Vesuvius is one of the most famous and dangerous natural attractions in the world. Its history began about 25 thousand years ago as a result of the movement of the Mediterranean belt, and since then it has erupted several times. Some associate the name of the volcano with the word “uski,” meaning “smoke,” others with the Proto-Indo-European word for “mountain,” and still others with a Latin word that translates as “two-headed.” At the foot of Vesuvius there is such wonderful and fertile soil that, despite the mortal danger, people have settled here since time immemorial. The same thing happens in our time: the proximity of the volcano does not frighten the Neapolitans. On the contrary, it is the pride of Italians. However, it should also be said that it is constantly monitored by scientists in order to detect its activation in time. Since 1995, the area around Vesuvius has been declared a national park. It should be noted that up to 4 million tourists visit Vesuvius every year.
The volcano belongs to the Apennine mountain system and consists of cones resulting from lava eruptions: Soma - the arc-shaped and most ancient part. The second cone is located inside Soma and represents the current mountain. At the top of Vesuvius there is a crater with a third cone, but it is temporary. It is formed during significant eruptions. This is why the size of Vesuvius is not constant. The crater diameter is 750 meters, depth is 200 meters, relative height is 1232 meters, absolute height is 1281 meters.
Vesuvius is known throughout the world for its lava eruptions. Scientists have determined which of them were the largest. It is believed that one of the oldest eruptions occurred in 6940 BC, and also in 1660 BC. The most famous date for the eruption of Vesuvius is August 24, 79 AD. Then the ashes covered four cities - Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontia and Stabia. This event is depicted in Bryullov’s famous painting “The Last Day of Pompeii”.
Other artists responded to the tragedy that happened in 79, namely Jacques Voller, John Martin, Johan Dahl and others.
Two letters preserve information about this eruption of Vesuvius. They were written by Pliny the Younger, nephew of Pliny the Elder, a Roman politician, scientist and encyclopedic writer who died in the said disaster.
The next relatively strong eruption occurred in 1631, as a result of which the mountain dropped 168 meters. The last eruption dates back to 1944.
There are 11 routes in Vesuvius National Park. They were created in 2001-2003 and are divided into categories. Among them are circular, educational, panoramic and agricultural routes. The total length of the trails is 54 kilometers. Security measures are provided for tourists.
Vesuvius volcano can be visited during the following hours:
- April-June, September: 09:00-17:00;
– July–August: 09:00–18:00;
– March, October: 09:00–16:00;
– January–February, November–December: 09:00–15:00.
Viewing the crater is paid and costs 11.70 euros. For children under 6 years old the ticket is free. You can also walk around the park for free if you don't want to visit the crater.
For detailed and additional information, visit the official website of Vesuvius: https://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it/en.
Vesuvius is located 12.5 kilometers from Naples. To get there, you need to go to the central train station Piazza Garibaldi (Stazione di Napoli Centrale), from where Circumvesuviana trains depart every day at side of Vesuvius. The duration of the trip is 9-16 minutes. You will arrive at Ercolano Scavi station (Ercolano Scavi). Ticket price 2.10 euros. There is a minibus from the station to Vesuvius National Park (ticket – 10 euros). Travel time is about 30 minutes.
You can also get from Naples to Vesuvius by bus from the company EAVBUS. It departs from Piazza Piedigrotta (piazza Piedigrotta) at 09:00 and 10:15. Travel time is about half an hour. Return buses depart at 12:30 and 14:00. One way fare is 7.30 euros.
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