history

Astroni' was well known since ancient Rome's time and used as thermal baths, as at that time the place was rich in thermal and water springs, that disappeared after the eruption that generated a new mountain (Monte Nuovo) in 1538. In that period Alfonso I of Aragon made of 'Astroni' a Royal Hunting Preserve, surrounding it with a high enbankment, which was turned into a tuff wall three centuries later during Carlo I of Bourbon's kingdom. The wall is still there, but badly mantained and needs urgent restoration.
During that period the monarchy used to hold luxurious parties and remarkable hunts for itself and its guests. Afterwards the reunification of Italy it ruined into progressive degrading, starting with the House of Savoy and further on, from 1919 till 1980, under the administration of "Opera Nazionale Combattenti" that allowed uncontrolled and unregulated utilization of it as tourist attraction, destroying the natural environment. Once that the Opera Nazionale Combattenti was closed down, 'Astroni' became a site of Regione Campania.

Nowadays Astroni Reserve belongs to the Campania Region; it's located in the municipal district of Pozzuoli, not far from Napoli, and comprises one of the volcanic craters of Campi Flegrei. Situated 16 km from the center of Napoli, its boundaries are Agnano to the East, Monte Leucogeo to the South, Pianura to the North and Monte Barbaro to the West. The total area is 2,47 sq. km., the highest point being 255 m (837 ft) above s.l., the lowest 9 m (30ft) above s.l.. The crater floor has a few bumps due to secondary volcanic activity: Colle dell'Imperatrice (76 m - 249 ft), Colle della Rotondella (59 m - 194 ft), Paglieroni (17 m - 56 ft). At the very bottom of the crater three small lakes can be found: Lago Grande, Cofaniello Piccolo, Cofaniello Grande. Some gentle crests, called starting from the entrance Torre Centrale, Torre Nocera, Torre Lupara ruffle the crater slopes