The Sleeping Giant
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, I had the opportunity to hike Mount Vesuvius.
After a guided tour of Pompeii, the next stop on the full day adventure organized by Get Your Guide was a hike up the infamous volcano also known as the Sleeping Giant.
The bus ride from Pompeii to the trailhead was filled with glorious views of the now distant towns below.
Artistic statues representing gods, Mount Vesuvius, and the ancient people from Pompeii decorated the narrow and windy ascending road.
Nature itself has formed art, for in the shape of a neighboring mountain can be found a profile view of il gigante characterized by a large nose.
This “giant” is the namesake of the gorge between Mount Vesuvius and Mount Somma, which is Valle del Gigante (Valley of the Giant).
Yellow flowers known as “Ginestre” are characteristic plants at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, and they are most prominent in May.
There were still some on this July day dotting the edges of the pathway, swaying in the ocean breeze.
The foliage of the valley and the area surrounding the volcano was lush and bright green, an example of life returning after destruction, a common theme here.
A July 2017 wildfire on Mount Vesuvius ravaged the slopes, affecting about seven square miles of wildlife.
Seven years later there are small scars of the past, but it is otherwise fully recovered.
In the midst of World War II, March 17, 1944 marked the day of Mount Vesuvius’s most recent eruption, and its remnants pave a pathway of pumice stone, a hike through history.
Reaching 1,277 meters, the highest peak offers cooler summer air and a panoramic view of Naples and neighboring cities, the Sorrento peninsula, and the nearby islands.
Although the trail is only about 4 four kilometers, it is almost entirely uphill, making for a somewhat strenuous journey in the July heat.
There are multiple snack and souvenir spots along the way to stop and enjoy the view while resting in the shade.
It is the type of hike that can take 30 minutes or up to two hours, simultaneously a leisurely experience and an intense workout.
Along the trail there are multiple viewpoints of the crater, which is about 450 meters wide and 300 meters deep.
Photos cannot capture the depth of such an opening in the earth.
Years of history are encased in these walls of rock and stone.
As I found myself at the end of the trail, it seemed to also be the beginning.
With sunlight glistening on my sweaty skin, dust embedding in my existence, rocks crunching under my feet, and cities bustling below, I couldn’t help but feel on top of the world and at the end of it.
All at the same time.
Ciao!
Sofia
