Pompeii is likely one of the most well-known archaeological websites in Italy, and a preferred attraction for guests. We’ve visited Pompeii numerous instances through the years, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and on this information we’re going to share all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to plan your personal go to to Pompeii.
There’s quite a bit to see and find out about at Pompeii, and there are additionally varied choices for visiting. You’ll be able to 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 all the pieces it’s worthwhile 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 folks.
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 encircling cities and villages.
Inside 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).
Hundreds 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 resembling Herculaneum surfaced again into public consciousness. This was when the primary scientific excavations on the website occurred.
Within the following centuries, enormous efforts had been taken to disclose the hidden metropolis, efforts that proceed immediately.
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 a fantastic 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 how you can 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 potential to go to Pompeii as a day journey from each Rome and Naples, choices I’ll cowl under.
How one can get to Pompeii?
Pompeii is comparatively straightforward to succeed in, with good transport connections from varied places in Italy. We’ll undergo the choices for visiting Pompeii from a number of the extra standard departure factors.
How one can get to Pompeii from Rome?
It’s potential 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 usually round 2.5 – 3 hours of journey time every means from Rome to Pompeii.
The principle choices you’ve are to drive, take public transport, or take a guided tour.
Drive from Rome to Pompeii
Until you’re planning on taking a highway journey in Italy and persevering with on after Pompeii, we’d recommend taking public transport or a tour fairly than driving.
In the event you drive, you’ll should undergo the trouble of discovering and renting a automotive, coping with visitors round Rome, navigating, and paying tolls and gasoline.
Taking public transport or a tour goes to be quite a bit simpler.
Public Transport from Rome to Pompeii
For public transport, you possibly can take an specific practice from Rome to Naples Central practice station. Then, from Naples you possibly can take a neighborhood practice to Pompeii.
See particulars under within the part on getting from Naples to Pompeii for the way to do that.
Excursions from Rome to Pompeii
Our really helpful means 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 received’t have to fret about logistics.
You’ll even have a greater time at Pompeii with knowledgeable information to clarify what you’re seeing. There are a selection of tour choices to Pompeii from Rome, some really helpful 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 a bit additional for a tour that features extra may work out less expensive!
How one can get to Pompeii from Naples?
There are a number of choices for getting from Naples to Pompeii. You’ll be able to 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 website.
That is going to be an possibility to think about if you have already got a automotive rental on 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 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 website. Observe that you need to e-book a selected departure time, which ties you to a selected return time, you possibly can’t select to remain longer and are available again on a later bus.
4 hours ought to offer you sufficient time to see quite a bit, however in case you wished to spend longer on website then this may not be the best choice.
Discover out extra and e-book tickets for this expertise on GetYourGuide right here.
Prepare from Naples to Pompeii
There are two direct practice choices for getting from Naples Central practice station to Pompeii.
First, it’s worthwhile to remember that Pompeii itself has a few practice stations. When taking the practice to the Pompeii historic website 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 (a bit confusingly) positioned straight beneath Naples Centrale practice station.
The most cost effective practice possibility from Naples to Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana service. This regional commuter practice system runs trains throughout the realm, and you’ll want to take a practice which is heading to Sorrento.
Tickets may be bought on the station, and there are usually just a few trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 35 minutes. You’ll be able to see practice instances on the official web site right here (Italian solely).
A barely dearer, however usually extra comfy practice possibility, is the tourist-oriented Campania Categorical practice. This additionally operates from Garibaldi practice station and takes you on to the ruins.
Trains run much less steadily and value extra, however are much less crowded and extra comfy.
See timetables and purchase tickets with seat reservation for the Campania Categorical practice on-line right here. Tickets are additionally obtainable in individual.
Observe that Trenitalia runs trains from Naples central practice station to Pompeii, however these go to the principle practice station in Pompeii fairly than the station by the ruins.
It’s potential 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 once you’re on website!
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 obtainable.
Most full-day excursions embody an extra attraction or two resembling a go to to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.
Listed here are some choices to think about.
How one can get to Pompeii from Sorrento
Sorrento is likely one of the main cities on Italy’s standard Amalfi coast, a preferred and spectacular vacation spot for vacationers visiting Italy. Sorrento makes for a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
It’s additionally straightforward to get to, being linked by rail on to Naples. That is on the identical practice line that goes to Pompeii, which means you possibly can simply attain Pompeii by practice from Sorrento as nicely.
Listed here are some choices for how you can get from Sorrento to Pompeii.
Driving from Sorrento to Pompeii
You’ll be able to drive from Sorrento to Pompeii, so if you have already got your personal automotive rental that is undoubtedly an possibility to think about. Nevertheless, you may discover taking the practice to be simply as handy.
The 28km (17 mile) drive takes round 40 minutes relying on visitors. Simply bear in mind you’ll have to pay for parking once 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 website entrance.
Tickets may be bought on the station, and there are usually just a few trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 45 minutes. You’ll be able to see practice instances 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 resembling lunch, and different locations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Observe that not all excursions embody your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any further sights might have further ticket necessities, resembling 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 possibly can see there are many choices. We’d all the time suggest evaluating just a few completely different excursions to see which fits your necessities and price range, and all the time test what’s and isn’t included when evaluating excursions as nicely.
Pompeii Opening Instances
Pompeii is often open year-round except for twenty fifth December, 1st Could, and 1st January.
Usually, all the pieces at Pompeii opens at 9am, however closure instances can range. So if you wish to see all the pieces, then we suggest visiting within the morning. That is normally additionally the best time of day in the summertime months.
The principle Pompeii website 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 website such because the Amphitheater, Backyard of the Fugitives, Home of the Menander and so forth. which even have opening instances to pay attention to. You’ll be able to see these right here.
Moreover, there are a selection of close by websites linked to Pompeii which have a final entrance time half-hour after the principle website final entrance time.
These embody Villa Regina, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco and Villa de Poppea. These places are all closed on Tuesdays except for Villa Regina.
These additional websites require a selected ticket to entry them and it’s worthwhile to take a shuttle bus from the principle Pompeii website to succeed in them, so in case you plan to go to these places you’ll want to give your self loads of time.
You’ll be able to see extra data on opening instances 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, nonetheless you even have to think about the time of yr you’re visiting and your private curiosity in historical archaeological websites when deciding how lengthy to go to.
Nearly all of guests come for two – 3 hours, which can also be how lengthy the vast majority of guided excursions are.
In the event you suppose you’ll want to spend extra time on website (there may be heaps to see), then a great possibility is to take a guided tour that finishes on website, 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 carried out this and it was an effective way to study quite a bit from a information, after which we had been in a position to 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 may be fairly difficult.
Nevertheless, if you’re actually eager to discover and spend extra time on website, and are both ready for the warmth or are visiting at a cooler time of yr, there may be actually heaps to see! You could possibly simply spend a complete day exploring Pompeii, particularly in case you 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 sorts 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 at no cost and discounted entry.
You should purchase tickets on-line upfront or in individual on website.
How A lot does it Value to Go to Pompeii?
There are a selection of ticket choices for Pompeii, relying on what you wish to see. These are as follows. Costs are appropriate as of August 2024.
Tickets are for adults 18 and over solely. Youngsters beneath 18 have free entry, though they do nonetheless require a ticket which might solely be collected in individual on the ticket workplace.
In the event you arrive at Pompeii with an Categorical ticket and determine you wish to go to the villas, it’s potential 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 kids beneath 18 get free entry to Pompeii, though they nonetheless require a ticket.
There are at the moment no reductions for seniors.
The place to Purchase Pompeii Tickets
You may have numerous choices for buying Pompeii tickets.
In individual
First, you should buy tickets for Pompeii on-site at Pompeii itself. There are ticket places of work on the three major entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
We’d usually advise in opposition to this the place potential as you may find yourself standing in line for some time, however it’s an possibility.
In the event you beneath 18, an EU resident aged 18-24, or fall into one other class for diminished value tickets, then you will have to go to the ticket workplace on your ticket.
That is so your qualification for the diminished price tag may be verified, so make sure you carry any crucial paperwork, resembling 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 value on-line tickets, however they don’t include free cancellation.
Tickets offered by third events do usually value a bit extra, however can have advantages resembling free cancellation in addition to the choice to e-book a guided tour.
We suggest evaluating costs and choices to see which fits you. It’s additionally necessary to rigorously learn the redemption directions when shopping for a ticket on-line so you recognize what it’s worthwhile to do upfront of your go to.
Typically you possibly can simply present a ticket in your smartphone, however generally you may have to print one thing out or gather 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 Traces at Pompeii?
There are two traces at Pompeii. First, there may be the road for the ticket workplace the place you should buy tickets in individual. Subsequent, there may be an entrance line for going into the location, which features a safety test.
In the event you pre-book your ticket, generally you possibly can 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 shortly.
When is Pompeii Free in 2024?
Pompeii is free to go to on the primary Sunday of each month. On lately you’ll nonetheless want a ticket, however there is no such thing as a value for buying it.
Tickets for the free days may be bought on-line on the official Ticketone website right here, or in individual on the ticket workplace on website.
We’d recommend doing the net ticket possibility as the location can get very busy on the free days, and if it exceeds capability, the ticket places of work shut.
Observe 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 website!
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 most recent data on visiting Pompeii together with ticket costs, updates, opening hours and extra, we all the time suggest consulting the official web site.
You’ll find it on the following internet deal with, with content material obtainable 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 nicely price trying out.
Pompeii Format and Maps
Pompeii is a big attraction, overlaying 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 arduous to get misplaced in Pompeii. While a lot of the location is specified by a grid, there are additionally loads of slim lanes and twists and turns. Navigation isn’t helped by pretty restricted signage.
That will help you discover your means round, it’s a good suggestion to have an thought of the structure of Pompeii.
The very first thing to know is that Pompeii is split into 9 distinct areas, or “Regio“. This method was developed means again within the nineteenth century when the location 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 large and three excessive.
The structure of the areas isn’t fully intuitive. It’s a counterclockwise spiral ranging from the decrease center grid sq.. You’ll be able to 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 thought of this grid and the numbering system will assist you orient your self when you’re on website, because the Regio quantity you’re in is repeatedly printed on partitions and in indicators.
Every Regio can also be divided into “Insulae” or “Insula”. In Roman instances, an Insulae was a metropolis block, or an residence constructing. For Pompeii, the Insulae are the blocks.
So, once you see an indication in Pompeii, it should normally 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 structure system which I’m certain is sensible to an archeologist however appears designed to confuse the typical individual for my part.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t actually matter, as a result of the official map has each the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, when you’ve got the map, all it’s worthwhile to do is discover a signal to know the place you’re.
You’ll be able to obtain a map and information to the location from the official web site right here.
We extremely suggest doing this upfront and saving it to your smartphone for reference. You must be capable to get a printed model of this information once you go to, nevertheless it’s good to be ready simply in case they aren’t obtainable.
There are additionally road names that can assist you orient your self. The major homes and sights even have names.
I’d additionally add that every home (and a number of the rooms within the homes) even have numbers. Nevertheless, that is actually extra for cataloging and archaeological functions fairly than one thing guests would wish to use for navigating!
It’s also price noting that while most guests go to the principle Pompeii website, there are a selection of different websites which have been excavated, and which can be visited. These require you to have a special ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the principle website.
In abstract, if you’re visiting Pompeii with out a information, we suggest 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 quite a bit to see and do in Pompeii, and it may be a reasonably overwhelming place to go to. That is why we’d suggest taking a guided tour, or on the very least getting an audio information.
That will help you work out what to see, we’re going to share what we expect are a number of the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most excursions will embody no less than a few of these, though tour routes can range. If you’re taking a tour, all the time test what they embody to make sure it covers your pursuits.
High Sights at Pompeii
Clearly, everybody could have barely completely different pursuits, nonetheless we expect this can be a good overview of the principle highlights at Pompeii. These are the sights that the majority excursions are more likely to go to as nicely, though after all it should range, and never all excursions will go to each sight we listing.
These sights are ordered roughly as you’ll encounter them coming into the town from the western aspect. There’s a superb map right here you possibly can obtain for reference as nicely.
- Porta Marina – arguably probably the most spectacular of the unique seven gateways to the town, and the one which led to the ocean, therefore the title. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is constructed from concrete and dates from 80BC.
- Plaster Casts of Pompeii’s victims – One of the well-known sights at Pompeii are the plaster casts of those that misplaced their lives within the eruption, together with folks and canine. 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. In the course of the excavations, plaster was rigorously injected into these cavities to kind the molds you possibly can see immediately. These may 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 group of artifacts from the location. It should be mentioned that one of the best artefacts from Pompeii may be discovered within the Naples Archaeological Museum, nonetheless 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’ll have discovered metropolis administration buildings, the principle temples and the market. If one thing necessary was going to occur in Pompeii, this was in all probability 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 non secular 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 structure on the Roman buildings!
- Discussion board Granary – The Granary is positioned by the Discussion board and would initially have been the principle produce market. At present it’s the residence of 1000’s of artifacts which have been excavated from the ruins, in addition to plaster casts of a number of the victims of the catastrophe.
- Baths of the Discussion board (Terme del Foro) – No Roman city is full with out a bathtub home (the extra the higher), and Pompeii had no less than 5 of them. The Baths of the Discussion board are the closest to the Discussion board. Right here you possibly can see the female and male bathing homes together with the recent bathtub room, heat bathtub room and chilly plunge room.
- Through Abbondanza (major road) – the principle road (Decumanus Maximus in Roman instances) 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 retailers and food 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 lots of the streets, and particularly the principle streets, you will notice proof of historical Roman eateries. Search for marble counter tops with holes lower out the place the meals would have been saved.
- Arches – Pompeii has numerous arches which you will notice all through the town. On the northern finish of the Discussion board is an honorary arch, while additional north on the intersection of Through Fortuna and Vicolo del Foro you’ll find the Arch of Caligula. A few of these arches additionally served a extra sensible perform, hiding water tanks that provided close by fountains. At present many of those fountains have been modernized and supply clear consuming water for guests.
- Home of the Tragic Poet (Casa del Poeta Tragico) – One of many many homes you possibly can 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 likely one of the largest and most well-known of the homes in Pompeii, and is a must-visit. It occupies a complete block, taking over 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) – virtually as standard immediately because it seemingly 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 called she-wolves. The brothel has pretty graphic frescoes and graffiti, and oldsters may wish to skip this attraction.
- Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As beforehand talked about, Pompeii had no less than 5 bathtub homes, of which the Stabian Baths are the biggest and oldest. Actually, they’re one of many oldest Roman baths on this planet. They’re discovered on the intersection Through dell’Abbondanza and Through Stabiana. Right here you possibly can see the completely different mens and girls’s bathing areas. We’d in all probability suggest choosing one bathtub home to go to, until you’re notably into Roman bathtub homes.
Different websites that are a bit 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 standard 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 the town the place performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was constructed within the Greek model, which meant profiting from a pure hill slope to create the auditorium, which might have had seating for five,000 spectators. A lot of the Theatre survives immediately, and it’s nicely 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 standard. It was additionally used for music.
- Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To know the size of Pompeii, you must take into account visiting the point of view by Casina dell’Aquila, simply by the intersection of Through Dell’Abbondanza and Vicolo di Tesmo. The point of view is on the authentic degree of the bottom right here earlier than the excavation, and will provide you with an thought of simply how a lot floor needed to be moved with a view to unearth the town.
- Home of Menander (Casa del Menandro) – owned by a excessive rating and rich household, this massive home (19,000 sq. toes) is known as for the fresco which depicts the Greek playwright Menander. There are a selection 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 incorporates the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died making an attempt to flee the town.
- Amphitheater – an necessary leisure heart in a Roman metropolis or city was the amphitheater, primarily an enclosed theatre which was used for gladiatorial battles, circuses and extra. Probably 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 folks.
- Aqueduct – The Romans had been unbelievable engineers, and while they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts had been undoubtedly 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! At present, you possibly can see the place the aqueduct system arrived into the town at Castellum Aqueduct, subsequent to Porto Vesuvio within the northern a part of the town. From right here it was distributed to water towers and fountains throughout the town.
As you possibly can see, there’s loads 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 quite a bit to see and lots of historical past and data to soak up, and having a great information can undoubtedly enhance your expertise.
You may have just a few choices for taking a tour. You’ll be able to e-book a tour which incorporates transport from a significant metropolis resembling Rome or Naples. Or, you may make your personal technique to Pompeii and simply take a tour on website.
We’ll embody numerous choices so that you can take into account, 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 location entrance and may have an official badge.
Observe nonetheless that while accredited, the guides are freelance and costs should not fastened. You’ll need to barter value, route and tour period with the obtainable on-site guides.
Usually, these guides could have a value they cost for a tour, no matter group dimension. By having a bigger group you’ll pay much less per individual, however clearly have a much less customized expertise.
You’ll be able to see extra on this course of right here.
Relying on how busy the day is, guides will not be obtainable. So, we’d usually suggest reserving a guided tour upfront as a substitute.
Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii
Costume Code at Pompeii
Pompeii isn’t a non secular website and as such there is no such thing as a particular costume code for visiting.
There are a few guidelines round clothes. First, you can’t be naked chested, you should be sporting a prime. As well as, clothes that could possibly be thought of disruptive can also be not allowed, and costumes, masks and banners should not permitted.
This clothes rule is often used to forestall protestors utilizing the location, so is unlikely to have an effect on most guests. Keep away from any offensive clothes and also you’ll be effective!
You’ll nonetheless wish to suppose by way of your clothes decisions previous to visiting. Nearly all of your go to will likely be spent exterior, and there may be minimal shade or shelter obtainable.
See the part of what to put on and pack for Pompeii for some options on what to carry on your go to.
Services at Pompeii
Pompeii has numerous customer providers you need to use. These embody:
- two on-site bookshops, one at Piazza Esedra and one contained in the Antiquarium.
- audio information rent, obtainable on the Porta Marina entrance and Porta Anfiteatro entrance.
- first support providers, obtainable close to the Chora Cafe on Vicolo degli Augustali
- A restaurant known as Chora the place you will get drinks and snacks like desserts, pastries and ice cream
- A number of free water fountains throughout the location
- A number of free rest room amenities throughout the location
- Child altering amenities. There are three of those, one on Through dell’Abbondanza, one on Through di Nola, and one on the nook of Through Stabiana and Through 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 amenities.
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) should not permitted on the location and should be left on the cloakroom. This can be a free service.
In any other case, the foundations are fairly apparent, and principally give attention to defending the location and making certain a great 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’ll be able to see the complete listing of guidelines and rules 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 location is as accessible as potential for all guests.
There are a selection 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 location.
These routes embody lots of the major buildings that guests would wish to see, and canopy a complete of three.5km. You’ll be able to see particulars of those routes on the Pompeii for All web page.
There are additionally accessible bathrooms discovered on website.
Pompeii has additionally developed a program to assist these arduous to listening to to benefit from the website. Extra on this program, and accessibility on the location typically, may be discovered on the Pompeii for All web page.
Baggage storage Close to Pompeii
Guests to Pompeii should not allowed to carry any baggage bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm on website. So nothing bigger than a small backpack primarily. We’d recommend leaving baggage in your resort room the place potential.
In the event you should journey with a bag which is bigger than the allowed dimension, there’s a cloakroom at Pompeii itself the place you possibly can retailer baggage and different gadgets freed from cost.
There are additionally baggage storage lockers on the decrease ground of the Pompeii Scavi practice station obtainable for a payment.
Suggestions for Visiting Pompeii
Based mostly on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we wished 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 suggest doing is planning your time out earlier than you go to. Determine what you wish to see at Pompeii, after which determine if you wish to take a tour.
In the event you determine to take a tour, test what it consists of, after which take into account in case you want further time. If you’re taking a tour that features round-trip transport, you may not have a lot additional time.
If you’re taking a tour that begins on website, 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’re doing a self-guided go to for any a part of your time at Pompeii, we advise trying on the official map and planning out what you wish to see. It’s possible you’ll even take into account developing with a basic path to observe. This may assist orient you when you’re really there.
Take into account a Guided Tour or Audio Information
We will extremely suggest taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An skilled information goes to have the ability to carry the location 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 may extremely suggest it. Nevertheless, there are a selection of choices.
In the event you take a guided tour that meets on website, we extremely suggest planning on staying no less than an hour extra on website as soon as the tour ends so you possibly can see every other websites that the tour didn’t cowl.
In the event you decide to not take a guided tour, then we’d recommend both choosing up an audio information on website, 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
If you’re visiting Pompeii within the hotter months of the yr, you’ll want to carry a 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 mild raincoat or poncho can also be a good suggestion. Umbrellas should not allowed on website.
If you’re visiting exterior of the warmest months of the yr, then some hotter layers are a good suggestion simply in case it’s cooler on website.
Footwear can also be necessary. The traditional streets of Pompeii may be uneven, various between unfastened grime and cobblestones. A very good pair of comfy sneakers that you’re joyful to spend time strolling in is a should.
For shoe options, see our guides to the finest journey sneakers for males and the finest journey sneakers for ladies for some concepts.
You’ll undoubtedly wish to carry a water bottle with you. Contemporary consuming water is out there at fountains throughout the location, and on a sizzling day you will have 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 will additionally suggest bringing some kind of guidebook with you. We predict the Rick Steves guidebook is likely 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 superb possibility in case you select to skip a guided tour.
Be Cautious of on-site Touts at Pompeii
Like all standard 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 authorised 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 Vacationer Board of the Campania Area. If you’re uncertain if a information is accredited, test with the ticket workplace.
Bear in mind 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 upfront.
Once you arrive at Pompeii additionally, you will seemingly be provided excursions by guides exterior the gates. These is not going to be led by Pompeii’s accredited guides, so the standard of the tour isn’t 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 threat, as with every vacation spot like this, of pickpockets. So simply be aware of your belongings and hold valuables in sight, or safely away in zippered pockets. That is additionally the case on the practice and on the practice station in case you select to take public transportation.
We’ve by no means had a difficulty in Italy, nevertheless it’s all the time a good suggestion to take fundamental security precautions when touring anyplace, as you’ll 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 may be restricted shade on website, and in the summertime months notably it could get highly regarded on website.
All which means that for one of the best expertise we suggest arriving early within the day in case you can. If you’re planning on taking a tour, e-book it for earlier within the day. If you’re planning to information your self, plan out your route so that you head away from the doorway first, and work your means again in the direction of it.
Many guests solely go to the foremost sights, lots of that are positioned not too removed from the doorway areas, notably Porta Marina. Excursions teams additionally observe related routes. So if you need a much less crowded expertise, establish just a few sights that you’re thinking about which are 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 sizzling in the summertime months and there may be not a lot shade.
There are many free consuming water fountains throughout the location, so carry a water bottle and keep hydrated at no cost as you wander!
Escape the Crowds at Pompeii
Pompeii is a vastly standard attraction, and in consequence it may be busy. The positioning has a restrict of 15,000 guests at anybody time, however regardless of the location being fairly massive folks have a tendency to go to a handful of places such because the Discussion board, Brothel, and Tub homes, which 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 yr. Peak season in Italy is mostly from Could by way of August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. In the event you can’t keep away from visiting in excessive season, strive visiting on per week day if potential.
- Head to a quieter a part of the location in case you can, away from the teams. Most excursions observe an identical path to a handful of highlights, and in case you head to the much less standard areas you could find your self wandering virtually 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 nicely, from the place you possibly can discover the location at your leisure
Points of interest Close to Pompeii
Pompeii is likely one of the hottest sights within the Naples space, however it’s not at all the one attraction within the space! Listed here are another sights 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 website however because it was a rich seaside resort, it has a excessive density of luxurious dwellings. It’s normally quieter than Pompeii, and a few excursions like this one go to each.
- Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which precipitated all the difficulty continues to be energetic and nonetheless posing a risk to the hundreds of thousands of people that stay 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 payment 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 vital standard 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 nicely price spending just a few days right here in case you can. Alternatively, you will 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, nevertheless it’s additionally residence to superb meals and quite a few sights. Pompeii guests ought to undoubtedly take the time to go to the Naples Nationwide Archaeological Museum, which has the vast majority of one of the best preserved artefacts from Pompeii obtainable for viewing.
- Capri – a preferred island for a day journey (though keep in a single day in case you can to keep away from the crowds!), Capri may be visited by ferry from each Naples and Sorrento. It’s an attractive island with quite a bit to see, however it could get extremely crowded in the summertime months.
After all, there may be rather more to see on this space, however this could offer you an thought of what’s on supply within the space round Pompeii!
The place to Keep Close to Pompeii
In the event you’re on the lookout for someplace to remain close to Pompeii, you’ve fairly just a few choices. You’ll be able to keep near the location, or you possibly can keep in close by Sorrento or Naples.
It’s additionally potential 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 – Actually throughout the highway from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this standard B&B affords air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms even have a kitchen and dishwasher in case you desire to prepare dinner for your self. Parking is out there for a payment.
- Lodge Discussion board – additionally simply subsequent to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, this can be 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 affords en-suite air conditioned rooms in addition to an on-site spa and wellness studio. Breakfast is out there. Observe there’s no on-site parking.
- Agora Hostel – 5 minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this nicely rated hostel affords nice worth personal and shared rooms with air con. There’s a bar and occasional home on website however no eating or parking obtainable.
- La Ferrovia Guesthouse Sorrento – discovered simply subsequent to Sorrento practice station, this guesthouse affords personal en-suite air-conditioned rooms with espresso makers. Paid parking is out there close by however there’s no on-site restaurant
- Grand Lodge Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – in case you’re on the lookout for a 5* luxurious expertise in Sorrento, that is the resort to go for. Anticipate spectacular coastal views, an attractive backyard, beautiful rooms, and two eating places to select from.
After all, there are a fantastic many extra choices to select from! We suggest trying on reserving.com for all the pieces from accommodations to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and residences.
We use them for our reserving lodging for journey everywhere in the world and love how straightforward it makes it to filter and discover the correct property for our price range 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’ll find helpful when planning your journey.
Listed here are a few of these guides, in addition to hyperlinks to 3rd social gathering sources we suggest.
- We’ve 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 a information to visiting the Colosseum, in addition to a information to visiting the Vatican. These have all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to plan your visits to this exceptional sights
- Past Rome, we’ve got a information to Florence, recommended 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 recommended 2-week Europe itinerary which naturally consists of Italy!
- In the event you’re on the lookout for a bodily (or Kindle!) guidebook, we suggest the most recent version of Rick Steves Italy information, which has plenty 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’ve got any questions or feedback about visiting Pompeii, simply pop them within the feedback under and we’ll reply as quickly as we will.
