Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is probably the most famous volcano on Earth, and certainly one of the most, if not the most dangerous. It is easy to reach the Volcano by car to visit the crater. Vesuvius is noted for having produced the first eruption of which an eyewitness account is preserved, in AD 79.
Vesuvius entered into the history of volcanology with the eruption of 79 A.D., described by Pliny the Younger, which destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti and Stabiae. About 10 feet (3 m) of ash fell on Pompeii, burying everything except the roofs of some buildings.
In 1595, excavations discovered artefacts at Pompeii and centuries of pillaging followed. Archaeological excavations began in the mid-nineteenth century.
 Instead, Herculaneum was buried under 75 feet (23 m) of ash deposited by a pyroclastic flow.
Amidst an enchanting landscape with beautiful islands, magnificent mountain ranges, marvellous coasts and historically famed cities, Vesuvio is the focal point, lying in the centre of a plain on the North West side of the Gulf of Napoli. It steepness and the abrupt way it rises from its placid surroundings, is what rends it so impressive.

The last eruption thus far was in 1944. Since then, the population in the immediate surroundings has had a manifold increase. Take the bus up to the "quota mille" from Ercolano or Torre del Greco, and for the first 25 minutes, you are in a sea of houses. Nearing Vesuvius, the houses become more and more luxurious, accompanied by numerous of hotels and pensioni.

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