Climb down the slopes of Vesuvius large and silent now and observe her throat, so deep and so dangerous, is an emotion that can not be described with mere words, but it must be lived. Vesuvius today attracts millions of visitors since it is the most dangerous volcano in Europe, sooner or later the cap formed in his throat will explode and will cover entire countries with his hot magma and hot. Vesuvius is the most famous volcano in the world, in fact, was the first Italian volcano to be studied, so it is no coincidence that the first Observatory on volcanic phenomena has been created just in Campania and today it is still functioning well, thanks to which volcanology has become a real science research. Vesuvius is about 1281 m high. and along its slopes is equivalent to driving thousands of years of history. His name is linked to the term “Cas” which means “shine burn”, while others associate him with the Greek Goddess Vesta, god of fire. Vesuvius has been loved especially for its fertile lands but also because the upscale area of ??the Roman patricians. In the past the Vesuvius has not appeared as an active volcano, because for a long time was considered a Monte quiet, for this ancient writers described it covered with gardens and vineyards, except for the barren peak. Among a large circle of cliffs there was also a flat space enough for an army camp, it was an ancient crater of which now remains only an area called Monte Somma. Not knowing its volcanic nature, the fertility of the land around the settlements favored. The great awakening occurred in 79 of the mountain. C., when the eruption were destroyed cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae, buried by ash and lapilli. The last eruption of the volcano dates back to 18 March 1944 during which the countries most affected were: Terzigno, Pompei, Scafati, Nocera, etc.. since 1944 there are more eruptions, but being considered a volcano in a quiescent state (ie momentary suspension of the life processes), some state intervention have identified a red zone, which includes 18 municipalities. He was also ordered an evacuation plan from the police headquarters in Naples, ensuring an orderly and not dangerous, were also identified other dangerous areas that have been designated with different colors: the red zone; orange zone; green area; yellow zone; The visit to the slopes, ie the Great Cone of Vesuvius, is the oldest form of tourism volcanological, because this was a mid-nineteenth century already inhabited during the trips that made the young upper-class European, but also writers and poets European during the Grand Tour The route along the Great Cone is the oldest itinerary of Vesuvius, is a circular route that requires a slight physical effort in relation to the slope of the route. The track “The Great Cone” from the square at an altitude of 1000m above sea level in the town of Herculaneum. From the square you can enjoy a beautiful view of the northern slopes of Monte Somma Cognoli of St. Anastasia and Punta Naso, the top of the ancient volcano. From whatever side we turn around the eyes meet the brooms, mainly those of Etna, which are accompanied by other herbaceous species such as the pioneer of lava red valerian. The overwhelming scent of broom announces the arrival of summer and affects the eyes of the tourists who begin to walk the Great Cone. After paying the toll it begins a long ascent to the cone through the wide lanes marked by a series of bends that allow small and rest stops where you can take pictures of the breathtaking views. Going along the pathways you can see even better from the view of Mount Somma and broaden our vision towards a depression that separates the two volcanoes, the Valley of the Giant. You can also recognize the lava was the eruption of 1944 which created a ditch covered with lichen. Going up more and more along the hairpin bends the view embraces the entire Gulf of Naples … spectacular! Arriving at an altitude of 1118 m. s. l. m. you come to the cottage from which to begin the guided tour thanks to the very kind volcanological guides that will fascinate you with their knowledge and will increase more and more curious about the history of this great volcano. After the cottage there is a wide path along which follows a series of views of the crater of Vesuvius and the top edge. From here there is a unique view: a panorama yellow dazzle your sight: they are the scented gorse. After reaching 1170 m altitude. s. l. m. you get to Capanuccia, it has come as the destination of the path.
