While in
the area, a visit to Vesuvius and the ruins of what was covered by its eruption
AD 79, including of course Pompeii and Heraculaneum is of course a "must".
Vesuivius
has erupted many times, before and after; three times during the 20th
century, latest in 1944, but the AD 79 one was obviously one of the most
destructive ones.
Pompeii was covered by some 25 m (80 ft) of tephra layers when it was first
rediscovered in 1599 and when excavations were made during the 18th
century. It has been a tourist attraction since some 250 years. You are of
course impressed by what you see and, once again, looking on the traces of the level
of civilization, including statues, paintings… you wonder why we had to wait
for centuries before Europe could again produce similar master works, to get
running water… We can even see pedestrian crossings!
There were some disappointments with Pompeii concerning
slow and unfriendly ticket purchase, lack of maintenance… , but it’s of course
a place you must see. You need hours!!
Closer to
Naples and the coast you will find the remains of another Roman city, which was
covered by the same eruption, but to a lesser extent than Pompeii, Herculaneum (the present
town is called Ercolano). Also here, the excavations started in the 18th
century – large parts (75%) are still hidden by the present town. Herculaneum was
AD 79 a coast town, more wealthy then Pompeii. Buildings have been better
preserved, there are today less visitors… , definitely worth the visit!
Well, of
course we had to climb the 1281 m (4200 ft) high Mount Vesuvius. You can come
rather close to the top by car, hope to be lucky for parking space… and then
walk for about half an hour, see the crater and get splendid (little misty)
views in the direction Naples, Capri…
Posts
