Mount Vesuvius is within easy reach of the small town of Naples. It is only necessary to overcome a distance of 9 km in order to be at its foot. At first glance, it’s even hard to imagine that it is he who is the only one operating in Europe.
The history of the volcano Vesuvius
The destruction that followed his eruption in the 1st century n e., were extraordinary. As a result of intensified volcanic activity in 79 AD, the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were completely destroyed. Stones, ashes and molten lava - all this brought death to the inhabitants of beautiful Italian cities. It is believed that almost 16 thousand people died in a disaster caused by a natural phenomenon. The evidence of an eyewitness to this terrible event, recorded in two letters of
Pliny the Younger, reporting on the experienced horror to the historian Tacitus, has reached our time.
What are the characteristics of Mount Vesuvius today?
Currently, Vesuvius is estimated by experts as a very dangerous volcano, since almost 3 million people live in a dangerous vicinity. Try to find the volcano Vesuvius on the map. Noticed one very important detail? The territory adjacent to it is by far the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. In 1944, the local population was very excited that huge ash clouds were rising in the crater of this volcano, due to landslides in the crater.
Now scientists warn that Vesuvius is becoming more dangerous. Seismic studies indicate that at a depth of 10 km under this mountain is a layer with unusual properties. Researchers believe that, most likely, active magma emerged at this level. In this regard, the population should be ready for emergency evacuation in case of a possible sudden eruption of the volcano.
How to get to Vesuvius volcano? Excursions
Modern tourists can visit Vesuvius and see for themselves the surroundings surrounding the volcano, and even find themselves in close proximity to its crater. To walk through the national park, you need to get to Naples. Then you should be patient, as in this city you usually have to spend a lot of time in traffic jams.
The most motivated and patient, of course, have a chance to visit the famous park, and most importantly - Mount Vesuvius, whose photo will subsequently become a worthy addition to your photo album. Entrance to the territory is paid - a ticket costs € 8.
The road up to the crater of the volcano is a dusty serpentine. If you look back, you can clearly see below Naples and the Gulf of Naples. Climbing the mountain is quite difficult, so for tourists in some places benches are installed on which you can relax. You can buy souvenirs in memory of visits to Vesuvius at shopping points along the road.
After a difficult journey, an unforgettable sight appears before the eyes of tourists - the mouth of a great volcano. When tourists notice green plants directly on the inner elephants of the crater, very strong emotions embrace them. It is amazing that life also develops in such dangerous places, choosing the time of a short lull in the development of a powerful geological process!