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Cumae Archaeological Park

The first Greek colony on the Italian mainland: acropolis temples, a sacred way and the tuff gallery called the Cave of the Sibyl.

  • Cuma
  • Archaeological site
Plan your visitBuy tickets
Where
Strada Provinciale Cuma-Licola, Cuma
Best for
Greek acropolis
Allow
2 hours
Tickets
From €5
Checked September 2026

Cuma was founded in the second half of the eighth century BCE by Euboean settlers from Chalcis and Eretria, the first Greek colony on the Italian mainland, and it grew across the acropolis of Monte di Cuma and the lower city. On the upper terraces stand the foundations of the temples of Apollo and Jupiter, linked by a sacred way, with a belvedere over Lake Avernus and the sea. The park's famous trapezoidal tuff gallery, some 130 meters long and lit by side openings, is conventionally called the Cave of the Sibyl, though the archaeologists now read it as a Samnite military work, not securely the oracle of Virgil's Aeneid. The legend is better than the evidence, and worth visiting all the same.

An early Greek settlement in the West with archaeological layers spanning Greek, Samnite, Roman and later phases.

Sources and citations (2)
  1. Ministero della CulturaParco archeologico di CumaHistoryRead source
  2. Parco Archeologico dei Campi FlegreiParco archeologico di CumaGallery interpretationRead source

Four things worth finding

If you see nothing else, see these.

  1. The Cave of the Sibyl

    A long trapezoidal tuff gallery lit by side openings, the park’s most atmospheric corridor, whatever its true origin.On the acropolis hill

  2. The Temple of Apollo

    The remains of the temple on a high terrace, later turned into a church, with a view over the coast.Terrace of the acropolis

  3. The Temple of Jupiter

    A Capitoline temple later turned into an early Christian basilica, with a baptismal font still visible.Top of the acropolis

  4. The Crypta Romana

    A tunnel about 180 meters long carved through the tuff, linking the city to the sea.Below the acropolis hill

Plan your visit

Everything you need before you go.

Tickets
From €5
Booking
Book ahead
Time needed
2 hours
Best time
Morning, in spring or autumn: cooler for the acropolis climb, softer light in the gallery
Getting there
By train, take the regional line to Fusaro station and continue by the local bus to the Cuma Scavi stop. By car, leave the Naples ring road at the Cuma exit and follow the signs; there is parking at the site.

EU citizens aged 18 to 25 pay €2; under-18s enter free. The Circuito Flegreo ticket (€10, valid for 3 days) also covers the Baia archaeological park and museum and the Flavian Amphitheatre at Pozzuoli. Entry is limited to timed groups of about 50 people and the Cave of the Sibyl to 25 at a time. Last updated September 2026. Prices change, so check the official site before you go.

Climb to the terrace of the Temple of Jupiter before you leave: most people stop at the Sibyl's gallery and miss the view over the coast, Lake Fusaro and the islands.

Official website
Get directionsGoogle MapsApple Maps

Strada Provinciale Cuma-Licola, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA)

Before you book

How long should you spend at the Cumae archaeological park?

Allow about two hours. There is a climb to the acropolis and a good amount of walking, so the time goes quickly.

Is Cumae worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you know the Aeneid or like Greek sites. It is a quiet, beautiful place with few tourists, and the legend of the Sibyl gives it atmosphere.

Do you need to book Cumae?

It is worth checking ahead, since access to parts of the park can be limited. Booking a ticket online in high season avoids surprises.

More to see nearby

Same city first, then the nearest across the region.

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