Vesuvius funicular

The Vesuvius funicular was a cable railway that climbed from the volcano's base toward higher elevations, crossing the steep slopes of hardened lava. The system followed a fixed track over the rough volcanic landscape, bringing passengers directly upward to better viewing points on the mountain.

A Hungarian entrepreneur launched construction of this innovative transport system in 1880, making it the volcano's first mechanized passage. This achievement would endure for roughly 6 decades before an eruption destroyed the infrastructure.

The funicular gave its name to one of the world's most recognizable melodies, which became synonymous with Naples and Italy itself. This musical legacy remains woven into the identity of the volcano and how people remember this place.

The system no longer operates and only remnants of the original structure remain scattered on the mountain. Visitors planning to climb the volcano should check current access conditions beforehand, as the terrain is covered in volcanic material and conditions change seasonally.

On clear days, passengers from the highest points could see all the way to Procida island and distant coastal regions beyond. This expansive view was one of the main reasons the railway attracted so many visitors.

Official opening: 1880

GPS coordinates: 40.81823,14.41558

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00