Vesuvius is possibly the most famous of volcanoes, a symbol of the most legendary eruption in the history of humanity and the subject of intense and persistent fascination. The imagery of Vesuvius, the only active volcano in continental Europe, with its majestic profile looming over the Gulf of Naples, has travelled the world, but only in Naples can its charismatic presence be felt. Only here is it possible to watch the spectacle of life that tenaciously bubbles out along the narrow strip of land between its slopes and the seashore. The territory surrounding is, in fact, densely inhabited with houses built up to 700m above sea level.
To the left is Monte Somma (1,133m), to the right the Cono Vesuviano (1,281m), they are divided by a valley known as the Valle del Gigante, which is itself divided into the Atrio del Cavallo to the west and the Valle dell’Inferno to the east.
The territory of Vesuvius is arid and sun-drenched, with a mixed Mediterranean vegetation, pine forests and holm oak woods. The area around Monte Somma is damper, with forests of horse chestnut, oak, alder, maple, holm oak and the occasional birch tree. The 23 species of orchid and broom, so praised by Leopardi during his time in Naples, are also worth noting.
Film Commission Regione Campania
Piazza G. Bovio, 14 — 80133 Napoli
Phone: +39 0814206091
Fax: +39 0817904221
Email: info@fcrc.it
