Mefite Lake: A Natural Treasure between Frigento, Rocca San Felice, and Guardia Lombardi

Posted in: The Best Traditional Irpinian Products, Carmasciano: Flavors from the Hills of Irpinia

Also known as Mefitis, the lake is named after the goddess Mefite, an Osco-Umbrian deity associated with sulfurous waters and marshy areas. In ancient times, it was considered a gateway to the underworld and was venerated as the abode of the goddess Mefite. The Irpinian people sought wealth and protection from the goddess, and a sanctuary was dedicated to her.

Initially considered a benign and protective deity, the perception of Mefite changed due to the lake's lethal exhalations, transforming her into a malevolent spirit and fueling numerous popular legends.

Tradition tells that during sacrificial rites, victims were suffocated by the strong fumes emanating from the ground, making the atmosphere of the place even more eerie. Virgil mentions this in the seventh book of the Aeneid.

The area surrounding the lake is characterized by a suggestive landscape, where sulfurous vapors rise from the water creating an almost surreal atmosphere. This phenomenon is due to the presence of volcanic gases, mainly carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, emerging from the underground. Yellow sulfur patches are visible on the lake's surface, making it a unique place in the world.

Lago Mefite plays a fundamental role in the region's agricultural economy. The volcanic gases and mineral waters emerging from the lake enrich the surrounding soil with nutrients, making it particularly fertile and suitable for agriculture.

Despite the exhalations being potentially lethal for humans under certain climatic conditions, they are not harmful to animals and vegetation. The forages growing in the soils enriched by volcanic gases are particularly nutritious and impart a unique flavor to the agricultural products of the area.

Carmasciano: Irpinian Pecorino Excellence

One of the most prized agricultural products benefiting from the fertile soil around Lago Mefite is Carmasciano, a hard pecorino cheese typical of the area. This cheese is renowned for its intense and aromatic flavor, which comes from the unique herbs and forages that the sheep feed on.

Carmasciano is produced using traditional methods, utilizing the milk from sheep that graze freely in the fields around the lake. These special herbs contribute to the quality and taste of the typical local dairy products. This cheese not only represents a gastronomic excellence, now recognized worldwide, but also symbolizes the tradition and agricultural culture of the region, crafted since ancient times and passed down to new generations.