The Sleeping Giant: Exploring the History and Power of Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano located in the Gulf of Naples. It is famous for its devastating eruption in AD 79 that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving them in ash and pumice for centuries. Mount Vesuvius is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its location near densely populated cities and its history of explosive eruptions. Despite this, it is also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming to hike its slopes and explore the ancient ruins that lay in its shadow.
The slopes of the volcano are covered with vegetation, including forests of chestnut and oak trees. The volcanic soil is also known for its fertility, and the surrounding area is known for its production of wine and other agricultural products.
The geological composition of Mount Vesuvius is what makes it a fascinating and active volcano, with a history of producing powerful and explosive eruptions that have left their mark on the surrounding landscape.
Travel - With the Campania Artecard
Our day began by visiting Mount Vesuvius first before heading to Herculaneum.
1. Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Ercolano, which is the closest train station to Mount Vesuvius.
2. From the Ercolano train station, take the EAV Bus (line 5) to the Vesuvius National Park. The bus stop is located outside the Ercolano train station. The bus ride takes approximately 40 minutes. €2.50-€3.50 p/p one way
3. Once you arrive at the Vesuvius National Park, you can buy your admission ticket to the park and take a shuttle bus or hike up the mountain to the crater.
With Campania Artecard, we got a 50% discount off the entrance fee.
Entrance Fee
€10 for adults
€5 for children between the ages of 6 and 25
Campania Artecard
At Napoli Centrale we purchased the 3-day Campania Artecard that allowed unlimited travel on public transportation in the Campania region of Italy, including Naples, Sorrento, and Pompeii. The card can also be used to access certain attractions, such as museums and archaeological sites, at a discounted price.
€32 – 3 days for adults
The 3-day Campania Arte Card gives free admission to the first two sites visited and then up to 50% discount on further sites for the three-day card. We used it for Pompeii and Herculaneum for free admissions.
1. Vesuvius National Park: The Vesuvius National Park is a protected area that covers the entire volcano and its surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the park's trails, which offer stunning views of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including birds of prey, wild boar, and rare reptiles.
2. Hiking: You can hike to the summit of Mount Vesuvius to see the crater and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are two main trails to the summit, one from the parking lot at the Vesuvius National Park entrance and the other from the nearby town of Trecase.
We hiked from the parking lot to the crater of Mount Vesuvius in about 30 minutes depending on your fitness level and pace. The trail is a well-marked path that is uphill and can be steep in some areas. However, the hike is not considered to be overly difficult, and it's suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
3. Crater: The crater of Mount Vesuvius is the volcanic vent at the summit of the mountain that releases gases, steam, and occasional ash. The crater is formed by the collapse of the mountain's summit during previous eruptions.
You can smell sulphur every now and then at the summit depending on the direction of the wind.
The crater is approximately 200 meters wide and is surrounded by a rocky rim that provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bay of Naples and the city of Naples in the distance. Visitors can hike up to the crater rim to get a closer look at the vent and the surrounding geology.
The crater of Mount Vesuvius is constantly changing due to ongoing volcanic activity, and visitors should be aware that it may be closed to the public at times due to safety concerns. It's important to follow all safety instructions and stay within designated areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the crater.
Allow extra time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area from the trail and at the summit.
Tips:
1. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as in some places the ground is slippery due to the fine volcanic rocks.
2. Bring plenty of water.
3. During summer months, wear sunscreen and hat
Don't:
Wear sandals or sports shoes. We saw some people in sandals and trainers/sneakers really struggling to go uphill to the crater.
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