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Located east of Napoli, the Vesuvius National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio) is a place of huge geological as well as historical importance. Scientific research is active continuously on the territory of the park. Beside Vesuvius – perhaps, the most famous volcano on the planet, there is another old volcanic cone called Mount Somma located on a guarded territory. Today the Mt. Somma is almost completely destroyed. There is also a volcanic caldera called Valle del Gigante. Vesuvius and Somma are very diverse in terms of flora and fauna. The drier slopes of Vesuvius are covered with typical Mediterranean maquis (dry vegetation with abundant evergreen shrubberies). Meanwhile, the slopes of Mt. Somma are covered with mixed forest trees. All together, this volcanic tandem is populated by more than 610 species of plants, 40% of which are of Mediterranean origin. As of this day 18 endemic species were discovered in this volcanic region. A possible explanation could be the fact that the natural complex formed here is relatively young.
The fauna of the park is comparatively rich and versatile. Among the mammals one interesting species would be the oak mouse – an animal extremely rare to other regions of Italy. You can also see foxes, stone martens, rabbits, and wild hares. In the forests and thick bushy vegetation you will be able to find over 100 species of birds. During the migratory periods their numbers are increased even more. Significant charm is added to the local landscape on behalf of the big bright butterflies flying swiftly above the blooming flowers. And of course, the main attraction of the park is certainly the Vesuvius crater which has a funicular installation and a walking staircase. The nearby cities of Napoli, Pompeii, and Herculaneum are popular among tourists as well. As it were, the abundance of inhabited localities at the footsteps of one of the most active volcanoes in Europe gives the park its unique status. Such proximity to a natural hazard creates a case for the question – whom does the park really guard – the volcano from the people, or the people from the volcano? Back to the Italy attractions list |
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