Italy
Mount Vesuvius
Welcome back to Italy! Mount Vesuvius is a famous volcano that once buried an entire Roman city.
Why is it famous?
It is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world because of its powerful eruption long ago.
Millions of people still live near it today.
How was it formed?
It formed where two of Earth's plates collide deep underground, building pressure until it erupts.
Hot magma rises through cracks and can burst out as lava and ash.
Amazing facts
It last erupted in 1944.
Ash from its biggest eruption reached Africa.
Quick facts
- It last erupted in 1944.
- Ash from its biggest eruption reached Africa.
- Scientists watch it closely because it could erupt again someday.
- You can hike right up to its crater today.