Pompeii and Vesuvius, the legendary tragic duo

Pompeii was buried under a layer of ash and lapilli (fragments of lava). Most of the inhabitants fled the city and died along the coast. The few who remained at home, hoping to save themselves by taking refuge underground, died of asphyxiation. A moving memory, it is now possible to see and learn about the lives of these men and women who lived almost two thousand years ago.

Walking through the streets of Pompeii is almost like stepping back in time. This city, buried by the eruption and miraculously brought back to light, almost intact, preserves not only the most important public buildings of urban life, but also the humble hovels of the common people. Alongside the Forum, the temple of Apollo and the thermal baths, we also find the butcher's shop, the boutiques and the taverns that gave life to the city.

Unlike Pompeii, the ancient city of Herculaneum was first hit by a toxic cloud, then buried by lava mixed with mud. The lava covered the town before solidifying. When you visit the ruins, you'll be amazed to see that the town's dwellings, temples and public buildings have remained intact, like a testament to history. Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii, more intimate, less crowded and, for some, far more exciting. All that's left is to discover it and make up your own mind!

Probably founded by the Etruscans, then under Samnite rule and finally part of the "Nocerine League", Herculaneum and its coastline enjoyed a period of splendour in the final years of the Republic. Numerous patrician villas were built, a sign of a flourishing environment thanks to the mild climate and fertile soil. During the Augustan era, the southern city was equipped with an aqueduct, new walls, two thermal baths, a theatre, a basilica, a gymnasium and temples. As with Pompeii, the excavations at Herculaneum can be enjoyed simply by walking among the ruins, immersing yourself in the ancient city.

Built on the slopes of Vesuvius, you reach the summit of Vesuvius when you climb to the heights of Herculaneum. The atmosphere is that of a place of unique beauty and invincible nature. Just below the cone of Europe's only active volcano, the view is lost in the dark slopes almost devoid of vegetation, while a marvellous view stretches as far as the Sorrento peninsula and Capo Posillipo.

Go there at dawn or sunset, and the colours of the sky and the almost lunar atmosphere will reward you! The area around the volcano, including the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti and the Miglio d'Oro, is part of the Vesuvius National Park, created in 1991 and declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

From Castellammare di Stabia to Punta Campanella, a winding panoramic road follows the rugged profile of the Sorrento peninsula from above. The road winds through the scents of terraced orange groves overlooking the sea. Each bend offers a new and unexpected panorama, stretching from Vesuvius to the island of Capri.

Sorrento, situated on a promontory whose tufa walls fall sheer into the sea, is rich in Renaissance monuments. Massa Lubrense, further south, is a town of discreet charm. In the small port, the fishermen's boats rock gently as you gaze at a town that still exudes the atmosphere of yesteryear.