When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 1944, the Bay of Naples was covered in ash and pumice. As one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in Europe—most famously destroying Pompeii in its A.D. 79 eruption—this natural disaster had far-reaching consequences. The towns of San Sebastiano al Vesuvio and Massa di Somma were devastated, while around 80 U.S. military aircraft were destroyed at the height of World War II.
While the 1944 eruption has become famous for its unfortunate timing, it also destroyed a little-known piece of history. The eruption marked the end of the Vesuvius Railway, a funicular railway built in 1880 that represented a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. During its heyday, enterprising tourists rode carriages up to the fiery crater to enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.
