Mount Vesuvius

This morning we took the train along to Ercolano Savi which is the station for Herculaneum. First of all we got the bus up to the top of Mount Vesuvius, then we had to walk the final bit. It last erupted in 1944 and you could see the trails of lava flow down the mountain side. At the top it was bitterly cold but very spectacular. The crater is enormous and you could see the clouds of steam coming out in places.

 

 

From the top there were fantastic views over Naples Bay and the islands of Capri and Ischia.

Having wandered around the crater we then got the bus back down and went to explore the ruined town of Herculaneum.

Herculaneum was also buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD but a lot of it is much better preserved, even wooden things.

 

 

This mosaic is from before 79AD, hard to believe it's in such a good state.

 

These jugs had wine in and were in a tavern, still on the original wooden shelves.

 

That's enough culture for one week! The sun is supposed to be shining tomorrow so we're off to explore the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento around to Naples.