VESUVIO NATIONAL PARK
When you think of Vesuvius you think of a volcano; rarely people think of the rich vegetation at its feet. For its richness and peculiarity, in 1995 was established the National Park of Vesuvius: 8,482 hectares have become a protected reserve for the extraordinary set of outstanding naturalist, geological, volcanologists and archaeological aspects.
Vesuvius is a typical example of an enclosed volcano consisting of an external cone, Mount Somma, probably formed during the eruption of 79 AD, the same tragic event that destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. For this reason we speak of the Somma-Vesuvio complex. The two “cones” are divided by the Valle del Gigante.
The old crater rim of Mount Somma is characterized by a serie of peaks called “cognoli”. Still the height of the Somma and its profile have been preserved equal over the centuries. But how many times have we seen prints or old paintings depicting the Vesuvius with different profile? Well the height and profile of Vesuvius have undergone considerable variations, due to successive eruptions, with elevations and lowering.
Vesuvius is rich in flora and fauna. It is estimated that it has been colonized by more than 1000 plant species, considering those extinct and those alive. The vegetation is characterized by a high number of species typical of the Mediterranean area, both for the proximity to the sea and for the moderate altitudes. Recent studies have established that today the territory of the Reserve has 744 entities, of which only 2% are represented by endemic species, probably because of the numerous recolonizations that followed the cyclical eruptions of the volcano.
A curiosity: the flora of Vesuvius also includes 19 proven species of wild orchids, which for their rarity and vulnerability are protected by the Washington Convention.
The Park, thanks to its isolated position from the Apennines and the presence of continental Mediterranean environments, is also an important zoogeographic crossroads: birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians make the volcanic complex a real treasure chest of biodiversity to defend. The proximity to the coastal strip, the fact of being the only relief placed at the center of the Nola plain, the nice climatic conditions and the great environmental diversity make it an important resting place and refuge for the migratory fauna and have contributed to the settlement, in a territory of modest extension, of a rich fauna community; birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians make the volcanic complex a real treasure chest of biodiversity to defend.
This rich heritage is framed by the amazing panorama of the Gulf of Naples. In order to fully enjoy it, in recent years the Park Authority has realized “The Paths of the National Park of Vesuvius” consisting of 11 paths of different types, for a total length of 54 km of walkway: six circular paths (n. 1,2,3,4,5 and 8), an educational trail (n.9), a panoramic trail (n.6) and an agricultural trail (n.7).
The most path route of these, the n. 5 called “The Great Cone” leads to the fabulous view of the volcanic crater located at 1281 m; the departure/ arrival is accessible from the square at an altitude of 1000 m a.s.l. in the municipality of Ercolano at the end of the Provincial Road Ercolano-Vesuvius. The square has a parking area with attached Infopoint of the National Park of Vesuvius where you can find useful information about the protected area and paths.
So? backpack, proper clothing and up to the crater to enjoy a breathtaking show!
(pics. by official web site Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)
Assapora i prodotti locali!
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Pasta Vesuvius
€3,50€3,00 -
Grappa of Vesuvius
€16,00 -
Grappa of Catalanesca grape
€21,00 -
Brandy of Vesuvius apricots
€21,00 -
Rum Babà
€12,00 -
Nocino
€16,00 -
Arrow Beer
€22,50€21,50 -
Golden Beer
€22,50€21,50