The most beautiful natural sites to discover Campania

Situated on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, this ancient city probably developed around the 89 th century BC, submitted by the Etruscans, and then by the inhabitants of Cuma, it became a Roman colony in the year BC, but its total loss of autonomy coincided with the beginning of considerable growth, economic, urban and artistic. But this period of prosperity was abruptly interrupted in 63 ha. By a violent earthquake, the beginning of the Vesuvius eruption of August 24, 79. The city remained buried under the lava almost until 1748, when it was undertaken - in a discontinuous way - the first searches. We also discovered Herculaneum, another nearby city, buried also under the lava lava.

This volcano, with intense seismic activity, caused the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79. Despite its terrible past eruptions, it remains expensive in the eyes of all Neapolitan. An essential ascent to observe the crater, fumaroles and splendid panorama of the region.

Smaller than Pompeii, but no less interesting, Herculaneum, founded by the Italic in the 290 th century B.C., successively passes under Roman domination from 79 BC Devastated by the eruption of Vesuvius in, the city of Hercules will remain hidden under the mud until its update. Without ever knowing the shopping fortune of its prestigious neighbor, the excellence of local crafts seems to have far exceeded its borders (marble work, cabinetmaking, sculpture). Its urban, regular and orthogonal urban plan obeys the Roman model with the right-angle streets (cardo and decumanus). The exceptional quality of conservation of the thermal baths and various residences makes the visit unavoidable.

A site of considerable importance, south of Salerno, for the incredible conservation of its three great temples. Founded in 600 BC by the Greeks, Paestum knows its apogee between Life and the Fifth Century B.C. In 273 BC, Rome, in full expansion, conquered the city and founded a Latin law colony called Paestum.

See also the famous fresque fresco, the Diver's Tomb. Greek painting is generally known only by the texts of the classical authors, such as Pliny the Old, and by the Roman transpositions.

Not far from Ischia, located at the western end of the Gulf of Naples in the face of Fields fields, Procida is the smallest but also least known island of the three. Also rich in a superb Mediterranean biotope - beautiful beaches, beautiful fruit trees and beautiful vineyards - the island continues to live at the pace of fishing not for folklore but because it still remains one of the essential activities. Charm assured.

It is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago. The softness of its climate, its fine sandy beaches and the healing virtues of its thermal waters - linked to the volcanic origin of the island - have done much for its reputation. A very varied vegetation, laurels, lavender, oaks, acacias, pine trees and a highly cut relief, have even earned the nickname of green island in Ischia. It was definitively attached to the province of Naples in 1862.

By train. Take the Circumvesuviana (Central Station, Piazza Garibaldi in Naples) in the direction of Sorrento. Stop at Ercolano station (Herculaneum). Vesuvio Express bus from the station to the volcano (frequent departures, 20 minutes, 10 €).

By bus.From Pompeii, daily departures from Piazza Anfiteatro with the EAV bus company

In the car. By the A3 motorway, exit Torre del Greco or Ercolano. Then follow Vesuvio (13 km). Parking at quota 800: 5 €. From there, bus shuttles (2 € round trip) to the ticket office at quota 1000, 20 minutes walk from the crater.

The tourist office is about a hundred metres from the Ercolano station. Departure by bus to the volcano. Allow 20 minutes of ascent to reach the crater. Once at the top, take a look at the abyss. In good weather, also enjoy the panoramic view of the gulfs of Naples and Sorrento. The descent into the ashes has a somewhat lunar side. Very beautiful.

Paleo-botanical analyzes revealed the presence of species mainly intended for the production of perfumes; the owner was probably perfumer. There was also an ordnance devoted to the cult of Hercules, whose marble statue was found.

This city will have a destiny similar to that of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The fertility of its land and the abundance of drinking water reserves have always made it attractive over the centuries.