Cuma Archaeological Park

Of the "big five" oracular sites in antiquity, Cumae is perhaps the least well known (the other four were Delphi, Didyma, Dodona, and Siwa). Spelled "Cuma" in Italian, like all the surrounding Napoli area Cumae was originally settled by Greek colonists during the 9th and 8th centuries BC -- in fact, Cumae may have been the first of the Greek colonies in Italy. The prophetess at Cumae was known as Sybil and is most famous for offering books of prophecy to the king of Rome. As the story is told by Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, she offered nine books, today known as the Sibylline Prophecies, for a pretty penny which the Roman king at first refused to pay. So she destroyed three of the books and then offered the remaining six for the same price. Again the king refused to pay, so she destroyed three more of the books and offered the last three for the same amount, at which point the desperate king finally gave in and paid up. Just how the Sybil operated her prophecies through the centuries is not well known since they were generally spontaneous, although Virgil (who lived 70 to 19 BC) wrote that she operated from a cave and was "the mouthpiece of Apollo." It is likely Virgil personally visited Sybil at Cumae since he had a villa close by. It was not until the early 20th century that this current location was identified with the Sybil since prior to that a cave adjacent to Lake Avernus was thought to be her oracular location. The so-called Temple of Jove atop the acropolis affords sweeping views; the acropolis is also where remains from the rather large Temple of Apollo are located. Going downhill to the shoreline there is said to be scant remains from a Temple of Isis, but I did not visit that. Cumae makes for a beautiful daytrip, including historically fascinating ruins, lovely vistas, not overly dense with tour bus crowds (at least when I was there in springtime), and what I considered to be extremely pleasant hiking throughout the historical site. In all likelihood visitors to beautiful Cumae will be staying in Naples, so be advised that getting there using public transportation can be a challenge. Reaching its nearest town, Fusaro, using the Cumana Railway is easy enough, but the last 2½ miles going north from Fusaro to the ancient site of Cumae requires use of the public bus service, which didn't run very frequently when I visited. In Fusaro the bus stops in front of Tabacheria Illiano Di Lubrano Lavadera (tobacco shop) on the Viale Carlo Vanvitelli, and the friendly owner of that shop is a great guy to meet; he speaks English after having lived in North Carolina for a few years. Or you could just hoof it by walking north on Via Fusaro, which is not physically demanding from a terrain perspective (all roadway and minimal inclines). I did it in reverse, walking back to Fusaro train station by foot in lieu of waiting for the bus in the sun at Cumae. However, please note that along several stretches there are no sidewalks and it seems every Italian driver wants to be Mario Andretti, so the feeling of pedestrian safety is not ever-present. That said, I rather admire Italian drivers because they are quite adept at negotiating tight quarters and avoiding collisions, so I wasn't particularly worried about my safety. Cumae may not be the primary reason an American or British tourist visits Italy, but it definitely should be included on your itinerary if you will be in Naples. Ideally, an excursion to Cumae would be combined with a visit to the ruins at Baiae (Baia), and that would best be accomplished by renting a car or similar. As always, plan ahead by ensuring these sites are open the day of your intended visit. Entry fee was €5.

Awesome place to take the family. Not stroller friendly and there are a few steep parts for the kids but overall worth doing. Definitely worth a day trip to explore the whole site. Don’t forget to stop and get some ice cream at the end. Lastly, there is plenty of parking, but I would just park wherever you can find it. The road is narrow at the parking close to the entrance so it gets really congested. Save yourself the time and just park a little further away.

Beautiful site to visit with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean! Plenty of space for the kids to run around, plenty to explore and read about. A great way to combine a history lesson and an outdoor activity for the family. We especially loved the different atmospheres in each area of the site, the kids never got bored!

A site really, really, really underestimated. All visitors come to visit Pompeii or Ercolano if time is sufficient, but Cuma is, indeed, much more ancient rather than the first two. You can find remains of temples and streets up to 700 BC, 700 and 500 years before than the eruption!! For sure some points need to be addressed to enhance this site. First of all, more indications, since it was hard to follow the correct path, up to the main two temples. Secondly, the description of the momuments, very old and ruined, dated 90s. They seriously need a restoration.

This is my favorite easy local historical site. The ruins are amazing, and the views unparalleled. This site was also featured in season 1 of “The Sopranos.” Six euro exact change admission fee, cash only.

Beautiful site, open space, under the sky. Ancient Temple with famous Sibilla Antrous Very interesting . Only 4€ . You can buy a global ticket to visit whit other flegrei sites. I suggest to visit with Baia Castel, Anfiteatro Flavio and Baia Therms .

What more can you ask for? Its a well preserved active archaeological ancient city with great views for four euros and no crowds. Don't pass this up.

What a spectacular Greek ruins site. It is filled with wonderful pieces of a not well-known part of the history to many. There are lots of new discoveries happening right now. Very interesting. This was my 4th visit. There's always something "new"...fascinating.

So glad I went! What an experience
This place is highly underrated. Such a pity. In its own way, this place is no less than Pompeii!

If you are looking for a place that is beautiful, serene, breathtaking views, history and grace.
Here is the place to be.

The direction to getting there are not the best at all.
Managed to find it since we were in the area. I can understand that it can be a bit hard for people coming from other areas.
Parking place is perfect. Right outside the entrance.

As of date 1-11-2021 We paid 4 euros per adult. Kids were free.

Like all archaeological sites, this place has its charms. Upon entering you can feel that you are in a different time zone. The super high cliffs. Large arches in cave entrances.
Mini alcoves.
I don't want to spoil it for the people who haven't been there yet. So I will keep the details shorts.
Amazing tress and the view from the top....I don't have words.
Beach, countryside, Greek and Roman architectural beauty all in one.

At the very top, there was a very knowledgeable security officer, who happily gave us a tour and background story of the place.

Left very enlightened, informed and happy!

Amazing and very inexpensive ruins. There has never been a crowd. You can walk among the ruins. The signage is limited and need repairs, so bring a guide, app or guidebook. Do respect barricades / don't take the road less traveled even if there isn't a sign - we got busted using a back way.

Very well maintained site with lots of history immersed in nature. Fantastic view of the Phlegraean Fields and very peaceful. Highly recommended.

Really loved this place as it has so many unique features I've never seen before. Important ancient Greek site. There are three levels and walk is quite easy. Especially notable are the long, eerie Temple of the Sibyl and the ruins of two Greek temples, one to Apollo and one to Zeus.

Wow, what an awesome surprise.

Really loved this place as it has so many unique features I've never seen before. It was lovely and quite - no noise, only a few people and lots of shade from olive trees. Could have spent the whole day here as the site is massive and significant in Greek/Roman history.

Only negative point is there was no food available on site, so be sure to bring a few sandwiches with you.

Very beautiful place l0

This site is a hidden gem and has so many great connections to the Greek history of this part of Italy. Especially notable are the long, eerie Temple of the Sibyl and the ruins of two Greek temples, one to Apollo and one to Zeus. To top it off the views of the sea are beautiful. A must visit if you have an interest in the ancient Greek history of southern Italy.

A very interesting historic site - it is really a pity that it is not more known. Really, a fascinating place, wonderfully located, with a marvelous view towards the islands, and in a nice, park-like atmosphere. Don't miss it, it is only a few minutes from Baiae by car.

We stumble upon this site by accident, however, it was extremely nice to visit. There are not many information points in english, but I was able to quickly find information to make the visit informative. Parking was limited, and we had to park down the road from the entrance. There are some really neat sights, and it provide a lot of information on the history in the Naples area.

Small cute ruins!

Closes at 4 (in October), one hour is enough to see the place, since only Acropolis with two temples and two tunnels can be visited. There is a bus from Fusaro train station and another one from the town of Misena, wich also passes by Fusaro. The bus stoo is a five minute walk from the train station, opposite the entrance to the lake Fusaro park.

Nice archeological site, perfect for a nice day outside, also with the kids.