Vesuvius as a Tourist Destination

Mount Vesuvius has been a popular tourist destination since the 18th century, attracting visitors who were drawn to its unique volcanic landscape. Initially, climbing the mountain was a challenging task, but it later became a curated experience with the help of mules and guides. Visitors would gather at the Hermitage, an inn situated about 600 meters above sea level. John Brewer's book explores the experience of these early tourists through surviving visitors' books from the 1820s, revealing how visitors shared their impressions, wrote poetry, and sometimes expressed disappointment.