Mt Vesuvius

Why Mt Vesuvius is special
This massive volcano that looms over modern day Naples is famous for destroying Pompeii and other thriving Roman towns in 79 AD.

Mt Vesuvius tips and insights
Current status of Mt Vesuvius
The volcano is dormant and stands about 1300 meters (4200 feet) above sea level.

Serious threat today
50,000 people lived near Vesuvius in 79 AD. Millions do today. They would be at grim risk if an eruption of the 79 AD catastrophic force took place now

When will the next eruption occur?
The last major eruption occurred in 1944. Some scientists believe that the chances of an eruption in the 21 century are greater than 50%

Viewing Mt Vesuvius up close
Transportation takes you near the summit. You walk up the rest of the way

Mountain wine
Vineyards dot the slopes of the volcano. The white wine Lachryma Christi (Tears of Christ) is widely known.

Other nearby Hillman Wonders
You can explore the excavated ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two of the towns covered by the volcanic debris of the 79 AD eruption. Both these sites are Hillman Wonders medal winners. Click the links below to view my web pages on them.
Pompeii
Herculaneum

Location in Italy