| There is something for everyone
in this area of
Italy. The coast road south from Sorrento (the "Amalfi drive")
is probably the most beautiful in Europe.
The island of Capri can be reached from the mainland in about 20 minutes by hydrofoil
or 40 minutes by ordinary ferry. "Incomparable beauty". The capital is also
called Capri - "like a stage setting for an operetta". The village of Anacapri
is set high up on the island, and is also delightful.
It is possible to climb to the top of Vesuvius, a still active volcano, which last
erupted in 1944. The famous eruption in A.D. 79 covered Pompeii in ash and Herculaneum in
sixty feet of boiling mud.
The Amalfi coast is beautiful - with "constantly changing views of
enchanting landscapes, wild fantastically shaped rocks plunging vertically into crystal
clear seas... Contrasting with these scenes of sublime awe are the more charming views of
fishing villages and the luxuriant vegetation, ... orange trees,... olives,
...vines." [Michelin Green
Guide Italy].
The excavated part of Herculanuem is smaller than Pompeii, but it has been better
preserved by the (now rock-hard) mud. Wooden objects (which at Pompeii were burned by the
ash) can be seen. Significant parts of Herculaneum cannot be excavated because they are
ubder the new town sixty feet above.
As at Pompeii one can walk down the streets and enter houses.
A large amount of Pompeii has been excavated, but some parts remain under the new town.
It can be seen that the Romans had central heating, a water supply, lead pipes and glass.
Remains of the Forum, Odeon and Stabian Baths are amongst many buildings that can be
visited. |
