In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius not far from Naples lay the world famous ruins of Pompeii. Nearby is a little known city that also perished when the mighty Mount Vesuvius erupted that fateful day, August 24, 79 AD. Once a haven of the affluent of Roman culture, Herculaneum was a thriving city with all the modern luxury of its day.

Herculaneum had been buried under many feet of volcanic rubble until it was discovered by chance during the early part of the 18th century. Workers were digging to lay the foundation for a well when they discovered the site. Toward the latter part of the century the enormity of what had been unearthed was realized and serious excavation of the site began.

Herculaneum is far better preserved than its more famous neighbor Pompeii. The super heated volcanic mud flows from Vesuvius’s eruption flooded the city in layers, instantly carbonizing much of the wood used to build homes and other structures throughout the city, preserving them until this day. There was very little damage to Herculaneum unlike the fate of Pompeii, which suffered many collapsed buildings due to the crushing weight of the ash that fell on it. Although much of Herculaneum still remains buried, what has been excavated is truly remarkable in the amount of detail and vivid color that in some cases looks much as most likely did the day that Vesuvius erupted.

Many of the buildings contain beautiful frescoes and mosaics on both walls and floors, many still retaining their original vivid colors. Upper stories on quite a few of the buildings are still intact as well offering a glimpse of how the people of ancient Rome lived. Also discovered was a complex water distribution system that was necessary to supply the public and private baths, water fountains, shops and an elaborate sanitation system. There were many public baths in Herculaneum, a symbol of the affluence of a Roman city. Adorned with lavish decor including colorful mosaics, beautiful frescoes, marble fountains and artfully tiled floors, the public baths were a part of daily life in first century Rome.

One of the most amazing finds in Herculaneum is the library at Villa of the Papyri, the only library of the era known to still exist. Due to the direction of the volcanic flows from Mount Vesuvius, the library survived as did much of its contents. Many scrolls were recovered and though most were badly damaged, a few survived relatively intact and archaeologists have been able to unroll and scan them. They are now housed at the National Library in Naples.

Perched high in the hills, Ravello, Italy, affords breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The popular destination has a population of 2,500 and attracts visitors with its gardens, cathedral and rich architecture. The Ravello Festival, created in 1953 as a celebration of Richard Wagner, lives on as a local music and art festival. The weather is best in spring and fall, though the town boasts a mild winter climate. Summers can be hot and humid.

Ravello dates back to the sixth century, when Roman colonies sought the area’s high ground to defend themselves against barbarians. The coastal location was advantageous for trade, and a strong wool industry created more wealth. By the 12th century, Ravello’s population had grown to 25,000, and its noble families built a number of impressive villas. In 1337, the town was attacked by the Republic of Pisa, depriving citizens of political power and independence. Many moved to Naples and the surrounding areas.

The first stop for visitors is often the Duomo, or town cathedral, which dominates the town piazza. The cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th and 17th centuries, and it still shows traces of medieval frescoes. The bronze door dates from the 12th century and is made of 54 intricately decorated panels. The cathedral’s treasures include Roman sarcophagi and paintings by renowned Renaissance artist Andrea da Salerno.

Across from the Duomo stands the Villa Rufolo, said to be built by Landolfo Rufolo in the 13th century. Today the villa serves as the site of the Ravello Festival. The villa mixes Norman and Arab architecture with magnificent gardens of cycads and palms. Visitors may take night tours, complete with classical music and poetry readings.

Many regard the Villa Cimbrone as the most beautiful hotel and public garden on the coast of Amalfi. The villa was built in the 11th century, and then passed from one powerful family to another. A British baron purchased and restored the villa in 1904. Famous admirers include Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Winston Churchill and D.H. Lawrence.

Those interested in shopping will find an abundance of outdoor markets and small boutiques offering handcrafted items. Bargaining is not uncommon, so visitors should haggle a bit before buying. Many visitors buy locally made ceramics and traditional religious items.

Accommodation in Ravello ranges from small family-run establishments to luxurious five-star hotels. Bed and breakfast lodgings are common, while some people choose to rent apartments. Fresh locally grown food can be found in many restaurants. Seafood is abundant, as is reasonably priced local wine.

The closest international airport is in Naples. From there, Ravello can be reached by rental car, bus or ferry. Visitors should note limitations on ferry service during winter months. Cars are not allowed in Ravello proper, and parking outside the town is limited.

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The town of Furore, Italy is on the scenic Amalfi Coast. Travelers can reach Furore by taking the Amalfi Drive. This scenic road winds betweens the coastline and the cliffs.

There was a paper mill at Furore before it became a tourist destination. Fishermen plied their trade in the town’s fjord. The paper mill closed, the fishermen left and no one came to visit the little town in the cliffs above the Amalfi Drive. Furore’s mayor during the 1980s, Raffaele Ferraioli, was determined to attract tourists to the town. The abandoned paper mill became a museum and the area by the fjord was restored

The paper mill is now the Museum of Writing, Printing and Paper. Visitors can learn about the history of Furore here. This museum has some activities for children.

The fishermen’s homes at Furore’s fjord have been restored and painted in pastel colors. The Mediterranean Cup High Diving Contest is held at the fjord every year and attracts divers from all over the world.

Another project of the mayor’s was having artwork painted on the walls of Furore’s buildings. The grape harvest, the sea, fields and peasants are some of the items depicted in these paintings. Furore is sometimes referred to as a “painted village.”

Travelers can see more artwork at the churches in Furore. A triptych from the 15th century is on display in the Church of St. Elias. Mosaic tiles adorn the roof of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

The Emerald Grotto is one of Furore’s natural attractions. Light reflects off the stalagmites and stalactites here. The water in the grotto is green.

Visitors can get a close look at the cliffs around Furore by hiking in the mountains. Several trails lead from the town into the mountains.

There are several restaurants in Furore. Locanda Ripa Delle Janare serves seafood and Italian food. Al Monazeno specializes in seafood.

Furore visitors can stay in small hotels and guest houses. There is a restaurant in the Bacco Hotel. The Holidays Fico d’India is a house with six guest rooms. Visitors can see the mountains and the sea from the windows. Agriturismo Serafina is a farm with seven rooms for guests. There are some houses available for rent.

Furore can be reached by taking the SITA bus from Naples.

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The seaside city of Sorrento, Italy draws a multitude of visitors each year who come to enjoy the scenic Mediterranean coastline and take advantage of the pleasant weather. Numerous resorts in the region provide an excellent home base for visiting nearby attractions such a Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. The town of Sorrento offers convenient access to the popular Amalfi coast region and travelers will find public transportation options such as trains, buses and taxis readily available. Hillside hotels have attracted international tourists for years and the town continues to be known as a romantic getaway destination with an ideal year-round climate.

Residing 26 km (16.6 miles) south of Naples, Sorrento is a relaxed Italian town filled with cliff-side buildings that overhang the Bay of Naples. The population of 16,500 residents includes many shop owners and restaurateurs who open their businesses to the tourists passing through on their way to neighboring sites. Ferry service from Sorrento to the picturesque Isle of Capri is a popular pastime for tourists who have a choice of an 80 or 50 minute ferry trip or 40 minute hydrofoil ride.

Ancient history buffs will find evidence of early Roman days when the city, known as Surrentum, was an important trading center and wine producing region. A visit to Pompeii, located 18.59 km (11.55 miles) from Sorrento, makes an interesting day trip to explore a site that depicts the wealth and prominence of ancient Italian civilization in the region. In town, the Piazza Tasso combines historic architecture such as the 4th century Baroque cathedral with outdoor cafes and souvenir shops.

Fishing and agriculture are important industries in the Sorrento region that produces lemons, olives, nuts and seasonal fruit. A popular trademark product from the Sorrento area is limoncello, a liqueur made from lemons and sugar that is served cold as an aperitif or an after dinner drink. Some of the oldest vineyards in Italy can be found in the area that still rates as a top wine producing area. Both red and white award-winning wines are available for tasting and purchase at local wineries and shops.

Enjoying an al fresco meal at a Sorrento café is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors. The casual ambiance of eating at a trattoria and watching shoppers and pedestrians adds to the appeal of this relaxed Italian resort town. Local produce is typically incorporated into menus and diners will find traditional southern Italian cooking, fresh seafood and standard continental choices at a variety of restaurants.

A mild climate characterizes southern Italy and Sorrento typically has warm, dry summers and mild winters. Evenings can be cool, particularly from November through March, and occasional rain occurs during these months.

Located on the west coast of Italy, the famous Mt. Vesuvius overlooks the city of Naples and its bay. While the mountain itself draws in visitors from far and wide, it is just one thing to see in the area. The nearby ruins and the city of Naples itself hold may delights for tourists.

Mt. Vesuvius was made famous by its 79 AD eruption which buried the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in many feet of ash. This eruption was the first ever to be observed and recorded, courtesy of Pliny the Younger. It also carried the distinction of being the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe. The most recent eruption of Mt. Vesuvius was in 1944, though it was nowhere near as devastating.

There are a few different options for getting to the top of the mountain. Buses and taxis carry tourists to the top for a small fee, and many of them pick up directly from the hotels in Naples. The truly dedicated may choose to turn the trip into an all-day event and make the hike on foot, though this is quite a strenuous climb. Another small fee must be paid in order to be allowed to climb the rest of the way to the crater. Once at the top, the view of the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.

Once done with the mountain, the next thing to see is the ruins that it left behind. The blanket of ash that fell upon the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum was thick enough that it preserved the cities in a state almost identical to what they were before the eruption. Left undisturbed for more than a thousand years, the discovery of these cities was fairly recent and so archaeologists have taken great pains to make sure that nothing is disturbed as they excavate it. Visitors are welcome to walk through certain areas of the ruins and experience what ancient life was like.

The city of Naples lies almost in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius and provides a good home-base for those visiting the area. When taking a break from the ruins or the mountain, there are plenty of other sites to see. Naples is home to many museums, shops, and plenty of fine dining. The city rests upon the ruins of the cities before it, and underground tours of the labyrinths and catacombs are available.

There are plenty of hotels in Naples to choose from and getting around the city is easy. The mountain is nearby as are the various other attractions that a visitor might want to see. Mt. Vesuvius and its legacy of ruins are wonders that everyone should take the time to see when visiting Italy.

When one thinks of Pompeii, Italy it is with sadness and amazement for a city that was destroyed suddenly and completely under the ash and fumes of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Because of its preservation and archaeological significance, Pompeii has become a major tourist destination, where the life of 79AD Roman society is readily seen in buildings, objects, frescoes, and even plaster casts of the inhabitants. A visit to Pompeii is an awesome experience and will be amazing, as well as educational. The present day city of Pompei is located where Pompeii once stood.

Built in approximately 7th to 6th Century BC, Pompeii had a long history before it was destroyed on August 25th in 79 AD. Although some people escaped the devastation, those who remained to gather their belongings did not. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius came as a surprise and lasted two days; however, beneath the ash and smoke the city of Pompeii was preserved. Many of its inhabitants had been wealthy families of Roman origins. The height of the Roman Empire, Pompeii, in 80 BC, had become a colony of Rome. As an important city, many goods passed through Pompeii on the way to Rome.

It was not until 1749 that excavations of the former Roman Empire were being made, and Pompeii was discovered.
However, among the items seen were frescoes that were erotic and somewhat forbidden. Prior to that time, in 1599 digging had uncovered the erotic depictions, and because of their subject matter, they were covered over and the discovery forgotten. By 1860, Guiseppe Fiorelli was in charge of the excavations and created a method to inject plaster into the voids around where humans and animals had been, thus creating models of the people at the time of the devastation.

A tourist destination for over 250 years, Pompeii is now part of the Vesuvius National Park. A walking tour of Pompeii’s ruins is easily made: A train stop on the Circumvesuviana stops at Pompei Scavi and from there the ruins are within walking distance. Popular sites in and around Pompeii include the Antiquarium, with a collection of household objects and plaster casts; The Naples Museum of Archaeology, 20 minutes north along the coast, which houses objects found in Pompeii; and the Secret Museum, with a collection of Pompeii’s erotic frescoes and artifacts. Other sites for visitors include Villa Oplontis and Villa Poppea, thought to be the residence of Nero’s second wife, decorated with wonderful fresco art. Villa del Mistri, with remarkable frescoes, is another destination that visitors can enjoy in their visit to Pompeii.

A city of history, cataclysm, and reappearance, Pompeii presents the visitor with images and experiences they will remember long after their stay.

The city of Salerno, Italy is one filled with a rich heritage and a unique past. Once briefly the capital of Italy, this port town is located in Campania, along the Mediterranean Sea. Located just next to the renowned Amalfi Coast, Salerno is an important tourism destination for the area. Over 145,000 people call the city home, and countless more visit each year.

The city of Salerno is easy to get to, making it ideal for visitors. Many international visitors choose to arrive at the nearby airport, Capodichino. Otherwise, there are plenty of train stations, buses, or even boats that can transport you from nearby cities. Rental cars are available from nearby transportation hubs, and driving along the beautiful winding coastal roads can be a fascinating experience in itself.

The history of Salerno stretches back as far at the 9th century BC. The Oscan-Etruscans settled in what is now Salerno, although the Romans were the dominant power in the area beginning in the 2nd century BC. The Romans called their settlement Salernum, which is where the modern day city derived it’s name. It was a thriving Roman city for centuries, before falling to empires like the Lombards, Normans, Hohenstaufens, Anjou, and Napoleon until ultimately being unified as part of Italy in the 19th century. In more recent history, Salerno was briefly the capital of Italy, taking over from Rome, for a few months in 1944. Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III lived in the town, bringing recognition and honor to the city of Salerno.

Although Salerno is a port city that transfers over 7 million tons of goods each year, the local economy is based almost exclusively on tourism. Yachts bring in many wealthy visitors, and the Amalfi Coast is a renowned holiday destination for celebrities, businessmen, and jet setters. With incredible local cuisine and luxury international hotels, the city caters to visitors, making each feel welcome and a part of the Italian culture.

Countless historical sites and significant landmarks mean there is always plenty to see and explore in Salerno. Perhaps the most beautiful attraction is the Duomo, or Cathedral. The Salerno Duomo was built in the 12th century AD, and is dedicated to Saint Matthew. The belltower is a magnificent feature, covered in panels depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. The connect crypt is the tomb of Saint Matthew. Other significant historical landmarks include several palaces and medieval churches, as well as striking monuments. The promenade, or Lungomare Trieste, stretches for five miles along the shore and is dotted with exotic palms. The city makes for an exciting and relaxing holiday, with gorgeous weather year round and a welcoming population.

Located midway along the Amalfi Coast in the province of Salerno, Praiano is a small, refreshingly un-touristy town in a part of Italy reliably crowded with visitors.

Praiano began as a resort town, a summer escape for the ruling class of Amalfi to the south.
For hundreds of years textiles were key to the economy. In addition to flax and linen works, the city was famous for producing the netted material needed for the gorgeous and elaborate hairnets favored by Renaissance ladies. Anchovies and coral fishing were also important to the economy, and white the textile trade has vanished and coral is no longer harvested, fishing still thrives. A treat for early risers is to be on hand when the boats come in with their catch, and local fishermen are quick to offer samples fresh from the sea.

Natural beauty, historic buildings and an unhurried atmosphere make Praiano a good stop or a final destination. Two churches, the baroque-style San Luca and renaissance era San Gennero are notable for their stunning maiolica tile work. No dour colors here: the tiles swirl with the whites, azures, and sunny yellows of the region.

Starting from central Praiano is the famous Sentiero degli Dei, or Walk of the Gods, that goes all the way to Agerola. The hike is not particularly steep but it is long and can take three or four hours for an average hiker to complete. Even those who go only part way will be rewarded with stunning views of the coast.

There are numerous grottoes along the base of Amalfi’s cliffs, and one of Praiano’s most popular features is the Grotto Esmerelda, or Green Grotto, whose pool reflects a phosphorescent glow. For comparison, one can visit the famous Blue Grotto on the nearby Isle of Capri, which can be reached by both ferry and private tour boat.

Sophisticated restaurants and good wine bars are part of life in Priano, along with one of the world’s most unusual discos. The Night Club Africana, built in caverns deep in the rock, puts a whole new spin on the word “underground.” Initially a haven for Kenyan musicians fleeing above-ground prejudice and rock and roll, the club opened in 1962. Today it’s the most famous night spot on the coast, a venue for shows, live music and disco, with a glass dance floor perched above the ocean.

Amalfi Coast is a good place to escape Italy’s crowds and searing summer heat. The maximum temperature in the hot months of July and August is only 82 F, and in the low-to-mid 70s in May and June. Other months are cool, in the 50s and 60s. Praiano is humid in general and visitors may want to avoid the rainy months of October and November.

Positano, Italy is a charming town situated on the Amalfi Coast in the southern portion of Italy. The population of the picturesque village is only around 4,000, but Postitano prospers in the tourism industry.

The history of Positano dates all the way back to when Tiberius was emperor of Rome, and he imported flour from the village. In the 9th century, citizens from surrounding villages had to escape to Positano because of Saracen raids. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a main port city; therefore, people loved to fish in the village. In the 18th century, people from Germany, Americans and Britain began to notice the town.

Positano has become a popular place for weddings, as the city is considered to be a beautiful paradise. The Positano town hall is the site where many weddings take place. The terrace can be gorgeously decorated, and it looks over the breath-taking sea. The village is just full of romance, so many couples choose Postitano to begin their lives together.

The weather in Positano is mild, with the highest precipitation in the winter months. The sun shines in the city for much of the year, and the Lattari Mountains provide shelter from the strong Northern winds off the coast. July and August are known to be the warmest months in Positano with temperatures averaging 86 degrees, but the cool breeze gives some relief from the hot temperatures. Temperatures in the winter can get down into the 50s, with an increased chance of rain.

Positano is known for its incredible beaches, as much of the village is situated on a hill that looks over the coast. The two most popular beaches in the town are the Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia Del Fornillo. There are boats from these beaches that can give tourists trips to Naples, Amalfi, Ravello and the Isle of Capri.

The town is known for its beautiful staircases, which are situated in some of the popular landmarks. The Chiese di Santa Maria Assunta is a domed church that goes all the way back to the 10th century. It consists of captivating stone cherubs, large pillars and fascinating archways.

Clothing is another item that draws people to Positano, as the clothes in the village are made by hand. The clothes are beautifully designed and consist of lively dresses and bathing suits for females and many other types of clothing. Shoes, including clogs, flip flops and slippers made from cloth are also made by hand in Postitano.

There are no cars permitted in the village, as there is parking areas outside of the town were cars and buses are left. People are available to haul luggage to the hotels in the city.