Pompeii is without doubt one of the most well-known archaeological websites in Italy, and a preferred attraction for guests. We’ve visited Pompeii numerous occasions through the years, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and on this information we’re going to share every little thing it’s good to know to plan your individual go to to Pompeii.
There’s lots to see and find out about at Pompeii, and there are additionally varied choices for visiting. You may take a guided tour or do a self-guided go to, and there are additionally varied transport choices for attending to Pompeii from completely different places in Italy, together with Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
On this information we’ll cowl every little thing it’s good 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’s Pompeii?
In AD 79, Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) was a comparatively massive and profitable city within the Roman Empire, residence to between 10 and 20 thousand individuals.
That each one 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 encompassing cities and villages.
Inside 24 hours of the eruption, the huge quantity of ash and pumice produced by the volcanic eruption had lined the cities within the area to a depth of 13 – 20 ft (4 – 6 metres).
1000’s of people that had tried to shelter misplaced their lives, and the cities had been successfully misplaced to historical past.
It wasn’t actually till the 18th century that Pompeii and neighboring cities similar to Herculaneum surfaced again into public consciousness. This was when the primary scientific excavations on the web site came about.
Within the following centuries, big efforts had been taken to disclose the hidden metropolis, efforts that proceed in the present day. New discoveries are nonetheless being made on the web site yearly.
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 Go to to Pompeii
I’ll now undergo some useful data that can assist you plan your journey to Pompeii, from tips on how to get right here to the place to purchase tickets and much extra.
The place 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’s doable to go to Pompeii as a day journey from each Rome and Naples, choices I’ll cowl beneath.
The way to get to Pompeii?
Pompeii is comparatively simple to achieve, with good transport connections from varied places in Italy. We’ll undergo the choices for visiting Pompeii from among the extra common departure factors.
The way to get to Pompeii from Rome?
It’s doable to go to Pompeii as a day journey from Rome as lengthy you’re ready for an extended day with a good bit of journey time. You’re usually round 2.5 – 3 hours of journey time every approach from Rome to Pompeii.
The primary choices you’ve are to drive, take public transport, or take a guided tour.
Drive from Rome to Pompeii
Except you’re planning on taking a highway journey in Italy and persevering with on after Pompeii, we’d counsel taking public transport or a tour slightly than driving.
If you happen to drive, you’ll should undergo the trouble of discovering and renting a automotive, coping with visitors round Rome, navigating, and paying tolls and fuel.
Taking public transport or a tour goes to be lots 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 a way to do that.
Excursions from Rome to Pompeii
Our really useful approach for getting from Rome to Pompeii as a day journey is to take a guided tour. This may make your day much more enjoyable as you gained’t have to fret about logistics.
You’ll even have a greater time at Pompeii with an expert information to elucidate what you’re seeing. There are a variety of tour choices to Pompeii from Rome, some really useful choices are as follows.
When evaluating excursions and costs, all the time test how a lot time is definitely spent on the varied sights, in addition to group dimension and what’s and isn’t included.
Paying slightly additional for a tour that features extra would possibly work out more economical!
The way to get to Pompeii from Naples?
There are a number of choices for getting from Naples to Pompeii. You may 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’s paid parking on web site.
That is going to be an choice to think about if you have already got a automotive rental on your journey in Italy, however we’d not advocate renting a automotive particularly for this journey as the opposite choices are probably going to be simpler.
Shuttle Bus from Naples to Pompeii
A very easy choice for getting from Naples to Pompeii is to take the devoted Metropolis Sightseeing bus. This departs from central Naples and takes you on to the ruins.
The journey takes round 40 minutes relying on visitors, and also you get round 4 hours on web site. Be aware that it’s important to e book 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 lots, however for those who needed to spend longer on web site then this may not be the most suitable choice.
Discover out extra and e book tickets for this expertise on GetYourGuide right here.
Practice from Naples to Pompeii
There are two direct practice choices for getting from Naples Central practice station to Pompeii.
First, it’s good to remember that Pompeii itself has a few practice stations. When taking the practice to the Pompeii historic web site you wish 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 (slightly confusingly) situated straight beneath Naples Centrale practice station.
The most affordable practice choice from Naples to Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana service. This regional commuter practice system runs trains throughout the world, and you’ll want to take a practice which is heading to Sorrento.
Tickets could be bought on the station, and there are usually just a few trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 35 minutes. You may see practice occasions on the official web site right here (Italian solely).
A barely dearer, however usually extra snug practice choice, is the tourist-oriented Campania Specific practice. This additionally operates from Garibaldi practice station and takes you on to the ruins.
Trains run much less continuously and price extra, however are much less crowded and extra snug.
See timetables and purchase tickets with seat reservation for the Campania Specific practice on-line right here. Tickets are additionally out there in particular person.
Be aware 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 doable to take a shuttle out to the ruins or stroll (20 – half-hour), however truthfully, we’d advocate taking one of many different choices because it’s going to be simpler. You gained’t be having a scarcity of strolling while you’re on web site!
Excursions from Naples to Pompeii
It’s also possible to e book a tour to Pompeii which incorporates round-trip transport to and from Naples. There are fairly just a few choices, with each half-day and full-day excursions out there.
Most full-day excursions embody an extra attraction or two similar to a go to to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.
Listed here are some choices to think about.
The way 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 superb base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
It’s additionally simple to get to, being linked by rail on to Naples. That is on the identical practice line that goes to Pompeii, that means you’ll be able to simply attain Pompeii by practice from Sorrento as properly.
Listed here are some choices for tips on how to get from Sorrento to Pompeii.
Driving from Sorrento to Pompeii
You may drive from Sorrento to Pompeii, so if you have already got your individual automotive rental that is positively an choice to think about. Nevertheless, you would possibly discover taking the practice to be simply as handy.
The 28km (17 mile) drive takes round 40 minutes relying on visitors. Simply keep in mind you’ll have to pay for parking while you get to Pompeii.
Public Transport from Sorrento to Pompeii
Getting from Sorrento to Pompeii by public transport is simple. There’s a common practice service from Sorrento to Naples, which stops on the Pompeii Scavi practice station. That is proper by the Pompeii web site entrance.
Tickets could be bought on the station, and there are usually just a few trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 45 minutes. You may see practice occasions on the official web site right here (Italian solely).
Excursions from Sorrento to Pompeii
It’s also possible to take a guided tour from Sorrento to Pompeii. These excursions usually embody round-trip transfers, and a guided tour of Pompeii lasting 2-3 hours.
Excursions then differentiate by different additions similar to lunch, and different locations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Be aware that not all excursions embody your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any extra sights could have extra ticket necessities, similar to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. So all the time test what’s and isn’t included earlier than reserving something.
Here’s a choice of excursions from Sorrento to Pompeii to think about.
As you’ll be able to see there are many choices. We’d all the time advocate evaluating just a few completely different excursions to see which fits your necessities and funds, and all the time test what’s and isn’t included when evaluating excursions as properly.
Pompeii Opening Occasions
Pompeii is often open year-round except twenty fifth December, 1st Might, and 1st January.
Typically, every little thing at Pompeii opens at 9am, however closure occasions can differ. So if you wish to see every little thing, then we advocate visiting within the morning. That is often additionally the best time of day in the summertime months.
The primary 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, Backyard of the Fugitives, Home of the Menander and many others. which even have opening occasions to concentrate on. You may see these right here.
Moreover, there are a variety 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 additional websites require a selected ticket to entry them and it’s good to take a shuttle bus from the principle Pompeii web site to achieve them, so for those who plan to go to these places you’ll want to give your self loads of time.
You may see extra data on opening occasions in addition to any distinctive closure data for Pompeii on the official web site right here.
How Lengthy to Go to Pompeii For
There’s a nice deal to see at Pompeii, nevertheless you even have to think about the time of 12 months you’re visiting and your private curiosity in historical archaeological websites when deciding how lengthy to go to.
The vast majority of guests come for two – 3 hours, which can be how lengthy nearly all of guided excursions are.
If you happen to suppose you’ll want to spend extra time on web site (there’s heaps to see), then a superb choice 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 be capable to direct you to explicit highlights as soon as the tour is over.
We’ve got achieved this and it was an effective way to study lots from a information, after which we had been capable of discover on our personal at our leisure.
One factor to notice, if you’re visiting in the summertime months it could get highly regarded right here, and there isn’t lots of shade, so visiting for for much longer than 2 or 3 hours could be fairly difficult.
Nevertheless, if you’re 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 12 months, there’s definitely heaps to see! You possibly can simply spend a complete day exploring Pompeii, particularly for those who head out to the villas. It’s fully as much as you!
Pompeii Ticket Info
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 Want a Ticket for Pompeii?
Sure, all guests want a ticket for Pompeii, even these eligible without spending a dime and discounted entry.
You should buy tickets on-line upfront or in particular person on web site.
How A lot does it Price to Go to Pompeii?
There are a variety of ticket choices for Pompeii, relying on what you wish to see. These are as follows. Costs are right as of August 2024.
Tickets are for adults 18 and over solely. Kids beneath 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 happen to arrive at Pompeii with an Specific ticket and resolve you wish to go to the villas, it’s doable to buy a ticket improve for €8 on the Herculaneum Gate – Avenue of the Tombs entrance. This solely accepts card fee.
Are there Discounted Pompeii Tickets?
Sure, 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 youngsters beneath 18 get free entry to Pompeii, though they nonetheless require a ticket.
There are presently no reductions for seniors.
The place to Purchase Pompeii Tickets
You might have numerous choices for buying Pompeii tickets.
In particular person
First, you should purchase tickets for Pompeii on-site at Pompeii itself. There are ticket places of work on the three essential entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
We’d usually advise in opposition to this the place doable as you would possibly find yourself standing in line for some time, however it’s an choice.
If you happen to beneath 18, an EU resident aged 18-24, or fall into one other class for decreased worth tickets, then you’ll need to go to the ticket workplace on your ticket.
That is so your qualification for the decreased price tag could be verified, so you should definitely carry any vital paperwork, similar to a authorities issued Picture ID doc (i.e. a passport or ID card).
On-line
You should purchase Pompeii tickets on-line from numerous web sites, as follows:
In our expertise, the official web site tends to have the bottom price on-line tickets, however they don’t include free cancellation.
Tickets offered by third events do usually price a bit extra, however can have advantages similar to free cancellation in addition to the choice to e book a guided tour.
We advocate evaluating costs and choices to see which fits you. It’s additionally vital to rigorously learn the redemption directions when shopping for a ticket on-line so you understand what it’s good to do upfront of your go to.
Usually you’ll be able to simply present a ticket in your smartphone, however generally you would possibly have to print one thing out or accumulate a ticket from a selected pick-up level.
By Cellphone
You should purchase tickets for Pompeii by cellphone. 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 cellphone.
Are you able to Skip the Strains at Pompeii?
There are two traces at Pompeii. First, there’s the road for the ticket workplace the place you should purchase tickets in particular person. Subsequent, there’s an entrance line for going into the positioning, which features a safety test.
If you happen to pre-book your ticket, normally you’ll be able to skip the ticket line. Nevertheless, this may rely on the ticket you buy, as some on-line tickets require you to swap a voucher for an precise ticket, so do test if that is so with the ticket you’ve 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 nowadays you’ll nonetheless want a ticket, however there isn’t a price for buying it.
Tickets for the free days could 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 counsel doing the net ticket choice as the positioning can get very busy on the free days, and if it exceeds capability, the ticket places of work shut.
Be aware 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’s the Pompeii Official Web site?
There are a number of websites providing data on visiting Pompeii, together with this one.
Nevertheless, for the newest data on visiting Pompeii together with ticket costs, updates, opening hours and extra, we all the time advocate consulting the official web site.
You’ll find it on the following net tackle, with content material out there in a number of languages together with English. The positioning is great and has a wealth of knowledge that can assist you plan your go to, and is properly price trying out.
Pompeii Structure 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 laborious to get misplaced in Pompeii. While 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.
That will help you discover your approach 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 technique was developed approach again within the nineteenth century when the positioning began to be excavated and stays in use to today.
Every 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 may 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 assist you orient your self if you end up on web site, because the Regio quantity you’re in is recurrently printed on partitions and in indicators.
Every Regio can be divided into “Insulae” or “Insula”. In Roman occasions, an Insulae was a metropolis block, or an condo constructing. For Pompeii, the Insulae are the blocks.
So, while you see an indication in Pompeii, it would often inform you which Regio and Insulae you’re in, for instance REG VII INS XIII would imply you’re in Regio 7, Insula 13.
The Insula observe a format system which I’m certain is smart to an archeologist however appears designed to confuse the common particular person in my view.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t actually matter, as a result of the official map has each the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, when you have the map, all it’s good to do is discover a signal to know the place you’re.
You may obtain a map and information to the positioning from the official web site right here.
We extremely advocate doing this upfront and saving it to your smartphone for reference. You must be capable to get a printed model of this information while you go to, however it’s good to be ready simply in case they aren’t out there.
There are additionally road names that can assist you orient your self. The essential homes and points of interest even have names.
I’d additionally add that every home (and among the rooms within the homes) even have numbers. Nevertheless, that is actually extra for cataloging and archaeological functions slightly than one thing guests would wish to use for navigating!
It is usually price noting that while most guests go to the principle Pompeii web site, there are a variety of different websites which have been excavated, and which may also be visited. These require you to have a special ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the principle web site.
In abstract, if you’re visiting Pompeii and not using a information, we advocate having a map readily available, and being conscious of the Regio and Insulae system. It’s also possible to orient your self with close by apparent landmarks, with Mount Vesuvius typically seen for instance.
What to see and do at Pompeii
There’s lots to see and do in Pompeii, and it may be a reasonably overwhelming place to go to. Because of this we’d advocate taking a guided tour, or on the very least getting an audio information.
That will help you determine what to see, we’re going to share what we expect are among the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most excursions will embody not less than a few of these, though tour routes can differ. In case you are taking a tour, all the time test what they embody to make sure it covers your pursuits.
Prime Sights at Pompeii
Clearly, everybody may have barely completely different pursuits, nevertheless we expect 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 properly, though after all it would differ, and never all excursions will go to each sight we listing.
These sights are ordered roughly as you’d encounter them coming into town from the western aspect. There’s a superb map right here you’ll be able to obtain for reference as properly.
- Porta Marina – arguably probably 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 created from concrete and dates from 80BC.
- Plaster Casts of Pompeii’s victims – One of the vital well-known sights at Pompeii are the plaster casts of those that misplaced their lives within the eruption, together with individuals and canines. The victims had been encased in ash and asphyxiated, and their our bodies entombed. Over time the our bodies decomposed, leaving gaps within the hardened ash layer. Through the excavations, plaster was rigorously injected into these cavities to type the molds you’ll be able to see in the present day. These could be seen at varied places in Pompeii, together with on the Antiquarium and the Discussion board Granary
- Antiquarium di Pompei (Pompeii archaeological museum) – discovered by the Porta Marina, this museum homes a set of artifacts from the positioning. It have to be mentioned that one of the best artefacts from Pompeii could 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 Discussion board (Foro) – the center of any Roman metropolis or city is the Discussion board, the place you’d have discovered metropolis administration buildings, the principle temples and the market. If one thing vital 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 Discussion board, the Basilica dates from round 80BC. Regardless of the spiritual sounding title, it was really extra of a civic corridor, used for enterprise and as a court docket for dealing with authorized issues. Spiritual Basilicas got here later, basing their title and format on the Roman buildings!
- Discussion board Granary – The Granary is situated by the Discussion board and would initially have been the principle produce market. In the present day it’s the residence 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 Discussion board (Terme del Foro) – No Roman city is full and not using a tub home (the extra the higher), and Pompeii had not less than 5 of them. The Baths of the Discussion board are the closest to the Discussion board. Right here you’ll be able to see the female and male bathing homes together with the new tub room, heat tub room and chilly plunge room.
- By way of Abbondanza (essential road) – the principle road (Decumanus Maximus in Roman occasions) of Pompeii runs west to east from the Discussion board all the best way throughout the city to Sarno Gate. This may have been a busy, pedestrianized road full of outlets and foods and drinks distributors. The stretch which leads from the Discussion board has three upright stones, designed to dam chariot passage as this was a pedestrian road.
- Eateries – alongside most of the streets, and particularly the principle streets, you will notice proof of historical Roman eateries. Search for marble counter tops with holes minimize out the place the meals would have been saved.
- Arches – Pompeii has numerous arches which you will notice all through town. On the northern finish of the Discussion board is an honorary arch, while additional north on the intersection of By way of Fortuna and Vicolo del Foro you will discover the Arch of Caligula. A few of these arches additionally served a extra sensible operate, hiding water tanks that provided close by fountains. In the present day many of those fountains have been modernized and supply clear ingesting water for guests.
- Home of the Tragic Poet (Casa del Poeta Tragico) – One of many many homes you’ll be able to go to in Pompeii, this one is simply to the north of the Discussion board 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.
- Home of the Faun (Casa del Fauno) – simply to the northeast of the Home 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. toes, 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).
- Home of the Vetti (Casa dei Vetti)– discovered to the northeast of the Home of the Faun, the Home of the Vetti is a superbly embellished property that includes many stunning fresco work which depict varied mythological scenes. It’s additionally a really massive property.
- Brothel (Lupanare) – nearly as common in the present day because it probably was in its heyday 2,000 years in the past (though with a considerably completely different clientele), the brothel was the place residents got here to search out intercourse staff, in addition to drinks and social interplay. The title Lupanare comes from the Latin title for a wolf-den, as prostitutes had been often known as she-wolves. The brothel has pretty graphic frescoes and graffiti, and fogeys would possibly wish to skip this attraction.
- Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As beforehand talked about, Pompeii had not less than 5 tub homes, of which the Stabian Baths are the most important and oldest. The truth is, they’re one of many oldest Roman baths on this planet. They’re discovered on the intersection By way of dell’Abbondanza and By way of Stabiana. Right here you’ll be able to see the completely different mens and ladies’s bathing areas. We’d most likely advocate selecting one tub home to go to, until you’re significantly into Roman tub homes.
Different websites that are slightly off the principle route and which aren’t all the time 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’s believed that the composer Mozart visited this temple when he was 13, and it impressed his composition The Magic Flute
- Grand Theater (Teatro Grande) – Leisure was a key a part of Roman life, and there have been numerous venues throughout town the place performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was constructed within the Greek fashion, which meant making the most of a pure hill slope to create the auditorium, which might have had seating for five,000 spectators. A lot of the Theatre survives in the present day, and it’s properly price a go to. It’s within the south a part of Pompeii, close to Porta di Stabia.
- Small Theater (Teatro Piccolo – Odeion) – Proper 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. On the time, it was typically used for mime performances, which had been common. It was additionally used for music.
- Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To understand the size of Pompeii, you must contemplate visiting the point of view by Casina dell’Aquila, simply by the intersection of By way of Dell’Abbondanza and Vicolo di Tesmo. The perspective is on the unique degree of the bottom right here earlier than the excavation, and gives you an concept of simply how a lot floor needed to be moved to be able to unearth town.
- Home of Menander (Casa del Menandro) – owned by a excessive rating and rich household, this massive home (19,000 sq. toes) is called for the fresco which depicts the Greek playwright Menander. There are a variety of rooms that may be visited.
- Backyard of the Fugitives (Orto dei Fuggiaschi) – discovered within the southeast a part of Pompeii, the Backyard of the Fugitives accommodates the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died making an attempt to flee town.
- Amphitheater – an vital leisure heart in a Roman metropolis or city was the amphitheater, basically an enclosed theatre which was used for gladiatorial battles, circuses and extra. Essentially 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. A lot of the construction nonetheless survives, with seating for round 20,000 individuals.
- Aqueduct – The Romans had been unbelievable engineers, and while they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts had been positively engineering wonders of their time. They allowed the distribution of water throughout the Roman Empire, and allowed cities like Pompeii to get contemporary 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! In the present day, 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 lots to see and absorb at Pompeii!
Excursions of Pompeii
Probably the greatest methods to go to Pompeii is to take a guided tour. There’s lots to see and lots of historical past and knowledge to soak up, and having a superb information can positively enhance your expertise.
You might have just a few choices for taking a tour. You may e book a tour which incorporates transport from a serious metropolis similar to Rome or Naples. Or, you can also make your individual strategy to Pompeii and simply take a tour on web site.
We’ll embody numerous choices so that you can contemplate, relying in your preferences.
It’s also possible to e book a tour information on arrival at Pompeii. Tour guides can be found simply inside the positioning entrance and may have an official badge.
Be aware nevertheless that while accredited, the guides are freelance and costs are usually not mounted. You will have to barter worth, route and tour length with the out there on-site guides.
Typically, these guides may have a worth 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 personalised expertise.
You may see extra on this course of right here.
Relying on how busy the day is, guides might not be out there. So, we’d usually advocate reserving a guided tour upfront as a substitute.
Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii
Costume Code at Pompeii
Pompeii isn’t a spiritual web site and as such there isn’t a particular gown code for visiting.
There are a few guidelines round clothes. First, you can’t be naked chested, you have to be sporting a high. As well as, clothes that could possibly be thought-about disruptive can be not allowed, and costumes, masks and banners are usually not permitted.
This clothes rule is often used to forestall protestors utilizing the positioning, so is unlikely to have an effect on most guests. Keep away from any offensive clothes and also you’ll be fantastic!
You’ll nonetheless wish to suppose by way of your clothes selections previous to visiting. The vast majority of your go to can be spent outdoors, and there’s minimal shade or shelter out there.
See the part of what to put on and pack for Pompeii for some options on what to carry on your go to.
Amenities at Pompeii
Pompeii has numerous customer providers you should use. These embody:
- two on-site bookshops, one at Piazza Esedra and one contained in the Antiquarium.
- audio information rent, out there on the Porta Marina entrance and Porta Anfiteatro entrance.
- first help providers, out there close to the Chora Cafe on Vicolo degli Augustali
- A number of free water fountains throughout the positioning
- A number of free rest room services throughout the positioning
- Child altering services. There are three of those, one on By way of dell’Abbondanza, one on By way of di Nola, and one on the nook of By way of Stabiana and By way of della Fortuna
Eating places / Eating at Pompeii
If you happen to’re visiting Pompeii for just a few hours you may want some meals. There are a variety of vacationer oriented eating places close to the principle entrances to the positioning, significantly across the practice station. There are additionally two essential choices for meals and snacks on web site as follows:
- A restaurant known as Chora the place you may get drinks and snacks like muffins, pastries and ice cream. That is at Casina Dell’Aquila, on By way of Dell’Abbondanza
- The Vicolo del Foro restaurant, which is simply north of the Discussion board by the Arco di Nerone Discussion board entrance / exit.
Be aware that you just can not exit and re-enter Pompeii on the identical ticket, so for those who plan to eat on web site throughout your go to you’ll both have to carry meals with you, or go to one of many above choices.
Smoking at Pompeii
Smoking is forbidden at Pompeii besides at designated smoking areas. These could be discovered close to the Casina dell’Aquila and the bathroom services.
Safety at Pompeii
All guests should undergo a safety test at Pompeii. Cumbersome objects, umbrellas, and baggage bigger than 30x30x15 cm (12 x 12 x 6 inches) are usually not permitted on the positioning and have to be left on the cloakroom. This can be a free service.
In any other case, the foundations are fairly apparent, and largely deal with defending the positioning and making certain a superb expertise for all. So that 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 may see the total listing of guidelines and laws right here.
Accessibility at Pompeii
Pompeii is clearly an historical metropolis, and as such there are accessibility challenges. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to make sure the positioning is as accessible as doable for all guests.
There are a variety of specifically designed accessible routes, known as Pompeii for All, that are designed to permit entry for mobility impaired customers, in addition to dad and mom with buggies, to a big a part of the positioning.
These routes embody most of the essential buildings that guests would wish to see, and canopy a complete of three.5km. You may 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 laborious to listening to to benefit from the web site. Extra on this program, and accessibility on the positioning typically, could be discovered on the Pompeii for All web page.
Baggage storage Close to Pompeii
Guests to Pompeii are usually not allowed to carry any baggage bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm on web site. So nothing bigger than a small backpack basically. We’d counsel leaving baggage in your resort room the place doable.
If you happen to should 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 ground of the Pompeii Scavi practice station out there for a charge.
Suggestions for Visiting Pompeii
Based mostly on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we needed to share some ideas that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to.
Plan your day upfront
The very first thing we advocate doing is planning your day trip earlier than you go to. Determine what you wish to see at Pompeii, after which resolve if you wish to take a tour.
If you happen to resolve to take a tour, test what it contains, after which contemplate for those who want extra time. In case you are taking a tour that features round-trip transport, you may not have a lot additional time.
In case you are 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’ll get to and from Pompeii.
In case you are doing a self-guided go to for any a part of your time at Pompeii, we advise wanting on the official map and planning out what you wish to see. You could even contemplate developing with a basic path to observe. This may assist orient you if you end up really there.
Contemplate a Guided Tour or Audio Information
We are able to extremely advocate taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An skilled information goes to have the ability to carry the positioning to life and actually assist you perceive what you’re seeing.
On our most up-to-date go to to Pompeii we took this guided tour with Take Walks and might extremely advocate it. Nevertheless, there are a variety of choices.
If you happen to take a guided tour that meets on web site, we extremely advocate planning on staying not less than an hour extra on web site as soon as the tour ends so you’ll be able to see every other websites that the tour didn’t cowl.
If you happen to choose to not take a guided tour, then we’d counsel 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.
Costume and Pack Accordingly
In case you are visiting Pompeii within the hotter months of the 12 months, you’ll want to carry a good solar hat to maintain the solar off your face, free becoming clothes, and sure a small daypack to hold suncream, water and any snacks.
If rain is a risk, a mild raincoat or poncho can be a good suggestion. Umbrellas are usually not allowed on web site.
In case you are visiting outdoors of the warmest months of the 12 months, then some hotter layers are a good suggestion simply in case it’s cooler on web site.
Footwear can be vital. The traditional streets of Pompeii could be uneven, various between free filth and cobblestones. A superb pair of snug footwear that you’re pleased to spend time strolling in is a should.
For shoe options, see our guides to the finest journey footwear for males and the finest journey footwear for girls for some concepts.
You’ll positively wish to carry a water bottle with you. Contemporary ingesting water is out there at fountains throughout the positioning, and on a scorching day you’ll need to drink loads of water. We use and love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for journey, however there are many choices on the market after all.
We are able to additionally advocate bringing some form of guidebook with you. We expect the Rick Steves guidebook is without doubt one of the finest choices, both his Italy information or Naples & the Amalfi Coast snapshot information.
Each have a self-guided Pompeii tour which is a wonderful choice for those who select to skip a guided tour.
Be Cautious of on-site Touts at Pompeii
Like several 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 advocate taking one of many excursions with an permitted tour information.
These could be discovered at Piazza Esedra and Porta Marina, upon getting entered Pompeii, after the safety checks. These tour guides have official badges issued by the Vacationer Board of the Campania Area. In case you are uncertain if a information is accredited, test with the ticket workplace.
Remember that these guides will more than likely have to be paid in money, and the worth of the tour goes to be one thing you’ll want to debate with the information upfront.
While you arrive at Pompeii additionally, you will probably be provided excursions by guides outdoors the gates. These won’t be led by Pompeii’s accredited guides, so the standard of the tour isn’t assured. We’d counsel 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 threat, as with every vacation spot like this, of pickpockets. So simply be conscious of your belongings and maintain valuables in sight, or safely away in zippered pockets. That is additionally the case on the practice and on the practice station for those who select to take public transportation.
We’ve by no means had a problem in Italy, however it’s all the time a good suggestion to take primary security precautions when touring wherever, as you’d at residence.
Arrive Early and Head to the Again
Pompeii is a well-liked vacation spot, and as such it could get fairly busy. As well as, there’s restricted shade on web site, and in the summertime months significantly it could get highly regarded on web site.
All because of this for one of the best expertise we advocate arriving early within the day for those who can. In case you are planning on taking a tour, e book it for earlier within the day. In case you are planning to information your self, plan out your route so that you head away from the doorway first, and work your approach again in the direction of it.
Many guests solely go to the foremost sights, a lot of that are situated not too removed from the doorway areas, significantly Porta Marina. Excursions teams additionally observe comparable routes. So if you would like a much less crowded expertise, establish just a few sights that you’re desirous about which might be off the overwhelmed path, and head to these first.
Carry a Water Bottle
We talked about this already within the “what to pack for Pompeii” part of this information, however we expect it’s price repeating. Pompeii will get extremely scorching in the summertime months and there’s not a lot shade.
There are many free ingesting water fountains throughout the positioning, so carry a water bottle and keep hydrated without spending a dime as you wander!
Escape the Crowds at Pompeii
Pompeii is a massively common attraction, and because of this it may be busy. The positioning has a restrict of 15,000 guests at anybody time, however regardless of the positioning being fairly massive individuals have a tendency to move to a handful of places such because the Discussion board, Brothel, and Tub homes, that means it could really feel extra crowded than it’s.
Listed here are some ideas for escaping the crowds at Pompeii.
- Go to at a quieter time of the week or 12 months. Peak season in Italy is mostly from Might by way of August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. If you happen to can’t keep away from visiting in excessive season, attempt visiting on per week day if doable.
- Head to a quieter a part of the positioning for those who can, away from the teams. Most excursions observe an identical path to a handful of highlights, and for those who head to the much less common areas yow will discover your self wandering nearly abandoned streets, even at a busy time of 12 months
- 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 properly, from the place you’ll be able to discover the positioning at your leisure
Points of interest Close to Pompeii
Pompeii is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest within the Naples space, however it’s in no way the one attraction within the space! Listed here are another points of interest within the basic space to think about including to your itinerary.
- Herculaneum – the opposite well-excavated city that was buried by the Vesuvius eruption is Herculaneum. That 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’s often quieter than Pompeii, and a few excursions like this one go to each.
- Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which prompted all the difficulty continues to be lively and nonetheless posing a risk to the tens of millions of people that reside within the space. It’s a dominant a part of the skyline, and you may head all the best way as much as the summit to see into the steaming crater and hike across the rim. There’s a small charge to go to the park, and it may be reached by public transport or on a guided tour like this.
- Amalfi Coast – one of the common and spectacular areas of Italy, the 50km lengthy Amalfi Coast is true subsequent to Pompeii. Beautiful seaside cities like Positano and Sorrento cling to the dramatic shoreline. It’s properly price spending just a few days right here for those who can. Alternatively, you may get a style of what’s on provide 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, however it’s additionally residence to superb meals and quite a few points of interest. Pompeii guests ought to positively take the time to go to the Naples Nationwide Archaeological Museum, which has nearly all of one of the best preserved artefacts from Pompeii out there for viewing.
- Capri – a preferred island for a day journey (though keep in a single day for those who can to keep away from the crowds!), Capri could be visited by ferry from each Naples and Sorrento. It’s a phenomenal island with lots to see, however it could get extremely crowded in the summertime months.
In fact, there’s rather more to see on this space, however this could offer you an concept of what’s on provide within the space round Pompeii!
The place to Keep Close to Pompeii
If you happen to’re in search of someplace to remain close to Pompeii, you’ve fairly just a few choices. You may keep near the positioning, or you can keep in close by Sorrento or Naples.
It’s additionally doable to go to Pompeii as a day journey from Rome, however we’ll deal with 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 – Actually throughout the highway from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this common B&B gives air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms even have a kitchen and dishwasher for those who favor to prepare dinner for your self. Parking is out there for a charge.
- Resort Discussion board – additionally simply subsequent to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, it is a well-reviewed 4* resort providing free personal parking, air-conditioned en-suite rooms and a restaurant. Breakfast is out there.
- Habita79 Pompeii – only a few minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance, this 4* resort gives en-suite air conditioned rooms in addition to an on-site spa and wellness studio. Breakfast is out there. Be aware there’s no on-site parking.
- Agora Hostel – 5 minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this properly rated hostel gives nice worth personal and shared rooms with air con. There’s a bar and occasional home on web site however no eating or parking out there.
- La Ferrovia Guesthouse Sorrento – discovered simply subsequent to Sorrento practice station, this guesthouse gives personal en-suite air-conditioned rooms with espresso makers. Paid parking is out there close by however there’s no on-site restaurant
- Grand Resort Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – for those who’re in search of a 5* luxurious expertise in Sorrento, that is the resort to move for. Anticipate spectacular coastal views, a phenomenal backyard, pretty rooms, and two eating places to select from.
In fact, there are an important many extra choices to select from! We advocate wanting on reserving.com for every little thing from inns to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and flats.
We use them for our reserving lodging for journey all around the world and love how simple it makes it to filter and discover the best property for our funds and necessities.
See all their listings for the Pompeii space right here.
Additional Studying for Visiting Italy
Properly, that completed up our information to visiting Pompeii! It’s only a small a part of our content material on Italy and Europe, which we hope you will discover helpful when planning your journey.
Listed here are a few of these guides, in addition to hyperlinks to 3rd social gathering sources we advocate.
- We’ve got a information to spending 1 day in Rome, in addition to guides for 2 days in Rome and 3 days in Rome, which ought to assist you plan your time in Rome. We even have a information to the finest meals excursions in Rome, the finest gelato in Rome and the finest cafes to drink espresso in Rome
- We’ve got a information to visiting the Colosseum, in addition to a information to visiting the Vatican. These have every little thing it’s good to know to plan your visits to this outstanding points of interest
- Past Rome, we have now a information to Florence, urged issues to do in Milan, a information to spending 2 days in Milan, and ideas for a day in Venice
- We even have an in depth 10 day Italy itinerary that can assist you plan a visit on this fantastic nation. We even have a urged 2-week Europe itinerary which naturally contains Italy!
- If you happen to’re in search of a bodily (or Kindle!) guidebook, we advocate the newest version of Rick Steves Italy information, which has a lot of sensible data that can assist you take advantage of your keep
And that’s it! As all the time, we hope you discovered this information helpful, and when you have any questions or feedback about visiting Pompeii, simply pop them within the feedback beneath and we’ll reply as quickly as we will.
