Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland. It is located on the eastern coast of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with an elevation of 1,281 meters, formed as a result of the collision between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.

From afar, the 1,281-meter-high Mount Vesuvius looks like a lion lying low along the Tyrrhenian coast on the western side of the Italian Peninsula, overlooking the historic cities of Naples and Pompeii, which are 12 kilometers and 10 kilometers away respectively. In AD 79, a massive eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii, which had a population of over 20,000 at the time. Other well-known coastal cities such as Herculaneum and Stabiae were also severely damaged. It was not until the mid-18th century that archaeologists excavated the ancient city of Pompeii from several meters of volcanic ash. The well-preserved ancient buildings and uniquely posed remains became widely known to the world, and the ruins of Pompeii have since become a famous tourist destination in Italy.

Mount Vesuvius has erupted many times throughout history, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1944. Today, it is merely a dormant volcano taking a nap—at least for now. Visitors can view this active volcano from the Bay of Naples or even closer to the crater’s edge. At the summit of Mount Vesuvius, one can see a massive crater 700 meters deep, from which white vapor rises constantly, as if the lion is breathing, inspiring both awe and fear.

Mount Vesuvius

Must-visit reason: The only active volcano on the European mainland

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe

Country/region where the attraction is located: Italy

Province/state where the attraction is located: Campania Region

City where the attraction is located: Naples