Mount Vesuvius (in Italian Monte Vesuvio and in Latin Mons Vesuvius) is today regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the population of 3,000,000 people living nearby and its tendency towards explosive (Plinian) eruptions, although it is not currently erupting. Part of the magnitificient scenery of the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius was officially declared a national park. The summit of Vesuvius is open to visitors and there is a small network of paths around the mountain that are maintained by the park authorities on weekends.

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