In 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted releasing one hundred thousand times the thermal energy that was released by the Hiroshima bombings. The output of such a blast included molten rock, pulverized pumice, ash, and gas at a rate that didn’t leave the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum much time to get out. In fact, archeologists estimate 1,000+ people died following the eruption. Vesuvius has erupted several times since then and is still an active volcano only 5 kilometers from the metropolitan area of Naples with 3 million inhabitants. It’s considered one of the most dangerous volcanos in the world. So, it might surprise you to know…you can go to the top! You can even visit a vineyard on the side of the mountain, taste wine and have a lovely lunch with some of the best tomato sauce you will ever taste due to the rich volcanic soil.
The trip starts at the bottom of the mountain by getting into what looks like a military bus with the suspension of a jeep. Which means, the ride is very bouncy. You are in a bouncy bus that takes you up a long winding road with cliffs and no guard rails while your elevation climbs. I’m not one who is typically afraid of heights but this ride scared the H. E. double toothpicks out of me! I had to close my eyes at many points. Once at the top you can take a small hike up to the summit. It’s dusty and hot, but the view of the Neapolitan valley is insane and looking into the dome of a volcano reminds you just how small you are. All I could say was “fierce” and not in a “Beyoncé” sort of way…Vesuvius is fierce!
You can’t visit Vesuvius and not go to see its impact. Pompeii was buried under meters of ash during the eruption and wasn’t discovered until 1599. Because the city’s burial was so quick, it limited moisture and air damaging the remains of the city to allow for the type of archeological results you see when you visit. Frescos, tiled floors and painted walls. Pompeii is a huge site to visit that is only partially excavated. It’s hot and dry in the summer so bring an umbrella to shade yourself and plenty of water. The highlights for me where the colosseum, the theater, the gladiator training area, the streets and the “street markers” that pointed to that “special place” where sailors where “serviced”. Oh yes, that “special place” is an amusing visit as well! That portion is not for those with more “delicate sensibilities”! (Pompeii featured picture)
Herculaneum on the other hand, was a smaller more affluent community that wasn’t buried in ash, but was covered in the lava flow. Because of that, it’s preservation included organic materials like wood, roofs, furniture and even food. While I enjoyed visiting the scale of Pompeii, I particularly enjoyed Herculaneum because you get a more comprehensive feel of what it was really like to live there due to its preservation. It’s a smaller more manageable site to see in its entirety.
I also recommend visiting the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. It has an amazing collection of Roman remains, but particularly mosaics, dishes, pottery, jewelry and such from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Between visiting Vesuvius, one of the archeological sites, and the museum, you will get a very clear picture of life in these amazing ancient cities.
Love your post! I just went to Vesivius last summer; your post made me nostalgic for that visit!!
Thank you for sharing Flamingo!! I’m glad you enjoyed Vesuvius as much as I did…hopefully it’s not a “once in a lifetime” for both of us!! Hugs