The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii (Updated 2025)

After I was rising up, I wished to be an archeologist. I liked 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 instructor, 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, the town destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has all the time been excessive on my record of issues to do.

When the volcano erupted, the falling ash got here so rapidly that it preserved the town simply because it was, burying Pompeii in 4–6 meters (13–20 ft) 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, varied temples, and an in depth aqueduct system offering clear water. Many of those buildings, together with expansive personal villas within the surrounding countryside, have 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 probably had an opportunity to flee throughout this preliminary eruptive part, although the ultimate casualty depend stays unknown.

Whereas the eruption was the most important tragedy of its time, the falling ash additionally saved the buildings, frescoes streets, pots, and our bodies extremely effectively preserved. And whereas there was some looting after the eruption, finally 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 this present day. There’s nonetheless a good portion of the location that is still unexcavated so who is aware of what they may 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 without doubt one of the finest. Although an absence of repairs has taken its toll on the location, I nonetheless discovered it a captivating place to spend the day. My solely hope is that the Italian authorities will get its act collectively to maintain this web site 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 inside Indiana Jones and go to each constructing right here, schedule an additional half day. At over 160 acres, it’s an enormous web site and you possibly can simply spend much more time than that.

I noticed so much on my full day, however there was so much that I missed. That will help you benefit from your go to, right here is the whole lot you want to 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 basically historic porn, although whether or not the frescoes served a sensible function or have been merely ornament is unclear.

Unsurprisingly, this is without doubt one of the most visited homes in all of Pompeii (it was in all probability simply as standard earlier than the eruption — no pun supposed — too). It’s the most important of the pleasure homes uncovered in Pompeii (to date) and so historians suppose it was the town’s foremost brothel. In any case, the Romans did take pleasure in their…relaxation and rest.

2. The Discussion board Baths

Positioned close to the discussion board (the primary public house), these baths are extremely effectively preserved. You’ll be able to peek contained in the wall to see how they heated the baths again once they have been nonetheless in use. Their innovation is extremely spectacular, and it’s not exhausting to image the baths as they have been.

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

3. The Villa of the Mysteries

Positioned outdoors the primary space, the frescoes listed here are amazingly effectively preserved of their full vibrant shade. The truth is, they’re a number of the finest examples of 1st-century Roman portray. The frescoes appear to depict a lady coming into into the initiations for a Greco-Roman thriller cult, therefore the identify the villa is thought by in the present day.

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

4. The Discussion board

Probably the most crowded place in Pompeii, the discussion board is positioned proper close to the primary gate. It was the primary heart of life in Pompeii, the cultural and civic nerve of the town. Any vital spiritual or business occasions would happen right here; it was basically the primary sq. and coronary heart of the town. Once 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 tub, this one is the oldest in Pompeii. It additionally has a barely larger chamber and sees an entire lot fewer crowds. You can even see some preserved our bodies right here, which is unsettling (although you’ll get used to it the extra you wander the ruins).

The bathtub space additionally had a health club and exercise space (for wrestling, as effectively) and a big, virtually Olympic-sized, swimming pool.

6. Home of the Small Fountain

A good looking home with a big again room, great frescoes, and a phenomenal mosaic fountain. Nearly all the rooms result in the central atrium and you’ll 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 incredible instance of innovation on the time.

7. Home of the Faun

That is the most important home in Pompeii and will get its identify from the statue within the entrance courtyard. Constructed within the 2nd century BCE, there’s a big courtyard within the again the place you can too 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 behind Pompeii, this outdated winery has preserved casts of people that didn’t make it out of the town alive. There are 13 our bodies within the backyard, frozen in a grotesque and agonizing tableau that displays the horrible remaining moments of the 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 beneath renovation when Vesuvius erupted and was additionally broken throughout the bombing in World Battle II (although it was restored within the Nineteen Fifties).

10. The Amphitheater

This big 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 throughout the early morning or late afternoon hours.

Inbuilt 70 BCE, it was one of many first amphitheaters to be constructed of stone. At this time, 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 effectively.

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

12. Home of Sallustio

This is without doubt one of the oldest homes in Pompeii, with sections relationship to the 4th century BCE. It was more than likely an elite residence, owing to its location and dimension. The higher flooring could have even been used as an inn sooner or later in its historical past.

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

12 Suggestions for Visiting Pompeii

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

1. Be careful for closings – Not all of the sights are open, even when they are saying they’re. I discovered quite a few locations you have been supposed to have the ability to get into closed. They even began closing one whereas I used to be wanting round. Verify the hours if you arrive, since info 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 keep on with the middle of Pompeii, and you’ll go to the primary 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 info. The audio information doesn’t clarify way more.

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

5. Carry plenty of water – Through 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 if you happen to 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 primary Pompeii station solely takes you to the trendy 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 a lot of individuals who attempt to benefit from guests. Widespread scams embody 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 probably received’t allow you to herald 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 outdoors of the gate, however they’re much bigger and never pretty much as good (although they’re cheaper). I suggest going with Take Walks. I all the time study a ton on their excursions.

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

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

Methods to Get to Pompeii

The practice is one of the simplest ways to get to Pompeii if you happen to’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 automotive, it’s a couple of 30-minute drive. Word that there isn’t any free car parking zone for the location, although there are a lot of paid municipal and personal parking tons close by.

Beginning in 2025, the location has put restrictions on each 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 specific 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 specific and a pair of,000 for Pompei +)

From April 1st to October thirty first, the complete web site 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). Nevertheless, every particular person attraction has its personal opening and shutting occasions, with final entrances beginning 1-1.5 hours earlier than closing time of the complete web site. For up to date hours, verify 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 primary websites, 3–4 hours will suffice.

Do you need to pay to go to Pompeii?
Sure! Tickets are 18 EUR per particular person for the essential ticket (this will get you the primary 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’s minimal signage right here so that you’ll get way more out of your go to if in case you have a information.

You’ll be able to 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 you want to e-book tickets upfront for Pompeii?
Tickets might be purchased on-line upfront, which incorporates entry to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. When you’re visiting on a Saturday or public vacation, you should e-book on-line upfront.

What number of vacationers go to Pompeii annually?
Pompeii is without doubt one of the hottest sights in Italy, bringing in over 2.5 million vacationers annually. It will get busy!

When ought to I go to Pompeii?
The summer season presents one of the best climate, however additionally it is extremely scorching and busy. Contemplate visiting within the shoulder season (Might or October) with a purpose 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 crammed an entire day! Someday, 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 reside and breathe historical past as I do, in the future can be sufficient to see the highlights.

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

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