Solfatara

Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater located in the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic area lying to the west of Naples, Italy. The site sits near Pozzuoli in Campania and forms part of the larger Campi Phlegraei volcanic complex, which is connected to the wider Phlegraean Caldera system.

The crater is best known for persistent hydrothermal activity, including fumaroles and sulfur vents that continuously release gases such as sulfur dioxide. These emissions give the area its characteristic sulfur smell and produce yellow deposits of sulfur and other minerals around the vent rims. The floor of the crater features boiling pools and steaming ground, reflecting ongoing heat and gas flux from the subsurface.

Historically, Solfatara has been associated with sulfur extraction and other small-scale activities related to its mineral deposits. The broader Phlegraean Fields have experienced significant volcanic events, most notably the formation of Monte Nuovo in 1538, which reshaped the landscape nearby. Today, Solfatara remains active at a low level, and its activity is monitored as part of ongoing efforts to study the hydrothermal and gas-dispersion dynamics of the caldera system.

As a visitor site, Solfatara is accessible via a boardwalk and is often included in tours of the Naples area. A on-site visitor center and scientific interest programs support public education about geothermal processes and the volcanic hazards associated with the Phlegraean Fields.