Mount Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio in Italian) is a the only active volcano on the European mainland (not including islands). It's best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Last eruption was in 1994. Over the past few centuries, the quiet stages have varied from 18 months to 7½ years, making the current lull in activity the longest in nearly 500 years.