Visiting Pompeii, Italy: A Detailed Guide

Pompeii is without doubt one of the most well-known archaeological websites in Italy, and a preferred attraction for guests. We’ve visited Pompeii quite a few occasions over time, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and on this information we’re going to share all the things it’s essential to know to plan your individual go to to Pompeii.

There’s loads to see and find out about at Pompeii, and there are additionally numerous choices for visiting. You can take a guided tour or do a self-guided go to, and there are additionally numerous transport choices for attending to Pompeii from totally different places in Italy, together with Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

In this information we’ll cowl all the things it’s essential to know to go to Pompeii, from attending to Pompeii, to which excursions are price it, to different sights within the space, and much extra. Let’s get began with some background.

What is Pompeii?

In AD 79, Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) was a comparatively giant and profitable city within the Roman Empire, dwelling to between 10 and 20 thousand individuals.

That all got here to an finish within the autumn of 79 AD when the close by Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. This had catastrophic penalties for the encircling cities and villages.

Within 24 hours of the eruption, the large quantity of ash and pumice produced by the volcanic eruption had coated the cities within the area to a depth of 13 – 20 ft (4 – 6 metres).

Thousands of people that had tried to shelter misplaced their lives, and the cities have been successfully misplaced to historical past.

It wasn’t actually till the 18th century that Pompeii and neighboring cities akin to Herculaneum surfaced again into public consciousness. This was when the primary scientific excavations on the web site befell.

In the next centuries, large efforts have been taken to disclose the hidden metropolis, efforts that proceed in the present day.

Pompeii successfully serves as a snapshot of a Roman city on the peak of the Roman Empire. The volcanic eruption was so violent and fast that an important many inhabitants perished, with their our bodies trapped within the ash. Plaster casts of the imprints these our bodies left behind are a picture that’s inextricably linked with Pompeii.

Planning your Visit to Pompeii

I’ll now undergo some useful data that will help you plan your journey to Pompeii, from the right way to get right here to the place to purchase tickets and much extra.

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is discovered within the Campania area of Italy on the southern finish of the Bay of Naples. It’s round 27km (16 miles) to the southeast of Naples, or roughly a 30-minute journey by automotive, bus or practice.

It’s round 250km (155 miles) south of Rome, or roughly a three-hour journey by automotive, bus or practice.

It is feasible to go to Pompeii as a day journey from each Rome and Naples, choices I’ll cowl beneath.

House of the Tragic Poet Pompeii by Laurence Norah-2 — House of the Tragic Poet

How to get to Pompeii?

Pompeii is comparatively simple to succeed in, with good transport connections from numerous places in Italy. We’ll undergo the choices for visiting Pompeii from among the extra common departure factors.

How to get to Pompeii from Rome?

It is feasible to go to Pompeii as a day journey from Rome as lengthy you are ready for an extended day with a good bit of journey time. You’re typically round 2.5 – 3 hours of journey time every method from Rome to Pompeii.

The predominant choices you’ve got are to drive, take public transport, or take a guided tour.

Drive from Rome to Pompeii

Unless you might be planning on taking a highway journey in Italy and persevering with on after Pompeii, we’d recommend taking public transport or a tour slightly than driving.

If you drive, you’ll should undergo the effort of discovering and renting a automotive, coping with site visitors round Rome, navigating, and paying tolls and fuel.

Taking public transport or a tour goes to be loads simpler.

Public Transport from Rome to Pompeii

For public transport, you’ll be able to take an categorical practice from Rome to Naples Central practice station. Then, from Naples you’ll be able to take an area practice to Pompeii.

See particulars beneath within the part on getting from Naples to Pompeii for the way to do that.

Tours from Rome to Pompeii

Our advisable method for getting from Rome to Pompeii as a day journey is to take a guided tour. This will make your day much more enjoyable as you received’t have to fret about logistics.

You’ll even have a greater time at Pompeii with an expert information to elucidate what you might be seeing. There are quite a few tour choices to Pompeii from Rome, some advisable choices are as follows.

When evaluating excursions and costs, at all times examine how a lot time is definitely spent on the numerous sights, in addition to group dimension and what’s and isn’t included.

Paying a little bit further for a tour that features extra would possibly work out less expensive!

How to get to Pompeii from Naples?

There are a number of choices for getting from Naples to Pompeii. You can drive, take the practice, take a shuttle bus, take a practice, or take a tour.

Drive from Naples to Pompeii

The drive from Naples to Pompeii is round half-hour through the A3 toll highway, and there may be paid parking on web site.

This goes to be an possibility to contemplate if you have already got a automotive rental to your journey in Italy, however we’d not suggest renting a automotive particularly for this journey as the opposite choices are seemingly going to be simpler.

Shuttle Bus from Naples to Pompeii

A very easy possibility for getting from Naples to Pompeii is to take the devoted City Sightseeing bus. This departs from central Naples and takes you on to the ruins.

The journey takes round 40 minutes relying on site visitors, and also you get round 4 hours on web site. Note that you must ebook a selected departure time, which ties you to a selected return time, you’ll be able to’t select to remain longer and are available again on a later bus.

4 hours ought to offer you sufficient time to see loads, however when you needed to spend longer on web site then this won’t be the most suitable choice.

Find out extra and ebook tickets for this expertise on GetYourGuide right here.

Train from Naples to Pompeii

There are two direct practice choices for getting from Naples Central practice station to Pompeii.

First, it’s essential to bear in mind that Pompeii itself has a few practice stations. When taking the practice to the Pompeii historic web site you need to get off at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteria Station as that is the one straight by the ruins.

Direct trains from Naples to Pompeii all depart from the Garibaldi practice station, which is (a little bit confusingly) positioned straight beneath Naples Centrale practice station.

The least expensive practice possibility from Naples to Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana service. This regional commuter practice system runs trains throughout the world, and it would be best to take a practice which is heading to Sorrento.

Tickets may be bought on the station, and there are usually a number of trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 35 minutes. You can see practice occasions on the official web site right here (Italian solely).

A barely dearer, however typically extra snug practice possibility, is the tourist-oriented Campania Express practice. This additionally operates from Garibaldi practice station and takes you on to the ruins.

Trains run much less regularly and value extra, however are much less crowded and extra snug.

See timetables and purchase tickets with seat reservation for the Campania Express practice on-line right here. Tickets are additionally accessible in particular person.

Note that Trenitalia runs trains from Naples central practice station to Pompeii, however these go to the principle practice station in Pompeii slightly than the station by the ruins.

It’s attainable to take a shuttle out to the ruins or stroll (20 – half-hour), however actually, we’d suggest taking one of many different choices because it’s going to be simpler. You received’t be having a scarcity of strolling whenever you’re on web site!

Train to Pompeii from Naples by Laurence Norah — Entrance to Garbialdi practice station in Naples from the Naples Central practice station

Tours from Naples to Pompeii

You can even ebook a tour to Pompeii which incorporates round-trip transport to and from Naples. There are fairly a number of choices, with each half-day and full-day excursions accessible.

Most full-day excursions embody a further attraction or two akin to a go to to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.

Here are some choices to contemplate.

How to get to Pompeii from Sorrento

Sorrento is without doubt one of the main cities on Italy’s common Amalfi coast, a preferred and spectacular vacation spot for vacationers visiting Italy. Sorrento makes for a very good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.

It’s additionally simple to get to, being linked by rail on to Naples. This is on the identical practice line that goes to Pompeii, which means you’ll be able to simply attain Pompeii by practice from Sorrento as effectively.

Here are some choices for the right way to get from Sorrento to Pompeii.

Driving from Sorrento to Pompeii

You can drive from Sorrento to Pompeii, so if you have already got your individual automotive rental that is positively an possibility to contemplate. However, you would possibly discover taking the practice to be simply as handy.

The 28km (17 mile) drive takes round 40 minutes relying on site visitors. Just keep in mind you’ll must pay for parking whenever you get to Pompeii.

Public Transport from Sorrento to Pompeii

Getting from Sorrento to Pompeii by public transport is straightforward. There is a daily practice service from Sorrento to Naples, which stops on the Pompeii Scavi practice station. This is correct by the Pompeii web site entrance.

Tickets may be bought on the station, and there are usually a number of trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 45 minutes. You can see practice occasions on the official web site right here (Italian solely).

Tours from Sorrento to Pompeii

You can even take a guided tour from Sorrento to Pompeii. These excursions typically embody round-trip transfers, and a guided tour of Pompeii lasting 2-3 hours.

Tours then differentiate by different additions akin to lunch, and different locations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.

Note that not all excursions embody your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any extra sights might have extra ticket necessities, akin to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. So at all times examine what’s and isn’t included earlier than reserving something.

Here is a choice of excursions from Sorrento to Pompeii to contemplate.

As you’ll be able to see there are many choices. We’d at all times suggest evaluating a number of totally different excursions to see which fits your necessities and price range, and at all times examine what’s and isn’t included when evaluating excursions as effectively.

Pompeii Opening Times

Pompeii is often open year-round except twenty fifth December, 1st May, and 1st January.

Generally, all the things at Pompeii opens at 9am, however closure occasions can range. So if you wish to see all the things, then we suggest visiting within the morning. This is normally additionally the good time of day in the summertime months.

The predominant Pompeii web site is open as follows:

1st April – thirty first October, 9am – 7pm (final entrance 5.30pm)
1st November – thirty first March, 9am – 5pm (final entrance 3.30pm).

There are additionally a number of places throughout the principle Pompeii web site such because the Amphitheater, Garden of the Fugitives, House of the Menander and so on. which even have opening occasions to concentrate on. You can see these right here.

Additionally, there are a selection of close by websites linked to Pompeii which have a final entrance time half-hour after the principle web site final entrance time.

These embody Villa Regina, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco and Villa de Poppea. These places are all closed on Tuesdays except Villa Regina.

These further websites require a selected ticket to entry them and it’s essential to take a shuttle bus from the principle Pompeii web site to succeed in them, so when you plan to go to these places it would be best to give your self loads of time.

You can see extra data on opening occasions in addition to any distinctive closure data for Pompeii on the official web site right here.

How Long to Visit Pompeii For

There is a superb deal to see at Pompeii, nevertheless you even have to contemplate the time of yr you might be visiting and your private curiosity in historical archaeological websites when deciding how lengthy to go to.

The majority of holiday makers come for two – 3 hours, which can be how lengthy the vast majority of guided excursions are.

If you suppose it would be best to spend extra time on web site (there may be tons to see), then a very good possibility is to take a guided tour that finishes on web site, after which discover by yourself when the tour is completed. Your tour information ought to have the ability to direct you to explicit highlights as soon as the tour is over.

We have completed this and it was a good way to study loads from a information, after which we have been capable of discover on our personal at our leisure.

One factor to notice, in case you are visiting in the summertime months it may well get highly regarded right here, and there isn’t loads of shade, so visiting for for much longer than 2 or 3 hours may be fairly difficult.

However, in case you are actually eager to discover and spend extra time on web site, and are both ready for the warmth or are visiting at a cooler time of yr, there may be definitely tons to see! You may simply spend a complete day exploring Pompeii, particularly when you head out to the villas. It’s fully as much as you!

Stabian Baths Pompeii by Laurence Norah-3 — Stabian Baths

Pompeii Ticket Information

We’ll now cowl ticketing data for Pompeii, together with ticket varieties and prices, discounted tickets, the place to purchase tickets and extra.

Do You Need a Ticket for Pompeii?

Yes, all guests want a ticket for Pompeii, even these eligible at no cost and discounted entry.

You should purchase tickets on-line prematurely or in particular person on web site.

How Much does it Cost to Visit Pompeii?

There are quite a few ticket choices for Pompeii, relying on what you need to see. These are as follows. Prices are appropriate as of August 2024.

Tickets are for adults 18 and over solely. Children below 18 have free entry, though they do nonetheless require a ticket which may solely be collected in particular person on the ticket workplace.

If you arrive at Pompeii with an Express ticket and resolve you need to go to the villas, it’s attainable to buy a ticket improve for €8 on the Herculaneum Gate – Street of the Tombs entrance. This solely accepts card fee.

Are there Discounted Pompeii Tickets?

Yes, discounted Pompeii Tickets can be found.

EU residents between the ages of 18 and 24 inclusive with ID can enter the park for €2.

All kids below 18 get free entry to Pompeii, though they nonetheless require a ticket.

There are at present no reductions for seniors.

Where to Buy Pompeii Tickets

You have quite a few choices for buying Pompeii tickets.

In particular person

First, you should buy tickets for Pompeii on-site at Pompeii itself. There are ticket workplaces on the three predominant entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.

We’d typically advise in opposition to this the place attainable as you would possibly find yourself standing in line for some time, however it’s an possibility.

If you below 18, an EU resident aged 18-24, or fall into one other class for decreased value tickets, then you have to to go to the ticket workplace to your ticket.

This is so your qualification for the decreased ticket may be verified, so make sure you deliver any mandatory paperwork, akin to a authorities issued Photo ID doc (i.e. a passport or ID card).

Online

You can purchase Pompeii tickets on-line from quite a few web sites, as follows:

In our expertise, the official web site tends to have the bottom value on-line tickets, however they don’t include free cancellation.

Tickets bought by third events do usually value a bit extra, however can have advantages akin to free cancellation in addition to the choice to ebook a guided tour.

We suggest evaluating costs and choices to see which fits you. It’s additionally essential to rigorously learn the redemption directions when shopping for a ticket on-line so you already know what it’s essential to do prematurely of your go to.

Often you’ll be able to simply present a ticket in your smartphone, however generally you would possibly must print one thing out or gather a ticket from a selected pick-up level.

By Phone

You can purchase tickets for Pompeii by telephone. The quantity is +39 811 865 8177. The workplace is often open weekdays from 9.30 to 6pm. There’s a surcharge of €1.50 for reserving by telephone.

Can you Skip the Lines at Pompeii?

There are two strains at Pompeii. First, there may be the road for the ticket workplace the place you should buy tickets in particular person. Next, there may be an entrance line for going into the positioning, which features a safety examine.

If you pre-book your ticket, most often you’ll be able to skip the ticket line. However, this can rely upon the ticket you buy, as some on-line tickets require you to swap a voucher for an precise ticket, so do examine if so with the ticket you’ve got bought.

The safety / ticket-check line can’t be skipped by any guests, however in our expertise it strikes fairly rapidly.

When is Pompeii Free in 2024?

Pompeii is free to go to on the primary Sunday of each month. On as of late you’ll nonetheless want a ticket, however there isn’t any value for buying it.

Tickets for the free days may be bought on-line on the official Ticketone web site right here, or in particular person on the ticket workplace on web site.

We’d recommend doing the net ticket possibility as the positioning can get very busy on the free days, and if it exceeds capability, the ticket workplaces shut.

Note that some third-party websites will nonetheless cost you for the free ticket days, so solely purchase tickets for the free days on the official web site!

What is the Pompeii Official Website?

There are a number of websites providing data on visiting Pompeii, together with this one.

However, for the most recent data on visiting Pompeii together with ticket costs, updates, opening hours and extra, we at all times suggest consulting the official web site.

You can discover it on the following net handle, with content material accessible in a number of languages together with English. The web site is great and has a wealth of knowledge that will help you plan your go to, and is effectively price testing.

https://pompeiisites.org/en/

Pompeii Layout and Maps

Pompeii is a big attraction, protecting round 65 hectares (170 acres). From the east aspect to the west aspect is round a kilometer (0.67 miles), and it’s 0.8km (0.5 miles) from north to south.

Suffice to say, it’s not onerous to get misplaced in Pompeii. Whilst a lot of the positioning is specified by a grid, there are additionally loads of slender lanes and twists and turns. Navigation isn’t helped by pretty restricted signage.

To enable you to discover your method round, it’s a good suggestion to have an concept of the format of Pompeii.

The very first thing to know is that Pompeii is split into 9 distinct areas, or “Regio“. This system was developed method again within the nineteenth century when the positioning began to be excavated and stays in use to this present day.

Each regio is assigned a Roman quantity, from I (one) to IX (9). The regio is in a grid sample, 3 huge and three excessive.

The format of the areas isn’t fully intuitive. It’s a counterclockwise spiral ranging from the decrease center grid sq.. You can consider it like a tic-tac-toe board, or a desk that appears as follows.

VI	V	IV
VII	IX	III
VIII	I	II

Having an concept of this grid and the numbering system will enable you to orient your self if you find yourself on web site, because the Regio quantity you might be in is often printed on partitions and in indicators.

Each Regio can be divided into “Insulae” or “Insula”. In Roman occasions, an Insulae was a metropolis block, or an condominium constructing. For Pompeii, the Insulae are the blocks.

So, whenever you see an indication in Pompeii, it’ll normally let you know which Regio and Insulae you might be in, for instance REG VII INS XIII would imply you might be in Regio 7, Insula 13.

The Insula observe a format system which I’m certain is sensible to an archeologist however appears designed to confuse the common particular person in my view.

However, it doesn’t actually matter, as a result of the official map has each the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, if in case you have the map, all it’s essential to do is discover a signal to know the place you might be.

You can obtain a map and information to the positioning from the official web site right here.

We extremely suggest doing this prematurely and saving it to your smartphone for reference. You ought to have the ability to get a printed model of this information whenever you go to, but it surely’s good to be ready simply in case they aren’t accessible.

There are additionally road names that will help you orient your self. The predominant homes and sights even have names.

I’d additionally add that every home (and among the rooms within the homes) even have numbers. However, that is actually extra for cataloging and archaeological functions slightly than one thing guests would need to use for navigating!

It can be price noting that while most guests go to the principle Pompeii web site, there are a selection of different websites which have been excavated, and which may also be visited. These require you to have a unique ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the principle web site.

In abstract, in case you are visiting Pompeii with no information, we suggest having a map available, and being conscious of the Regio and Insulae system. You can even orient your self with close by apparent landmarks, with Mount Vesuvius typically seen for instance.

Map of Pompeii in Naples Museum by Laurence Norah — Model of Pompeii as displayed within the Naples Archaeological Museum

What to see and do at Pompeii

There’s loads to see and do in Pompeii, and it may be a reasonably overwhelming place to go to. This is why we might suggest taking a guided tour, or on the very least getting an audio information.

To assist you determine what to see, we’re going to share what we predict are among the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most excursions will embody at the least a few of these, though tour routes can range. If you’re taking a tour, at all times examine what they embody to make sure it covers your pursuits.

Top Sights at Pompeii

Obviously, everybody can have barely totally different pursuits, nevertheless we predict it is a good overview of the principle highlights at Pompeii. These are the sights that the majority excursions are more likely to go to as effectively, though in fact it’ll range, and never all excursions will go to each sight we record.

These sights are ordered roughly as you’ll encounter them getting into town from the western aspect. There’s a superb map right here you’ll be able to obtain for reference as effectively.

Porta Marina – arguably essentially the most spectacular of the unique seven gateways to town, and the one which led to the ocean, therefore the title. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is constituted of concrete and dates from 80BC.
Plaster Casts of Pompeii’s victims – One of essentially the most well-known sights at Pompeii are the plaster casts of those that misplaced their lives within the eruption, together with individuals and canine. The victims have been encased in ash and asphyxiated, and their our bodies entombed. Over time the our bodies decomposed, leaving gaps within the hardened ash layer. During the excavations, plaster was rigorously injected into these cavities to kind the molds you’ll be able to see in the present day. These may be seen at numerous places in Pompeii, together with on the Antiquarium and the Forum Granary
Antiquarium di Pompei (Pompeii archaeological museum) – discovered by the Porta Marina, this museum homes a group of artifacts from the positioning. It should be mentioned that the most effective artefacts from Pompeii may be discovered within the Naples Archaeological Museum, nevertheless there’s a lot to see right here nonetheless, together with plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims.
The Forum (Foro) – the center of any Roman metropolis or city is the Forum, the place you’ll have discovered metropolis administration buildings, the principle temples and the market. If one thing essential was going to occur in Pompeii, this was most likely the place it was going to occur.
Basilica – discovered within the south-western nook of the Forum, the Basilica dates from round 80BC. Despite the non secular sounding title, it was really extra of a civic corridor, used for enterprise and as a courtroom for dealing with authorized issues. Religious Basilicas got here later, basing their title and format on the Roman buildings!
Forum Granary – The Granary is positioned by the Forum and would initially have been the principle produce market. Today it’s the dwelling of 1000’s of artifacts which have been excavated from the ruins, in addition to plaster casts of among the victims of the catastrophe.
Baths of the Forum (Terme del Foro) – No Roman city is full with no bathtub home (the extra the higher), and Pompeii had at the least 5 of them. The Baths of the Forum are the closest to the Forum. Here you’ll be able to see the female and male bathing homes together with the recent bathtub room, heat bathtub room and chilly plunge room.
Via Abbondanza (predominant road) – the principle road (Decumanus Maximus in Roman occasions) of Pompeii runs west to east from the Forum all the way in which throughout the city to Sarno Gate. This would have been a busy, pedestrianized road crammed with outlets and food and drinks distributors. The stretch which leads from the Forum has three upright stones, designed to dam chariot passage as this was a pedestrian road.
Eateries – alongside lots of the streets, and particularly the principle streets, you will note proof of historical Roman eateries. Look for marble counter tops with holes minimize out the place the meals would have been saved.
Arches – Pompeii has quite a few arches which you will note all through town. At the northern finish of the Forum is an honorary arch, while additional north on the intersection of Via Fortuna and Vicolo del Foro you’ll find the Arch of Caligula. Some of those arches additionally served a extra sensible operate, hiding water tanks that equipped close by fountains. Today many of those fountains have been modernized and supply clear consuming water for guests.
House of the Tragic Poet (Casa del Poeta Tragico) – One of the numerous homes you’ll be able to go to in Pompeii, this one is simply to the north of the Forum by the Arch of Caligula. It’s notable for the gorgeous mosaic flooring which depict scenes from Greek mythology, which is the place the homes title comes from.
House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno) – simply to the northeast of the House of the Tragic Poet, on Vicolo del Fauno, this is without doubt one of the largest and most well-known of the homes in Pompeii, and is a must-visit. It occupies a complete block, taking on round 32,000 sq. ft, and would have been owned by a really rich household. The title comes from a bronze statue of a faun which was discovered right here, the unique of which is within the Naples Archaeological Museum (a replica is viewable in the home).
House of the Vetti (Casa dei Vetti)– discovered to the northeast of the House of the Faun, the House of the Vetti is a fantastically adorned property that includes many lovely fresco work which depict numerous mythological scenes. It’s additionally a really giant property.
Brothel (Lupanare) – nearly as common in the present day because it seemingly was in its heyday 2,000 years in the past (though with a considerably totally different clientele), the brothel was the place residents got here to seek out intercourse employees, in addition to drinks and social interplay. The title Lupanare comes from the Latin title for a wolf-den, as prostitutes have been generally known as she-wolves. The brothel has pretty graphic frescoes and graffiti, and oldsters would possibly need to skip this attraction.
Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As beforehand talked about, Pompeii had at the least 5 bathtub homes, of which the Stabian Baths are the most important and oldest. In truth, they’re one of many oldest Roman baths on the planet. They are discovered on the intersection Via dell’Abbondanza and Via Stabiana. Here you’ll be able to see the totally different mens and ladies’s bathing areas. We’d most likely suggest selecting one bathtub home to go to, until you might be significantly into Roman bathtub homes.

Other websites that are a little bit off the principle route and which aren’t at all times included on common excursions (though, once more, this varies!):

Temple of Isis (Tempio di Iside) – this small and largely intact temple is discovered subsequent to the Grand Theatre, and is devoted to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The Cult of Isis was common in Pompeii, regardless of proclamations in opposition to it by the Roman Senate. It is believed that the composer Mozart visited this temple when he was 13, and it impressed his composition The Magic Flute
Grand Theater (Teatro Grande) – Entertainment was a key a part of Roman life, and there have been quite a few venues throughout town the place performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was constructed within the Greek model, which meant benefiting from a pure hill slope to create the auditorium, which might have had seating for five,000 spectators. Much of the Theatre survives in the present day, and it’s effectively price a go to. It’s within the south a part of Pompeii, close to Porta di Stabia.
Small Theater (Teatro Piccolo – Odeion) – Right subsequent to the Grand Theater is the Small Theater, a extra intimate efficiency venue which was additionally used for council conferences. It additionally had a roof, primarily to enhance acoustics. At the time, it was typically used for mime performances, which have been common. It was additionally used for music.
Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To grasp the size of Pompeii, you must take into account visiting the perspective by Casina dell’Aquila, simply by the intersection of Via Dell’Abbondanza and Vicolo di Tesmo. The viewpoint is on the authentic stage of the bottom right here earlier than the excavation, and provides you with an concept of simply how a lot floor needed to be moved in an effort to unearth town.
House of Menander (Casa del Menandro) – owned by a excessive rating and rich household, this massive home (19,000 sq. ft) is known as for the fresco which depicts the Greek playwright Menander. There are quite a few rooms that may be visited.
Garden of the Fugitives (Orto dei Fuggiaschi) – discovered within the southeast a part of Pompeii, the Garden of the Fugitives incorporates the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died making an attempt to flee town.
Amphitheater – an essential leisure heart in a Roman metropolis or city was the amphitheater, basically an enclosed theatre which was used for gladiatorial battles, circuses and extra. The most well-known Amphitheatre is Rome’s Colosseum, however the one in Pompeii is definitely one of many oldest surviving amphitheaters from the Roman Empire. Much of the construction nonetheless survives, with seating for round 20,000 individuals.
Aqueduct – The Romans have been unimaginable engineers, and while they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts have been positively engineering wonders of their time. They allowed the distribution of water throughout the Roman Empire, and allowed cities like Pompeii to get recent water to their residents. The water in Pompeii was carried by the Augustan Aqueduct, sourcing water from 96km away, utilizing solely gravity to maneuver the water! Today, you’ll be able to see the place the aqueduct system arrived into town at Castellum Aqueduct, subsequent to Porto Vesuvio within the northern a part of town. From right here it was distributed to water towers and fountains throughout town.

As you’ll be able to see, there’s loads to see and absorb at Pompeii!

Pompeii Amphitheater by Laurence Norah-2 — Pompeii Amphitheater

Tours of Pompeii

One of the most effective methods to go to Pompeii is to take a guided tour. There’s loads to see and loads of historical past and knowledge to soak up, and having a very good information can positively enhance your expertise.

You have a number of choices for taking a tour. You can ebook a tour which incorporates transport from a significant metropolis akin to Rome or Naples. Or, you may make your individual technique to Pompeii and simply take a tour on web site.

We’ll embody quite a few choices so that you can take into account, relying in your preferences.

You can even ebook a tour information on arrival at Pompeii. Tour guides can be found simply inside the positioning entrance and may have an official badge.

Note nevertheless that while accredited, the guides are freelance and costs should not fastened. You might want to negotiate value, route and tour period with the accessible on-site guides.

Generally, these guides can have a value they cost for a tour, regardless of group dimension. By having a bigger group you’ll pay much less per particular person, however clearly have a much less customized expertise.

You can see extra on this course of right here.

Depending on how busy the day is, guides is probably not accessible. So, we might typically suggest reserving a guided tour prematurely as an alternative.

Pompeii official guide point by Laurence Norah — Pompeii official information level

Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii

Dress Code at Pompeii

Pompeii shouldn’t be a non secular web site and as such there isn’t any particular costume code for visiting.

There are a few guidelines round clothes. First, you can’t be naked chested, you should be carrying a prime. In addition, clothes that could possibly be thought of disruptive can be not allowed, and costumes, masks and banners should not permitted.

This clothes rule is often used to stop protestors utilizing the positioning, so is unlikely to have an effect on most guests. Steer away from any offensive clothes and also you’ll be positive!

You will nonetheless need to suppose by way of your clothes decisions previous to visiting. The majority of your go to will likely be spent exterior, and there may be minimal shade or shelter accessible.

See the part of what to put on and pack for Pompeii for some solutions on what to deliver to your go to.

Facilities at Pompeii

Pompeii has quite a few customer companies you should use. These embody:

two on-site bookshops, one at Piazza Esedra and one contained in the Antiquarium.
audio information rent, accessible on the Porta Marina entrance and Porta Anfiteatro entrance.
first help companies, accessible close to the Chora Cafe on Vicolo degli Augustali
A cafe referred to as Chora the place you may get drinks and snacks like truffles, pastries and ice cream
Multiple free water fountains throughout the positioning
Multiple free bathroom services throughout the positioning
Baby altering services. There are three of those, one on Via dell’Abbondanza, one on Via di Nola, and one on the nook of Via Stabiana and Via della Fortuna

Smoking at Pompeii

Smoking is forbidden at Pompeii besides at designated smoking areas. These may be discovered close to the Casina dell’Aquila and the bathroom services.

Security at Pompeii

All guests should undergo a safety examine at Pompeii. Bulky objects, umbrellas, and baggage bigger than 30x30x15 cm (12 x 12 x 6 inches) should not permitted on the positioning and should be left on the cloakroom. This is a free service.

Otherwise, the principles are fairly apparent, and principally give attention to defending the positioning and making certain a very good expertise for all. So you’re not allowed to play music, deface objects, climb on the ruins, choose fruits or flowers, construct fires, enter fenced off areas and so forth.

You can see the complete record of guidelines and rules right here.

Accessibility at Pompeii

Pompeii is clearly an historical metropolis, and as such there are accessibility challenges. However, efforts have been made to make sure the positioning is as accessible as attainable for all guests.

There are quite a few specifically designed accessible routes, referred to as Pompeii for All, that are designed to permit entry for mobility impaired customers, in addition to mother and father with buggies, to a big a part of the positioning.

These routes embody lots of the predominant buildings that guests would need to see, and canopy a complete of three.5km. You can see particulars of those routes on the Pompeii for All web page.

There are additionally accessible bogs discovered on web site.

Pompeii has additionally developed a program to assist these onerous to listening to to benefit from the web site. More on this program, and accessibility on the positioning basically, may be discovered on the Pompeii for All web page.

Luggage storage Near Pompeii

Visitors to Pompeii should not allowed to deliver any baggage bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm on web site. So nothing bigger than a small backpack basically. We’d recommend leaving baggage in your lodge room the place attainable.

If you will need to journey with a bag which is bigger than the allowed dimension, there’s a cloakroom at Pompeii itself the place you’ll be able to retailer baggage and different objects freed from cost.

There are additionally baggage storage lockers on the decrease flooring of the Pompeii Scavi practice station accessible for a payment.

Tips for Visiting Pompeii

Based on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we needed to share some suggestions that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to.

Plan your day prematurely

The very first thing we suggest doing is planning your time out earlier than you go to. Decide what you need to see at Pompeii, after which resolve if you wish to take a tour.

If you resolve to take a tour, examine what it contains, after which take into account when you want extra time. If you’re taking a tour that features round-trip transport, you won’t have a lot further time.

If you’re taking a tour that begins on web site, ensure you know the place the assembly level is and the assembly time, and plan how you’re going to get to and from Pompeii.

If you might be doing a self-guided go to for any a part of your time at Pompeii, we propose trying on the official map and planning out what you need to see. You might even take into account arising with a normal path to observe. This will assist orient you if you find yourself really there.

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio Guide

We can extremely suggest taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An professional information goes to have the ability to deliver the positioning to life and actually enable you to perceive what you might be seeing.

On our most up-to-date go to to Pompeii we took this guided tour with Take Walks and may extremely suggest it. However, there are a selection of choices.

If you are taking a guided tour that meets on web site, we extremely suggest planning on staying at the least an hour extra on web site as soon as the tour ends so you’ll be able to see some other websites that the tour didn’t cowl.

If you decide to not take a guided tour, then we’d recommend both selecting up an audio information on web site, or on the very least a guidebook that features a self-guided Pompeii tour just like the Rick Steves Italy guidebook.

Dress and Pack Accordingly

If you might be visiting Pompeii within the hotter months of the yr, it would be best to deliver a very good solar hat to maintain the solar off your face, unfastened becoming clothes, and certain a small daypack to hold suncream, water and any snacks.

If rain is a risk, a lightweight raincoat or poncho can be a good suggestion. Umbrellas should not allowed on web site.

If you might be visiting exterior of the warmest months of the yr, then some hotter layers are a good suggestion simply in case it’s cooler on web site.

Footwear can be essential. The historical streets of Pompeii may be uneven, various between unfastened grime and cobblestones. A good pair of snug footwear that you’re joyful to spend time strolling in is a should.

For shoe solutions, see our guides to the most effective journey footwear for males and the most effective journey footwear for ladies for some concepts.

You will certainly need to deliver a water bottle with you. Fresh consuming water is on the market at fountains throughout the positioning, and on a scorching day you have to to drink loads of water. We use and love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for journey, however there are many choices on the market in fact.

We can even suggest bringing some kind of guidebook with you. We suppose the Rick Steves guidebook is without doubt one of the finest choices, both his Italy information or Naples & the Amalfi Coast snapshot information.

Both have a self-guided Pompeii tour which is a superb possibility when you select to skip a guided tour.

Be Wary of on-site Touts at Pompeii

Like any common vacationer vacation spot, Pompeii has a few pitfalls to be careful for.

First, if you wish to take a tour and haven’t pre-booked one, then we’d suggest taking one of many excursions with an authorized tour information.

These may be discovered at Piazza Esedra and Porta Marina, after you have entered Pompeii, after the safety checks. These tour guides have official badges issued by the Tourist Board of the Campania Region. If you might be not sure if a information is accredited, examine with the ticket workplace.

Be conscious that these guides will most certainly must be paid in money, and the value of the tour goes to be one thing you’ll want to debate with the information prematurely.

When you arrive at Pompeii additionally, you will seemingly be supplied excursions by guides exterior the gates. These is not going to be led by Pompeii’s accredited guides, so the standard of the tour shouldn’t be assured. We’d recommend ignoring these choices and heading inside to discover a information if that’s of curiosity.

One different factor to notice is that as Pompeii is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that may be crowded, there’s a danger, as with all vacation spot like this, of pickpockets. So simply be conscious of your belongings and preserve valuables in sight, or safely away in zippered pockets. This can be the case on the practice and on the practice station when you select to take public transportation.

We’ve by no means had a problem in Italy, but it surely’s at all times a good suggestion to take fundamental security precautions when touring anyplace, as you’ll at dwelling.

Arrive Early and Head to the Back

Pompeii is a well-liked vacation spot, and as such it may well get fairly busy. In addition, there may be restricted shade on web site, and in the summertime months significantly it may well get highly regarded on web site.

All because of this for the most effective expertise we suggest arriving early within the day when you can. If you might be planning on taking a tour, ebook it for earlier within the day. If you might be planning to information your self, plan out your route so that you head away from the doorway first, and work your method again in the direction of it.

Many guests solely go to the key sights, a lot of that are positioned not too removed from the doorway areas, significantly Porta Marina. Tours teams additionally observe related routes. So if you need a much less crowded expertise, determine a number of sights that you’re fascinated with which might be off the crushed path, and head to these first.

Bring a Water Bottle

We talked about this already within the “what to pack for Pompeii” part of this information, however we predict it’s price repeating. Pompeii will get extremely scorching in the summertime months and there may be not a lot shade.

There are a number of free consuming water fountains throughout the positioning, so deliver a water bottle and keep hydrated at no cost as you wander!

Escape the Crowds at Pompeii

Pompeii is a vastly common attraction, and in consequence it may be busy. The web site has a restrict of 15,000 guests at anyone time, however regardless of the positioning being fairly giant individuals have a tendency to move to a handful of places such because the Forum, Brothel, and Bath homes, which means it may well really feel extra crowded than it’s.

Here are some suggestions for escaping the crowds at Pompeii.

Visit at a quieter time of the week or yr. Peak season in Italy is mostly from May by way of August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. If you’ll be able to’t keep away from visiting in excessive season, attempt visiting on every week day if attainable.
Head to a quieter a part of the positioning when you can, away from the teams. Most excursions observe the same path to a handful of highlights, and when you head to the much less common areas you could find your self wandering nearly abandoned streets, even at a busy time of yr
Use a quieter gate. Many individuals enter by way of the Porta Marina because it’s subsequent to the practice station. The Anfiteatro gate tends to be quieter, and brings you in proper subsequent to the Amphitheater as effectively, from the place you’ll be able to discover the positioning at your leisure

Attractions Near Pompeii

Pompeii is without doubt one of the hottest sights within the Naples space, however it’s certainly not the one attraction within the space! Here are another sights within the normal space to contemplate including to your itinerary.

Herculaneum – the opposite well-excavated city that was buried by the Vesuvius eruption is Herculaneum. This is nearer to Naples, and in addition simply accessible by the Circumvesuviana practice service. It’s a smaller web site however because it was a rich seaside resort, it has a excessive density of luxurious dwellings. It is normally quieter than Pompeii, and a few excursions like this one go to each.
Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which prompted all the difficulty remains to be energetic and nonetheless posing a menace to the thousands and thousands of people that stay within the space. It’s a dominant a part of the skyline, and you’ll head all the way in which as much as the summit to look into the steaming crater and hike across the rim. There’s a small payment to go to the park, and it may be reached by public transport or on a guided tour like this.
Amalfi Coast – some of the common and spectacular areas of Italy, the 50km lengthy Amalfi Coast is correct subsequent to Pompeii. Gorgeous seaside cities like Positano and Sorrento cling to the dramatic shoreline. It’s effectively price spending a number of days right here when you can. Alternatively, you may get a style of what’s on supply by taking a tour which incorporates the Amalfi Coast like this.
Naples – the capital metropolis of the area, Naples tends to divide customer opinion. It may be crowded, and chaotic sure, but it surely’s additionally dwelling to wonderful meals and quite a few sights. Pompeii guests ought to positively take the time to go to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which has the vast majority of the most effective preserved artefacts from Pompeii accessible for viewing.
Capri – a preferred island for a day journey (though keep in a single day when you can to keep away from the crowds!), Capri may be visited by ferry from each Naples and Sorrento. It’s a gorgeous island with loads to see, however it may well get extremely crowded in the summertime months.

Of course, there may be rather more to see on this space, however this could offer you an concept of what’s on supply within the space round Pompeii!

Vesuvius Crater by Laurence Norah — Mount Vesuvius

Where to Stay Near Pompeii

If you’re on the lookout for someplace to remain close to Pompeii, you’ve got fairly a number of choices. You can keep near the positioning, or you might keep in close by Sorrento or Naples.

It’s additionally attainable to go to Pompeii as a day journey from Rome, however we’ll give attention to nearer lodging for this a part of the information. See our information to spending 3 days in Rome for Rome lodging choices.

Pompeii Ruins De Charme B&B – Literally throughout the highway from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this common B&B provides air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms even have a kitchen and dishwasher when you favor to prepare dinner for your self. Parking is on the market for a payment.
Hotel Forum – additionally simply subsequent to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, it is a well-reviewed 4* lodge providing free personal parking, air-conditioned en-suite rooms and a restaurant. Breakfast is on the market.
Habita79 Pompeii – just some minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance, this 4* lodge provides en-suite air conditioned rooms in addition to an on-site spa and wellness studio. Breakfast is on the market. Note there’s no on-site parking.
Agora Hostel – 5 minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this effectively rated hostel provides nice worth personal and shared rooms with air con. There’s a bar and occasional home on web site however no eating or parking accessible.
La Ferrovia Guesthouse Sorrento – discovered simply subsequent to Sorrento practice station, this guesthouse provides personal en-suite air-conditioned rooms with espresso makers. Paid parking is on the market close by however there’s no on-site restaurant
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – when you’re on the lookout for a 5* luxurious expertise in Sorrento, that is the lodge to move for. Expect spectacular coastal views, a gorgeous backyard, pretty rooms, and two eating places to select from.

Of course, there are an important many extra choices to select from! We suggest trying on reserving.com for all the things from inns to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and residences.

We use them for our reserving lodging for journey everywhere in the world and love how simple it makes it to filter and discover the precise property for our price range and necessities.

See all their listings for the Pompeii space right here.

Sign up for Newsletter