Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes

Mount Vesuvius is one most prominent landmarks and can clearly be seen from Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento and from the Isle of Capri. This article explores some of the historical background and provides a starting point for anyone planning a visit.In 1995, the area around Vesuvius was formed into the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio, the National Park of Vesuvius.

Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes, has an eruption cycle of about 20 years, but the last eruption was in 1944. Mount Vesuvius is one of the most densely populated places in Europe. It was during the destruction of Pompeii 79AD, that Pliny the younger gave us an eye witness account of Mt Vesuvius erupting, an eruption that later engulfed both Pompeii and Herculaneum. Many tourists who've heard of Pompeii don't get the picture there were actually two cities that were destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Whilst the Volcano erupted, it was Pliny the younger who documented the Vesuvius eruption. The eruption of 1944 could be seen from Naples and several photos have been taken Inside the crater itself, it is feasible to see glimpses of steam rising from the side of the crater demonstrating that Mt Vesuvius is an active volcano. Over the past few centuries, the quiet stages of a dormant Vesuvius have varied from 18 months to 7½ years, making the current lull in activity the longest in nearly 500 years.

Here are some Facts about Vesuvius

The Vesuvian area is the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. Mount Vesuvius was regarded by the Greeks and Romans as being sacred to the hero and demigod Heracles/Hercules, and the town of Herculaneum, built at its base, was named after him. 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.

Named after the naturalist Pliny, the type of eruption of Mt. Vesuvius is referred to as "Plinian." The zones at the slopes of the mountain are formed by transported earth of lava mud Monte Somma which goes down from the steep slopes in the rainy seasons through deep and narrow grooves called channels or more commonly "lagni."

World Volcano Hall of Fame





Vesuvius is easily spotted on any map of Campania region for its distinctive cone shape structure and verdant national park that surrounds it. Today Vesuvius is closely watched night and day for the slightest tremor and the entire area of 26 districts that surround Vesuvius area ready to evacuate at short notice.