A tragic fate joined Pompeii and Herculaneum when they were buried by Mount Vesuvius, during the eruption in 79 AD. The buried cities were uncovered many centuries later, during the reign of the king of Naples, Charles III of Bourbon. Despite the same tragic destiny, the two cities were totally different from each other. Strolls along their streets, domus, small shops show the different stories, intended purposes and lifestyle of the two cities. The way they lived their last moments were different too, as shown by the archeologic discovery and findings. Visiting these ancient ruins is wonderful and touching at same time. You almost go back in time and experience what happened during that catastrophic event and relive the lives and the surroundings of those two roman cities, which haven’t changed in the way they used to look since the 1st century AD. When you are visiting these beautiful cities, you should take a hike up to the Mount Vesuvius’ crater rim. When you walk on the dark ground of Mount Vesuvius, you can explore the geologic history of the area, made up of the beautiful bushes where the same flower that inspired Leopardi grows: the broom (genisteae). From the top of Mount Vesuvius you can also enjoy a lovely view of the Bay of Naples and discover all the best agricultural products grown and produced up there, such as “Lacryma Cristi”, an authentic wine produced as red, white and rosé, the famous piennolo cherry tomatoes, and apricots.