Vesuvius and Pompeii
Our second day in Sorrento began with an early start. We were straight on the bus as soon as breakfast was finished, making our way to trek up Mt Vesuvius. The volcano is most well for its eruption in AD79 which destroyed the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is currently dormant and the site was declared a national park in 1995, allowing visitors to climb to the summit. The tiring walk is certainly worth it for the view below and the opportunity to see the crater. sensible walking boots are highly recommended.
After eating lunch at a friendly pizzeria on the road down from Vesuvius, we headed for the site of Pompeii. The city was covered with volcanic ash from Vesuvius which solidified around the city to become rock. Many perished trying to escape and were trapped under the ash with their home. Walking onto the site sent a strange, almost eerie shiver down my spine. A large amount of the buildings are well preserved, but still show the devastation it all suffered. Casts of human bodies are displayed in glass containers, positioned in the way they died, some sleeping, some running. The thought of a whole city ruined in the blink of an eye is chilling when you walk among the remains and makes you value where you live.
If you're particularly interested in History, experiencing the city first hand is definitely worth it.
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