Tips for Italy

When Vesuvius erupted on 24 October 79, the Roman provincial capital of Pompeii disappeared under a thick layer of ash. 

A stone's throw from the Sardinian mining village of Carbonia, you will come across the Calcidrata factory, a remnant of the cement industry of yesteryear.

In addition to the sun, sea and beach, the Italian coastal town of Amalfi also has industrial ruins in store.

Near the centre of Sorrento, Italy, lies the Vallone dei Mulini, an overgrown valley full of the ruins of old factories.

Sardinia's soil is full of minerals, and that was no different in the hills near the village of Gonnesa. In the mid-19th century, some entrepreneurs discovered zinc ore there.

The Omodeo water reservoir in Sardinia reveals its secrets during prolonged drought.

Although from a distance, the ruins of Sa Macchina Beccia resemble a fairytale castle with its battlements, tower and round-arched windows, appearances are deceptive.

A limestone massif twenty kilometres long: that's all it took to attract lime factories and quarries to the island of Sardinia.