24km (15 miles) S of Naples, 237km (147 miles) SE of Rome
When Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, Pliny the Younger, who later recorded the event, thought the end of the world had come. The ruined city of Pompeii, now dug out from the layers of dried lava that once swept through it, brings to light the life of 19 centuries ago and has sparked the imagination of the world.
Numerous myths have surrounded Pompeii, one of which is that a completely intact city was rediscovered. Actually, the Pompeians (that is, those who escaped) returned to their city when the ashes had cooled and removed some of the most precious treasures from the resort. But they left plenty behind to be uncovered at a later date and carted off to museums throughout Europe and America.
After a long medieval sleep, Pompeii was again brought to life in the late 16th century, quite by accident, by architect Domenico Fontana. However, it was in the mid-18th century that large-scale excavations were launched. Somebody once remarked that Pompeii's second tragedy was its rediscovery, that it really should have been left to slumber for another century or two, when it might have been better excavated and maintained.
Pompeii Travel Experiences
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3 nights in Sorrento
Our first experience on a passenger train was when we left Rome and headed for Sorrento. We left early in the morning and were in Naple... Continue reading »
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Lost on the Mediterranean Coastline
The 50 kilometer Mediterranean coastline between Sorrento and Almafi is “one of the 50 places must visit”, according to National Geograph... Continue reading »
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Rome, Italy: Day Four ---> POMPEII
We're on the train back to Rome now. We got up really early this morning to get our tickets to Naples.We found breakfast at the station.... Continue reading »
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Vesuvius towers over what it destroyed
Starting out our morning on the train heading towards Vesuvius. We did not realise how close we were to it. Naples is very gu... Continue reading »
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Sorrento is for lovers and big beers
A 50 minute train ride from Naples the dump capital of the world is Sorrento. They are night and day. Sorrento is a beau... Continue reading »
