Cumae Archaeological Site

Cumae is an ancient Greek settlement on the Phlegraean coast of Campania in southwestern Italy, founded by Greek colonists in the early first millennium BCE. It became one of the earliest Greek colonies on the Italian mainland and later a Roman town.

The archaeological park preserves the acropolis, stretches of city walls, building foundations and necropoleis across terraces of volcanic tuff. The Grotta della Sibilla, a natural cave on the slopes above the site, is a frequent focal point for visits and photography.

Greek colonists from the Aegean established the settlement around the 8th century BCE; the city flourished in the Archaic and Classical periods and was progressively Romanized in later centuries. Over time the coastline shifted and the settlement’s importance declined, leaving substantial ruins that span Greek and Roman phases.

The ruins lie on the northwest edge of the Bay of Pozzuoli near the modern towns of Bacoli and Pozzuoli in Campania, on the Phlegraean Fields west of Naples. The site sits on low tuff hills overlooking the Gulf of Pozzuoli.

• Access note: Located within the Parco Archeologico di Cuma, the site sits on tuff rock and is sensitive to weathering - wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths.
• Best time to visit: Morning light and late afternoon provide the clearest views of the archaeological remains and the surrounding Gulf of Pozzuoli.

What to See#

• Acropolis and ruins: Archaeological area containing the city acropolis with visible building foundations, city walls and terraces dating mainly to the Archaic Greek and Roman periods (6th century BCE onward).
• Grotta della Sibilla (Sibyl’s Cave): Grotta della Sibilla - a tuff cave on the slopes above the archaeological site associated with the legendary Cumaean Sibyl and reachable on foot from the park.

• Visit early in the morning to beat heat and tour buses; the archaeological park opens earlier and cooler hours make exploring the ruins and terraces far more comfortable.
• Don't miss the nearby Sibyl's Cave (Antro della Sibilla) and the acropolis remains-these are often overlooked by quick visits but are integral to Cumae's archaeological layout.
• Combine Cumae with a short drive to other Phlegraean sites (Pozzuoli or Baia) on the same day to make the most of limited opening hours and parking near the park entrance.