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Solfatara
is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, near Naples, and is part
of the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. It is a dormant volcano, which
still emits jets of steam with sulphurous fumes. The name comes from
the Latin, Sulpha terra, "land of sulphur", or "sulfur earth".
It was formed around 4000 years ago and last erupted in 1198 with
what was probably a phreatic eruption - an explosive
steam-driven eruption caused when groundwater interacted with magma.
The crater floor is a popular tourist attraction, as it has many
fumaroles and mud pools. The area is well known for its bradyseism.The
vapours have been used for medical purposes since Roman times.
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