The Vesuvius Observatory, an invaluable scientific, historical and naturalistic geosite in the framework of the most famous volcano in the world

Abstract

The Vesuvius Observatory is the first volcanological observatory in the world. Since its foundation in 1841 and thanks to the approval of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, in this site began the systematic study of Vesuvius and its eruptive activity. The Observatory site must be considered among the most representative geosites of the Vesuvius surroundings, due to the geological setting of the area and its historical and scientific value. In the XIX century volcanologists based much of their research on the direct observation of the volcanoes, so it was decided to found the Observatory not far from the Vesuvius crater. The choice could seem hazardous, but actually it never was. In fact at that time the Vesuvius activity was only characterized by effusive or low-energy explosive eruptions, and the site was always only lapped by lava flows, as reported in the first volcanological map of Vesuvius, by Johnston Lavis (1888). Names of distinguished scientists, who have dedicated their entire lives to the study of the volcano, are the flagship of the Vesuvius Observatory since its foundation. Many of them have directed it, thus linking their name to this site as well as to important discoveries in both volcanological and seismological fields. At present the historical site of the Vesuvius Observatory hosts a permanent exhibition, in which collections of great scientific, artistic and cultural value – unique for their abundance and variety – tells the story of this institution. The exhibition also introduces the visitors to volcanism and related hazards, the forecasting of volcanic eruptions and the monitoring systems of active volcanoes, proposing itself as an invaluable instrument of risk mitigation, by increasing the population awareness about the threat posed by these volcanoes and generating the conditions for a correct land-planning and management, and a sustainable development of the territory.