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Visiting: Liternum on Lake Patria

The site of Liternum, a Roman maritime colony founded in 194 BC on the shore of Lake Patria and linked to Scipio Africanus, is part of the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park: the Forum with the Capitolium, Basilica and theatre, the amphitheatre and a necropolis remain. Opening hours are not clearly published: contact the Park before going.

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Liternum

Liternum was founded in 194 BC, together with Puteoli (Pozzuoli) and Volturnum, as a maritime colony for veterans of the Second Punic War; according to tradition, Scipio Africanus retired there in exile and was buried there. It lies 8 km north of Cuma, on the left shore of Lake Patria. Excavations in 1932 uncovered almost the entire Forum, with the remains of the Capitolium, the Basilica and the theatre; outside the town are the amphitheatre, near the river mouth, and a necropolis of the 2nd century AD. The town flourished between the Augustan age and the 2nd century AD and began to decline in the 4th.

Liternum is part of the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park (Ministry of Culture); the site's address is via Scipione l'Africano. The official listings do not give clear, up-to-date opening hours: before visiting, contact the Park using the details published on its website.

Lake Patria

The municipal statute lists Lake Patria among the natural resources to protect, together with the coast; Liternum lies on its left shore.

Sources

Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei – Liternum· Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei – Ministero della Cultura

Updated: 2026-10-14

Ministero della Cultura – Parco archeologico di Liternum· Ministero della Cultura

Updated: 2026-10-14

Ministero dell'Interno – DAIT, Statuto del Comune di Giugliano in Campania· Ministero dell'Interno – Dipartimento per gli Affari Interni e Territoriali

Updated: 2026-10-14

Reviewed: 10/20/2026 · by piero.avolio · rev. 1 · Period: → 2027-10-13

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