This striking vintage photo shows a wealthy woman being carried up Mount Vesuvius in Italy by mountain guides, ca. 1910.
At that time, Mount Vesuvius was already a famous tourist attraction. Wealthy European and American travelers often included Naples and Pompeii in their “Grand Tour” itineraries. However, the volcano’s rugged slopes and loose volcanic rock made the climb difficult, especially for ladies in the restrictive clothing of the era (corsets, long dresses, and impractical shoes).
Because of this, a special service was offered: local guides would carry tourists—usually women of high society—up to the crater. This was done using sedan chairs, mules, or, as shown in this photo, simply by carrying them on the guides’ shoulders.
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