Cratere degli Astroni, Nature reserve and extinct volcanic crater in Naples, Italy.
The Astroni crater is a protected reserve near Naples covering roughly 300 hectares with three major hills and several volcanic lakes. The area is covered in dense forest that transitions from Mediterranean scrub at higher elevations to damper woodland at the crater's bottom.
The crater formed roughly 3700 years ago through volcanic activity in this geologically active area south of Naples. In the 18th century, Bourbon kings used it as a hunting ground before it later became a protected site.
Since 1987, the area has become an important haven for bird watchers, with storks, herons, and other water birds that gather at the lakes. Marked paths and observation points allow visitors to watch wildlife without disturbing the animals.
The reserve is accessible via Via Agnano Astroni in Naples with about 15 kilometers of marked trails through different environments. It is best to wear sturdy footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months.
The crater floor displays three sharply different climatic zones within a small area, ranging from dryness at the top to wetland conditions at the bottom. This compressed variety creates a natural laboratory for understanding diverse habitats in one location.
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