Cave of Dogs, Natural cave near Pozzuoli, Italy
Cave of Dogs is a natural cave near Pozzuoli with a narrow entrance that leads into a downward-sloping corridor. Inside sits a chamber where concentrated carbon dioxide escapes from underground fumaroles beneath the ground.
The cave first appears in written records around 77 AD when Pliny the Elder documented the presence of toxic gases in his natural history writings. This ancient mention shows that the geothermal oddities of the Phlegraean Fields were recognized long ago.
During the European Grand Tour, wealthy travelers came to witness the strange effects of underground gases on living creatures. This reflects how people have long been drawn to unusual natural phenomena and geological oddities.
The cave sits behind Terme d'Agnano Hotel and is easy to reach for visitors exploring the geothermal features of the Phlegraean Fields. The area shows active volcanic activity, so staying on marked paths keeps you safe while you look around.
An invisible layer of carbon dioxide forms at ground level inside the cave, rising to about 30 centimeters high and affecting only small creatures. Standing humans can enter safely because the gas stays below head height.
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