Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano located in the province of Naples, in southern Italy. It sits on the shore of the Bay of Naples, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the city of Naples. Along with Mount Etna in Sicily and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius is one of Italy’s most famous active volcanoes. The volcano stands at an elevation of 1,281 meters (4,203 feet) above sea level. Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes because it is situated in a densely populated area on the European continent. Historical records indicate that Mount Vesuvius has erupted more than 70 times. The most devastating eruption occurred on August 24, 79 AD, destroying the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and the villas of Stabiae. The most recent eruption was in 1944, which destroyed the towns of San Sebastiano and Massa di Somma.
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano located in the province of Naples, in southern Italy. It sits on the shore of the Bay of Naples, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the city of Naples. Along with Mount Etna in Sicily and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius is one of Italy’s most famous active volcanoes. The volcano stands at an elevation of 1,281 meters (4,203 feet) above sea level. Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes because it is situated in a densely populated area on the European continent. Historical records indicate that Mount Vesuvius has erupted more than 70 times. The most devastating eruption occurred on August 24, 79 AD, destroying the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and the villas of Stabiae. The most recent eruption was in 1944, which destroyed the towns of San Sebastiano and Massa di Somma.