The unmistakable outline of mount Vesuvius crowns and dominates the Gulf of Naples. Just like a divine figure it terrorizes and seduces at the same time. A magnetism able to instigate emotions of all types. Climbing the cone, walking through the lava rivers or one of the 9 paths, as well as simply breathing Vesuvius’s air is an unique experience for whoever visits Naples and Campania.
The national park of the volcanic area Somma – Vesuvio, established in 1995, includes a vast area of 8.482 acres, 13 towns, a biosphere area that is Unesco’s heritage and a natural forest reserve.
What today can be admired is the result of an intense explosive volcanic activity that 400.000 years ago has created, layer by layer, the Vesuvius. Mount Somma, the most ancient volcanic area, and mount Vesuvius, with its 650 m in diameter crater, are separated from the valley Valle del Gigante where you can still spot the lava flow and the Piante Pioniere. The mineral’s richness and the closeness to the sea have helped out the land’s fertility: apricots, peaches, and the famous little tomatoes as well as the precious grapes are only some of this land’s unique products. The sight of the blooming brooms long the walls in springtime, and the snowcapped mountain peak during winter, would be enough to elect the Vesuvius as one of the seven wonders of the world.