Ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash. Explore excavated streets, homes, and frescoes. Museum displays artifacts and plaster casts of eruption victims.
Step back in time as you walk the ancient streets of Pompei, a Roman city frozen in the year 79 AD. Near Naples, this vast archaeological site preserves the remains of a thriving urban center, from grand villas with colorful frescoes to simple workshops and taverns. You can explore the grand amphitheater, wander through the forum where citizens once gathered, or examine the ingenious plumbing systems of the public baths. The site's remarkable state of preservation allows you to experience daily life in the Roman Empire in a way few other places can match.
Exploring the Archaeological Site
Pompeii covers over 160 acres, with about a third currently open to visitors. The site follows a grid pattern, with main streets like Via dell'Abbondanza lined with shops, homes and public buildings. You'll need at least 3-4 hours to see the main areas, though you could easily spend multiple days here. The Forum, once the center of civic life, and the amphitheater, which could hold up to 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial games, are among the largest structures you'll encounter.
Key Sites in Pompei
The House of the Faun is one of Pompei's largest private residences. This sprawling villa takes up an entire city block and contains intricate mosaics, including the famous Alexander Mosaic. Just outside the city walls, you'll find the Villa of the Mysteries. This villa contains a series of well-preserved frescoes depicting a mysterious ritual, possibly related to the cult of Dionysus. For a glimpse into everyday Roman life, visit the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus, an ancient eatery with counters still containing traces of food.
Visitor Information
Pompei is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April to October) or 5:00 PM (November to March), with last entry 1.5 hours before closing. Tickets cost €16 for adults, with reduced rates available for EU citizens aged 18-24. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the entrance. The site has three entrances: Porta Marina (main entrance), Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra. Each entrance has restrooms, a cafe, and a bookshop.
Getting to Pompei
You can easily reach the ruins by public transportation. From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop, about a 30-minute journey. From Sorrento, the train ride takes about 20 minutes. If you're driving, you'll find several paid parking lots near the entrances. Many visitors also choose guided day trips from Naples, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast, which often include transportation and skip-the-line tickets.
Tips for Visiting
Wear sturdy shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ancient streets. Bring water, especially in summer, though there are fountains throughout the site for refilling bottles. Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. A guidebook or audio guide can enhance your visit, as there's limited signage within the ruins. If you're short on time, focus on the Forum area and the nearby House of the Faun and public baths.
The Eruption of Vesuvius
On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, burying Pompei under meters of ash and pumice. The eruption lasted for two days, completely obliterating the city. This catastrophic event preserved Pompei for future generations to study and explore. The ash created perfect casts of victims and objects, capturing a moment frozen in time. You can see some of these casts displayed throughout the site, including the figures in the Garden of the Fugitives.
