Mount Vesuvius Tourist Information | Print |
Written by Katia Malvina   
Sunday, 28 July 2013 15:11

Tourist Information for Mt. Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius, located near the Naples, Italy is probably a magnificent sight in Italy that many have people do not know the complete fascinating history to this frightening and scary volcano. If you are among those, who don't know that much about it and have no clue, why it is a place worth seeing and visiting, here is a brief explanation.

A view of Mt. Vesuvius from Pompeii outside of Naples, ItalyA little less than 2000 years ago (more precisely - on August 24 79 A.D) Vesuvius erupted. But it was not a regular eruption - it was a happening that changed the history as it was known to man until that point. Two rather large and lively cities - Pompeii and Herculaneum - were completely destroyed.  The citizens were taken unaware while only very few of them managed to escape with a majority dying under the cover of ashes and lava. Today, Pompeii has been re-discovered and its amazing values are open to the public. And today Mount Vesuvius as a tourism site that attracts many visitors every year.

You'll be able to see what life was like during the Roman Empire because much of the town was preserved by the volcanic ash that ensued during that fateful day.

If you are a passionate hiker, who doesn't mind walking a bit to reach some truly impressive views, you will certainly like it in Mount Vesuvius. So, what you will see there, once reaching the summit? The main sightseeing highlight of the volcano is its crater with some fumes can that can still be seen smoking. ‘Isn't going to erupt?' you probably wonder. Well, there is no point in lying. It was not so long time ago since the last eruption occurred in 1944 and lasted for two weeks and the volcano is still active, so it is very possible that one day an eruption will happen again.

So, prior going there, be sure that there are no warnings from the local authorities. If you hear some, of course - forget about the visitation! However, if there are no signs of threat do not hesitate and pay the spot a visit.

Besides the famous crater the resplendent scenery that will appear from the top, will surely impress you as well; as the majority of the visitors claim - the view of Pompeii and Bay of Naples is truly something worth experiencing! In 1870 there was also a funicular railway which was functioning until the last eruption and the remains of this railway are also opened for the visitors to see.

The only starting point for the tourists is the parking site where you have to purchase a ticket and from where about 800 meters long walk to the top follows. There are several ways to reach the site depending on from where you departure.

Mount Vesuvius from Naples

If you happen to be in Naples, there buses going from the Naples Central Train Station twice a day (at 9:20 and 13:35). Another choice is taking a taxi. Of course, it will be a little bit more expensive, but at least your arrival time will not be that limited. The taxis can be found on a square near Ercolano Central Train Station. Drivers of the taxis are able to get you a cheaper entrance ticket to the mountain, but it is not more advantageous deal since then they take a little bit more money for the ride. But if you want to save the money plus enjoy a bit more from the local nature, you can definitely walk those 6 kilometers up on your own, just remember to be dressed appropriately - at least have a pair of good hiking shoes!

The entrance fee is €6.50.

Related links: Hotels in Naples, Italy | Get Around Naples by Boat | Naples Underground

Photo Attribution: By Morn the Gorn (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons