed on Italy’s UNESCO Tentative List as part of the Campi Flegrei volcanic heritage zone.
Practical information
- Address
- Via Montenuovo Licola Patria, 80070 Bacoli NA / Pozzuoli NA, Campania, Italy
- Managed by
- Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei (MiC)
- Opening hours
- Check official website for current schedule
- Admission
- Check official website for current ticket prices; combined tickets with Campi Flegrei park available
Getting there
From Naples, take the Cumana railway from Montesanto station to the Fusaro stop, then a short taxi or bus ride to the park entrance. By car, exit the Tangenziale di Napoli toward Pozzuoli and continue on the SS7 quater (Via Domiziana) north to Cuma. The Arco Felice Roman arch on this road marks the approach to the site. Parking is available near the entrance.