Out of a timeless, musty dark, an ancient Roman victim of Mount Vesuvius stares into the 20th century, her teeth clenched in agony. Nearby lie charred and tangled remains of scores of others buried in the wet volcanic earth.
The scene is Herculaneum, lesser known sister city of Pompeii. Both cities were destroyed by the 79 A.D. eruption of Vesuvius.
—Text adapted from "The Dead Do Tell Tales at Vesuvius," National Geographic magazine, June 1970
Often labeled as poor, rural, and beholden to the Mafia, Sicily insists that change has arrived. Explore this small Italian island—a unique world unto itself.
Lush mountains, turquoise waters and pastel island vistas await travelers on Italy's most scenic coastline. Take the Amalfi Coast drive and become immersed in the Mediterranean landscape.
An enclave of remarkable buildings and art surrounded by the city of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest sovereign nation in the world—and one of the most powerful.
Trapped in the myth of her beauty, Venice beguiles and remains elusive. See why this city has held such sway over artists and romantics for centuries in this gallery.
