Mount Vesuvius

There is no better starting point than Mount Vesuvius to begin a journey through the history and culture of Campania.

Mount Vesuvius Video

To get to view the crater of Vesuvius, 1281 meters above sea level, you go first by road vehicle and then on foot for approximately 45 minutes up the steep mount. as the road for vehicles terminates half way up this climb.
The towns destroyed in the 79 AD earthquake make interesting trips as well. The ash and lava that covered Pompeii and Herculaneum preserved them to an extent not usually seen in Italian archaeological sites. Mt Vesuvius is the one of the three star “must see” Michelin sights in the Bay of Naples.

Mt Vesuvius History Perspective

From 6 January to 23 February 1944, lava flows appeared within the rim and there were outflows. The activity paused on 23 February and resumed on 13 March. Small explosions then occurred until the major explosion took place on 18 March 1944 The last major eruption was in March 1944 and it destroyed the villages of San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Massa di Somma, Ottaviano, and part of San Giorgio a Cremano.Following the major eruption of 1631, when Vesuvius it killed about 4000 people, it was during the rebuilding efforts, the ancient ruins of Pompeii were discovered on March 23, 1748.

The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Campi Flegrei, additionally known as the Phlegraean Fields (from Greek meaning burning fields), is a large 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) wide caldera situated to the west of the city of Naples. Pliny was here with his Uncle when the eruption of Mt Vesuvius happened. This volcanic eruption is the first to be described in detail. The letter-writing Pliny the Younger was stationed about 18 miles away in Misenum from which vantage point he could see the eruption and feel the preceding earthquakes. As Admiral of the fleet, Pliny the Elder had ordered the ships of the Imperial Navy stationed at Misenum to cross the bay to assist evacuation attempts. Since the first century eruption, Vesuvius has erupted almost 40 times. It was Pliny the younger that was an eye witness to the erupting volcano Mt Vesuvius that subsequently buried Pompeii. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the death of 10,000 to 25,000 people.

Mt Vesuvius Pictures

It additionally offers the very best view of the Bay of Naples, one of the panoramic wonders of the world. On the way to the summit, you’ll drive through the town of Torre del Greco to Vesuvius National Park, then hike to the top of Vesuvius to take a walk around the eerie crater at 3,900 feet (1,200 meters). Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes! A medium to high level of fitness is required to complete the climb to the top of the crater. From the top of Vesuvius, the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples have captivated visitors for centuries.

Vesuvius Facts

Whilst the Volcano erupted, it was Pliny the younger who documented the vesuvius eruption. Many of Pompeii’s neighboring communities, most famously Herculaneum, also suffered damage or destruction during the 79 eruption. Named after the naturalist Pliny, the type of eruption of Mt. Vesuvius is referred to as “Plinian.” Mt Vesuvius (in Italian Monte Vesuvio and in Latin Mons Vesuvius) is a volcano east of the bay of Naples, Italy.

Mount St Helens Facts

Mt Vesuvius the Volcano

From the Eighteenth century onwards travellers have been well-prepared to tackle the climb up to the top in order to admire the panorama and look down into the crater. Mount Vesuvius is on the coast of the Bay of Naples, about
nine kilometres (six miles) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is conspicuous in the beautiful landscape presented by that bay, when seen from the sea, with Naples in the foreground.
Vesuvius has erupted more often than not since and is today regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the population of 600,000 people living under its cone and its tendency towards pyroclastic explosive (Plinian) eruptions.The lava is composed of adesite, viscous in nature. The whole of Mount Vesuvius comprises layers of lava, volcanic ash and pumice.

Mt Vesuvius Map

Vesuvius is prominent on any map of the Campania Region as it dominates the landscape and can be seen from most place. Vesuvius is in the Campania (Compania Map) region of Italy, known for its relaxing food, in part because of the fertile soil of the slopes of Vesuvius.
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