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Mount VesuviusClassic symbol of the magic Neapolitan landscape, Mount Vesuvius, overlooking the stunning sea of this beloved and dreamt peace of gulf, is one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world. The volcano consists of a truncated cone, Mount Somma, which rises up to the height of 1152 metres with Punta Nasone, on the Northern side. Mount Somma holds a smaller cone, Mount Vesuvius, also known as Gran Cono. The "cones" are separated by a subsidence, called Valle del Gigante: part of the ancient caldera from which, probably during the famous eruption of 79 AC (that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum), Mount Vesuvius arose. Valle del Gigante is divided into Atrio del Cavallo on the west-side and Valle dell'Inferno on the east-side. The slopes, which vary in their steepness, are furrowed by profound radial grooves produced by the erosion of the meteoric waters. The whole section is then characterized by dikes and fringes of dark volcanic rock. The old crater edge is a stream of summits called "cognoli". While the height of mount Somma and its profile have remained the same for centuries, the height and profile of the mount Vesuvius have suffered considerable variation, because of the following eruptions, with raising and lowering. Mount Vesuvius is a characteristic polygenic mixed volcano, meaning that it is constituted by lava of different chemical composition (for example trachyte, tephrite, leucite) and formed either by casting of lava or pyroclastic deposits. All the zones at the slopes of the mountain are formed by transported earth of lava mud which goes down from the steep slopes in the rainy seasons through deep and narrow grooves called channels or more commonly "lagni". The high embankments are formed by piles of lavic scoriae, which precipitated in incandescent state and spread towards the low slopes, proving precious for the vegetation thanks to their fertile material, rich in silicon and potassium. Proceeding along the rim of the crater, you can observe the whole extent of the southern part of the volcano and, during days with good visibility, it is possible to see the entire gulf of Naples, from the Sorrento peninsula to Cape Miseno, Procida and Ischia. It is also possible to sadly note the large number of buildings which have been built on the vulnerable flanks of the mountain. The Vesuvius National Park is the result of a challenge aimed to rescue the wild and enchanting beauty of Vesuvius and Mount Somma, pulling them away from an incredible deterioration and giving them back to the pleasure of the old and the new generations they belong to. Here have been preserved animal and vegetable species, geological peculiarities, palaeontological formations, biotopes, scenic and panoramic values, natural processes, ecological balances. One of the main purposes was to realize an integration between man and the natural habitat, also through the protection of anthropological, archaeological, historical and architectural values; the preservation of traditional and pastoral activities; the reconstitution of hydraulic and hydro-geological balances. Environment and nature Vesuvius and Mount Somma differ in many environmental aspects but, at the same time, they share something important, like the strong anthropization that characterizes the lowest slopes of both mountains. Mount Vesuvius area is drier and sunnier than the other, with a typical Mediterranean vegetation: pine-woods and holm-oak trees which are reforming the splendid Mediterranean forest. Mount Somma is damper with a wood vegetation similar to the Apennines one, with chestnut woods, oak trees, alders, maples, holm-oaks, and among these, if lucky, even if rarely found you'll see a wonderful birch, very unusual presence in a Mediterranean habitat. The Atrio dell'Inferno (Hell's lobby) where the last eruption of 1944 has left a magic species of fruticose lichen known as "Stereocaulon vesuvianum", offers one of the most enchanting natural thrilling spectacles of the world: during the full moon nights the lava, totally covered by this "pioneer" lichens, become literally luminescent with a silvery reflection. The Vesuvius Observatory The observatory was built during the reign of Ferdinand II of Bourbon between 1841 and 1845 and it is located at 600 m asl, and it has survived some notable eruptions (in 1850,1855, 1861, 1868, 1872, 1906, 1929, 1944) without being damaged. It was built on the southern border of the Somma caldera, between two deep valleys bordering the hill. These valleys have now been filled by the lava flows of the above-mentioned eruptions. Since 1983, the National Group for Vulcanology has encouraged research in the geological structure of the volcano, and improved its monitoring. In the 80s there was a significant number of earthquakes in the area of Campi Flegrei. Now everything seems to be quiet or within the limits of natural movement of the earth mass. The only evident exterior activities are the steam fumaroles inside the crater of Vesuvius, in the Campi Flegrei and the isle of Ischia. The historical building of Vesuvius Observatory now is a volcanology museum with old instruments on display. The exhibition takes the visitor in a fascinating tour through the world of volcanoes. How to arrive... By car: if you have a car, you can reach Mount Vesuvius going through the motorway A3 Salerno - Napoli till the exit of Torre del Greco: at that exit you have to turn right, then you have to go straight toward the first crossroads. Left this crossroads, go straight through Via De Nicola and then Via Vesuvio; an easy path 3 kilometres (1,86 miles) long take to crossroad with the road getting on from Ercolano (next to La Siesta restaurant), where you need to turn right and go on. After passing the aforesaid crossroad, you have to continue going up, and after 3 Km (1,86 miles) you'll meet another crossroad: turning right you can reach the old Vesuvius Observatory. If you want to reach the crater, instead, you have to go straight on, but the road divides further: the right fork take to the ex-chair-lift (notmore operating), where there is a nice bar with a sight-seeing terrace; take the left fork, which stops after 2 Km (1,2 miles) in a wide parking at 1000 metres (0,62 miles) of altitude where you have to continue on foot. By train, bus and taxi Who comes from Sorrento or Pompeii, can reach Ercolano-Scavi station, taking the Sorrento-Napoli or Pompei-Napoli lines. A bus service, managed by Trasporti Vesuviani, and a taxi service is available from Ercolano-Scavi station to Mount Vesuvius, until 1000 metres (0,62 miles) of altitude. The access to the crater Once arrived by car, bus or taxi at 1000 metres of altitude, from the parking there is a 860 metres long trail, with a drop of 135 metres and an average slope of 14% which, in about 15 minutes, arrives on the west crater rim (at 1180 metres) where there is a refreshment-point and the ticket office. The crater can be visited all over the year, except when weather forecast isn't good. The access to the crater is allowed from 9.00am to 3.00pm, upon buying a ticket of 6,50€ for grown-ups, and 4,50€ for school-children, supplied with pupil list and for boys from 6 to 12 years. From the ticket office starts a guided tour, accompanied by the local volcanology experts. The path continues among characteristic projections and briefly takes to the Capannuccia (1170 metres) and then to the highest point of Mount Vesuvius (1277 metres). Shoes and dresses must be suitable for an excursion above 1000 metres of altitude on unpaired terrain. You might also be interested in reading about the following topics... |
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