Mount Vesuvius

The trail up Mount Vesuvius was REALLY steep.

We climbed this volcano. It was really steep and it pretty much kicked my ass. Since we visited in the off season we were able to park near to the top, but there was still a 30 minute hike up into the sky. The mountain is 4200 feet above sea level. When we hiked it, we were above the clouds. If there are no clouds, there are views of Naples and the Bay of Naples, but the day we went it was overcast, so we could only see the crater. To my husband's dismay, the rocks were not hot; in fact, due to the altitude, it was pretty cold.

The crater of Mount Vesuvius. It's still smoking.

There used to be a funicular that climbed up the side of the mountain. It was closed in 1944 after the most recent eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The ruins of the funicular station are still at the top of the crater. Along the path there are tourist shops selling beverages. Also, on the windy road up to the mountain we drove by numerous hotels, homes, and restaurants. Why are people still living not only in the shadow of, but also on the slopes of this deadly volcano? Right now is the longest period of non-eruptions, so it could happen at any time. I guess one reason could be the fertile soil. There are several unique varieties of wines grown in the region.


Useful Links!
Pictures from Our Trip!
Official Website for Mount Vesuvius Park
1944 Newsreel about the Eruption
Local Wines of Mount Vesuvius
Live Webcam of Mount Vesuvius