Vezüv

Vezúv, also known as Mount Vesuvius, is an active stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy, about 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is the only active volcano on the European mainland today, characterized by its explosive eruptions and a large summit caldera.

The volcano is best known for the catastrophic eruption in AD 79 that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, among others. This event, which buried the cities under meters of volcanic ash and pumice, has been extensively studied and has provided invaluable insights into ancient Roman life. The eruption style of Vesuvius is known as Plinian, characterized by explosive eruptions that form enormous dark columns of tephra and gas high into the stratosphere.

Vesuvius has erupted many times since 79 AD, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1944. The volcano is closely monitored by the Vesuvius Observatory, established in 1841, which is the world's first volcanic observatory. Due to its proximity to the densely populated areas of Naples and the surrounding cities, Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The potential for a major eruption poses significant risks to the approximately 3 million people living in its vicinity.

The volcano's summit stands at 1,281 meters (4,203 feet) above sea level and is a popular tourist destination, offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. The area around Vesuvius is also known for its fertile volcanic soil, which supports agriculture, including the cultivation of grapes for the famed Lacryma Christi wine.