The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii (Updated 2025)

Once I was rising up, I needed to be an archeologist. I beloved historical past (and nonetheless do), and the considered uncovering temples and tombs in jungles excited me. I used to learn books on Greek and Roman historical past and have discussions with my historical past trainer, whilst younger as 13. In brief, I used to be an enormous geek from the get-go.

Being such an enormous historical past geek, visiting Pompeii, town destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has all the time been excessive on my listing of issues to do.

When the volcano erupted, the falling ash got here so shortly that it preserved town simply because it was, burying Pompeii in 4–6 meters (13–20 toes) of ash. It’s a metropolis frozen in time.

The earliest settlements within the space date to the eighth century BCE, although most individuals know Pompeii because the Roman metropolis that it was on the time of its demise. The wealthy agricultural land mixed with its location on vital buying and selling routes meant that, over time, Pompeii turned a rich provincial metropolis. it had a inhabitants of over 20,000 individuals.

Town was additionally a regional cultural heart, with a big amphitheater, discussion board, public baths, numerous temples, and an intensive aqueduct system offering clear water. Many of those buildings, together with expansive personal villas within the surrounding countryside, had been buried throughout Vesuvius’s eruption.

The eruption itself lasted over two days, with the primary part of falling ash and pumice lasting over 18 hours. Whereas the 1,150 our bodies found is important, it was solely a fraction of the general inhabitants. Most inhabitants seemingly had an opportunity to flee throughout this preliminary eruptive part, although the ultimate casualty rely stays unknown.

Whereas the eruption was the largest tragedy of its time, the falling ash additionally stored the buildings, frescoes streets, pots, and our bodies extremely properly preserved. And whereas there was some looting after the eruption, ultimately Pompeii’s location was misplaced with the passage of time.

It wasn’t till the rediscovery of the close by city of Herculaneum (buried in the identical Vesuvius eruption) that curiosity was renewed within the space. The primary excavations at Pompeii occurred in 1748, with archaeological work persevering with to at the present time. There may be nonetheless a good portion of the location that continues to be unexcavated so who is aware of what they’ll uncover right here sooner or later!

I’ve traveled the world for some time and have seen loads of marvelous ruins through the years. However this is likely one of the finest. Though a scarcity of maintenance has taken its toll on the location, I nonetheless discovered it an enchanting place to spend the day. My solely hope is that the Italian authorities will get its act collectively to maintain this website from falling into additional disrepair.

Positioned close to Naples in Italy, Pompeii takes a full day to see. When you actually wish to indulge your interior Indiana Jones and go to each constructing right here, schedule an additional half day. At over 160 acres, it’s an enormous website and you could possibly simply spend much more time than that.

I noticed quite a bit on my full day, however there was quite a bit that I missed. That can assist you take advantage of your go to, right here is the whole lot it is advisable know to go to Pompeii:

The Prime 12 Sights in Pompeii

1. The Brothel

The traditional lupanar (brothel) is a tiny home with stone beds and scenes of the acts clients may pay for. It’s primarily historical porn, although whether or not the frescoes served a sensible function or had been merely ornament is unclear.

Unsurprisingly, this is likely one of the most visited homes in all of Pompeii (it was in all probability simply as common earlier than the eruption — no pun meant — too). It’s the most important of the pleasure homes uncovered in Pompeii (to this point) and so historians assume it was town’s foremost brothel. In any case, the Romans did get pleasure from their…relaxation and leisure.

2. The Discussion board Baths

Positioned close to the discussion board (the principle public house), these baths are extremely properly preserved. You possibly can peek contained in the wall to see how they heated the baths again after they had been nonetheless in use. Their innovation is extremely spectacular, and it’s not arduous to image the baths as they had been.

Whereas the discussion board baths are the smallest of the varied bathtub ruins in Pompeii, they’re arguably essentially the most elegant. There have been separate areas for women and men, together with separate entrances. The tub not solely had scorching baths however chilly and tepid baths as properly.

3. The Villa of the Mysteries

Positioned exterior the principle space, the frescoes listed below are amazingly properly preserved of their full vibrant shade. In reality, they’re a few of the finest examples of 1st-century Roman portray. The frescoes appear to depict a girl getting into into the initiations for a Greco-Roman thriller cult, therefore the title the villa is thought by at present.

The villa, which is on the outskirts of Pompeii correct, was excavated lengthy after the remainder of town (excavation of the villa started in 1909). Because it’s a little bit of a stroll, not many individuals come right here both, providing you with the place nearly to your self.

4. The Discussion board

Essentially the most crowded place in Pompeii, the discussion board is positioned proper close to the principle gate. It was the principle heart of life in Pompeii, the cultural and civic nerve of town. Any important spiritual or business occasions would happen right here; it was primarily the principle sq. and coronary heart of town. Whenever you wander round right here, you’ll be able to actually get a way for what life in Pompeii was like.

5. The Stabian Baths

One other well-preserved bathtub, this one is the oldest in Pompeii. It additionally has a barely larger chamber and sees a complete lot fewer crowds. It’s also possible to see some preserved our bodies right here, which is unsettling (although you’ll get used to it the extra you wander the ruins).

The tub space additionally had a fitness center and exercise space (for wrestling, as properly) and a big, virtually Olympic-sized, swimming pool.

6. Home of the Small Fountain

A gorgeous home with a big again room, great frescoes, and an attractive mosaic fountain. Virtually all the rooms result in the central atrium and you may see that the home was owned by somebody who was rich.

The sloped roof was used to gather rainwater and doubled as a fountain, an awesome instance of innovation on the time.

7. Home of the Faun

That is the largest home in Pompeii and will get its title from the statue within the entrance courtyard. Constructed within the 2nd century BCE, there’s a big courtyard within the again the place you may also discover a very detailed mosaic of a battle scene.

It’s one of the full surviving examples of a rich and splendid personal residence from the time — even higher preserved than many websites in Rome itself!

8. Backyard of the Fugitives

Positioned at the back of Pompeii, this previous winery has preserved casts of people that didn’t make it out of town alive. There are 13 our bodies within the backyard, frozen in a grotesque and agonizing tableau that displays the horrible closing moments of town. It’s each extremely fascinating and unsettling on the similar time.

9. Home of Venus within the Shell

One other place positioned distant from the crowds, this home has a colourful fresco to the goddess Venus. There are additionally a couple of gardens right here and an in depth statue of Mars.

The home was truly below renovation when Vesuvius erupted and was additionally broken through the bombing in World Struggle II (although it was restored within the Fifties).

10. The Amphitheater

This large amphitheater is the place the residents of Pompeii held the traditional video games that entertained them. It’s a quiet place to stroll round and given its place on the far finish of Pompeii, you’ll see only a few individuals there, particularly through the early morning or late afternoon hours.

In-built 70 BCE, it was one of many first amphitheaters to be constructed of stone. At present, it’s the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater in existence.

11. Nice Palestra

Proper subsequent to the amphitheater, the “nice palace” was an train park and place for youth teams. It was used for sports activities and video games, and there was additionally a swimming pool right here as properly.

It’s one other an awesome place to flee the crowds as not so many vacationers make it right here.

12. Home of Sallustio

This is likely one of the oldest homes in Pompeii, with sections relationship to the 4th century BCE. It was almost definitely an elite residence, owing to its location and measurement. The higher flooring could have even been used as an inn in some unspecified time in the future in its historical past.

There’s a small backyard and lined porch within the again, a fresco of the goddess Diana, a bakery, and even a bit of meals store within the entrance. Throughout World Struggle II, a bomb partially destroyed the again partitions, although these had been restored within the Seventies.
 

12 Ideas for Visiting Pompeii

Listed below are 10 tremendous vital issues to recollect when visiting Pompeii:

1. Be careful for closings – Not all of the points of interest are open, even when they are saying they’re. I discovered numerous locations you had been supposed to have the ability to get into closed. They even began closing one whereas I used to be trying round. Verify the hours while you arrive, since data on-line may not be correct.

2. Begin within the again – To keep away from the crowds, transfer from the farthest temples towards the entrance. Nearly all of individuals follow the middle of Pompeii, and you may go to the principle space when the crowds have passed by late afternoon.

3. Don’t do the audio information – I purchased the audio tour and located it to be a waste of time. The free e-book they offer you contains sufficient data. The audio information doesn’t clarify way more.

4. Restricted time? Do a guided tour – I listened to numerous guided excursions whereas I used to be strolling round and I used to be impressed with their information. Plus, I like with the ability to ask questions that may additional clarify issues. The guided excursions merely take you to the highlights, until you do a private tour.

5. Carry plenty of water – In the course of the summer season, it will get scorchingly scorching. Carry plenty of water and a few sunscreen to keep away from getting burnt. A hat is a good suggestion too.

6. Pack snacks – There are a couple of cafes and snack bars right here, however in the event you wander far into the ruins, you may not be close to them for some time. It’s finest to carry some meals with you for the day’s explorations.

7. Take the practice – That is the best strategy to go to. Simply be sure to go to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station as the principle Pompeii station solely takes you to the fashionable metropolis.

8. Be careful for scams and pickpockets – As Pompeii is such a well-liked attraction (over 2.5 million individuals go to annually), there are various individuals who attempt to benefit from guests. Frequent scams embrace attempting to promote pretend (or overpriced) practice and bus tickets or saying that the doorway is closed (however they will get you in). Additionally be careful for pickpockets across the entrances and practice station.

9. Don’t carry a big backpack – Safety seemingly received’t allow you to usher in a big rucksack, so solely include a smaller purse or day bag.

10. Select your tour rigorously – When you’re going to do a tour, do an official tour from contained in the gate. There are many excursions supplied exterior of the gate, however they’re much bigger and never nearly as good (although they’re cheaper). I suggest going with Take Walks. I all the time be taught a ton on their excursions.

11. Put on sturdy footwear – The ruins are literally fairly unfold out and also you’ll be in your toes all day. Put on comfy, sturdy sneakers (no flip flops).

12. Purchase tickets upfront – To beat the road, purchase your tickets on-line upfront. Pompeii can get tremendous busy, which means lengthy strains after they open. Keep away from the effort and get your tickets forward of time.
 

The way to Get to Pompeii

The practice is the easiest way to get to Pompeii in the event you’re coming from Naples. To get right here, catch the Sorrento Circumvesuviana practice from Naples and get off at Pompeii. The journey takes about 40 minutes and prices round 3.50 EUR. The location is simply 5 minutes from the practice station.

When you’re coming by automobile, it’s a couple of 30-minute drive. Observe that there isn’t any free parking zone for the location, although there are various paid municipal and personal parking tons close by.

Beginning in 2025, the location has put restrictions on every day guests to assist protect the location:

From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, a most of 15,000 admissions (subdivided into 12,000 for Pompeii categorical and three,000 for Pompei +)

From 1:00 pm to five:30 pm, a most of 5,000 admissions?(subdivided into 3,000 for Pompeii categorical and a couple of,000 for Pompei +)

From April 1st to October thirty first, your entire website is open from 9am-7pm (final entrance at 5:30pm). From November 1-March 31, the location is open from 9am-5pm (final entry at 3:30pm). Nonetheless, every particular person attraction has its personal opening and shutting occasions, with final entrances beginning 1-1.5 hours earlier than closing time of your entire website. For up to date hours, examine pompeiisites.org.
 

FAQ on Visiting Pompeii

How lengthy do you want in Pompeii?
You’ll wish to spend a full day right here if you wish to see the whole lot. When you simply wish to see the principle websites, 3–4 hours will suffice.

Do it’s a must to pay to go to Pompeii?
Sure! Tickets are 18 EUR per particular person for the essential ticket (this will get you the principle websites) and 22 EUR for the great, all entry ticket.

Ought to I e-book a guided tour?
When you don’t have a guidebook or in order for you a deeper, extra insightful go to then getting a information is a good suggestion. There may be minimal signage right here so that you’ll get way more out of your go to when you have a information.

You possibly can both e-book a information on arrival (you’ll see a bunch hanging across the entrance) or go together with a good firm like Take Walks. They’ve a complete and informative 3-hour tour of the location in addition to a full-day tour that features Pompeii and a drive alongside the Amalfi Coast. Tickets are 59 EUR for the three-hour tour and 189 EUR for the full-day tour (together with tickets that allow you to skip the road).

Do it is advisable e-book tickets upfront for Pompeii?
Tickets will be purchased on-line upfront, which incorporates entry to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. When you’re visiting on a Saturday or public vacation, it’s essential to e-book on-line upfront.

What number of vacationers go to Pompeii annually?
Pompeii is likely one of the hottest points of interest in Italy, bringing in over 2.5 million vacationers annually. It will get busy!

When ought to I go to Pompeii?
The summer season affords the perfect climate, however additionally it is extremely scorching and busy. Contemplate visiting within the shoulder season (Might or October) with the intention to beat the crowds and now have cooler climate. But when you’re going to go to in the summertime, carry sunscreen as the location may be very uncovered to the solar.

Within the time I used to be there, I barely scratched the floor of Pompeii — and I stuffed a complete day! In the future, I’d love to return and go to all of the buildings I missed. However then once more, I’m a historical past geek and will spend days upon days amongst ruins. When you don’t dwell and breathe historical past as I do, in the future can be sufficient to see the highlights.

Be sure you transfer away from town heart to see a few of the lesser-known and fewer crowded websites. Strolling among the many ruins is an eerie however stunning feeling.

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