Pompeii is without doubt one of the most well-known archaeological websites in Italy, and a preferred attraction for guests. We’ve visited Pompeii a variety of instances through the years, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and on this information we’re going to share every part it’s essential 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’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 totally different places in Italy, together with Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
On this information we’ll cowl every part it’s essential know to go to Pompeii, from attending to Pompeii, to which excursions are price it, to different sights within the space, and plenty extra. Let’s get began with some background.
What’s Pompeii?
In AD 79, Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) was a comparatively giant and profitable city within the Roman Empire, house to between 10 and 20 thousand individuals.
That every 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 large 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).
Hundreds of people that had tried to shelter misplaced their lives, and the cities have been successfully misplaced to historical past.
It wasn’t actually till the 18th century that Pompeii and neighboring cities equivalent to Herculaneum surfaced again into public consciousness. This was when the primary scientific excavations on the web site passed off.
Within the following centuries, big efforts have been taken to disclose the hidden metropolis, efforts that proceed immediately.
Pompeii successfully serves as a snapshot of a Roman city on the top of the Roman Empire. The volcanic eruption was so violent and fast that an amazing 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 info that can assist you plan your journey to Pompeii, from learn how to get right here to the place to purchase tickets and plenty 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 automobile, bus or practice.
It’s round 250km (155 miles) south of Rome, or roughly a three-hour journey by automobile, bus or practice.
It’s doable to go to Pompeii as a day journey from each Rome and Naples, choices I’ll cowl under.
Methods to get to Pompeii?
Pompeii is comparatively simple to succeed in, with good transport connections from varied places in Italy. We’ll undergo the choices for visiting Pompeii from a few of the extra common departure factors.
Methods 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 typically round 2.5 – 3 hours of journey time every manner from Rome to Pompeii.
The primary choices you could have are to drive, take public transport, or take a guided tour.
Drive from Rome to Pompeii
Except you might be planning on taking a street journey in Italy and persevering with on after Pompeii, we’d counsel taking public transport or a tour moderately than driving.
In case you drive, you’ll need to undergo the trouble of discovering and renting a automobile, 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 possibly can take an categorical 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 a way to do that.
Excursions from Rome to Pompeii
Our beneficial manner 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 an expert information to clarify what you might be seeing. There are a variety of tour choices to Pompeii from Rome, some beneficial choices are as follows.
When evaluating excursions and costs, at all times verify how a lot time is definitely spent on the varied sights, in addition to group dimension and what’s and isn’t included.
Paying just a little further for a tour that features extra would possibly work out less expensive!
Methods to 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 by way of the A3 toll street, and there may be paid parking on web site.
That is going to be an choice to think about if you have already got a automobile rental in your journey in Italy, however we’d not suggest renting a automobile particularly for this journey as the opposite choices are doubtless 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 you need to guide a particular departure time, which ties you to a particular return time, you possibly can’t select to remain longer and are available again on a later bus.
4 hours ought to provide you with sufficient time to see lots, however if you happen to needed to spend longer on web site then this may not be the best choice.
Discover out extra and guide 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 essential bear in mind that Pompeii itself has a few practice stations. When taking the practice to the Pompeii historic web site you need to get off at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteria Station as that is the one immediately by the ruins.
Direct trains from Naples to Pompeii all depart from the Garibaldi practice station, which is (just a little confusingly) situated immediately 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 realm, and it would be best to take a practice which is heading to Sorrento.
Tickets may be bought on the station, and there are usually 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 costlier, however typically 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 ceaselessly and value 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 obtainable in particular person.
Be aware that Trenitalia runs trains from Naples central practice station to Pompeii, however these go to the primary practice station in Pompeii moderately than the station by the ruins.
It’s doable 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 while you’re on web site!
Excursions from Naples to Pompeii
You may as well guide 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 embrace a further attraction or two equivalent to a go to to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.
Listed below are some choices to think about.
Methods 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 an excellent 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, which means you possibly can simply attain Pompeii by practice from Sorrento as effectively.
Listed below are some choices for learn how to 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 individual automobile rental that is positively an choice to think about. Nonetheless, 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 must pay for parking while you get to Pompeii.
Public Transport from Sorrento to Pompeii
Getting from Sorrento to Pompeii by public transport is straightforward. 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 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
You may as well take a guided tour from Sorrento to Pompeii. These excursions typically embrace round-trip transfers, and a guided tour of Pompeii lasting 2-3 hours.
Excursions then differentiate by different additions equivalent to lunch, and different locations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Be aware that not all excursions embrace your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any extra sights could have extra ticket necessities, equivalent to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. So at all times verify what’s and isn’t included earlier than reserving something.
Here’s a collection of excursions from Sorrento to Pompeii to think about.
As you possibly can see there are many choices. We’d at all times suggest evaluating just a few totally different excursions to see which fits your necessities and funds, and at all times verify what’s and isn’t included when evaluating excursions as effectively.
Pompeii Opening Occasions
Pompeii is often open year-round except twenty fifth December, 1st Might, and 1st January.
Typically, every part at Pompeii opens at 9am, however closure instances can range. So if you wish to see every part, then we suggest visiting within the morning. That is normally 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 primary Pompeii web site such because the Amphitheater, Backyard of the Fugitives, Home of the Menander and so on. 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 primary web site final entrance time.
These embrace Villa Regina, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco and Villa de Poppea. These places are all closed on Tuesdays except Villa Regina.
These further websites require a particular ticket to entry them and it’s essential take a shuttle bus from the primary Pompeii web site to succeed in them, so if you happen to plan to go to these places it would be best to give your self loads of time.
You’ll be able to see extra info on opening instances in addition to any distinctive closure info 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 yr you might be visiting and your private curiosity in historic archaeological websites when deciding how lengthy to go to.
Nearly all of guests come for two – 3 hours, which can also be how lengthy nearly all of guided excursions are.
In case you suppose it would be best to spend extra time on web site (there may be tons to see), then an excellent 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 have the ability to direct you to specific highlights as soon as the tour is over.
Now we have accomplished this and it was a good way to be taught lots from a information, after which we have been in a position to discover on our personal at our leisure.
One factor to notice, in case you are visiting in the summertime months it may possibly get very popular right here, and there isn’t numerous shade, so visiting for for much longer than 2 or 3 hours may be fairly difficult.
Nonetheless, in case you are actually eager to discover and spend extra time on web site, and are both ready for the warmth or are visiting at a cooler time of yr, there may be actually tons to see! You could possibly simply spend a complete day exploring Pompeii, particularly if you happen to head out to the villas. It’s solely as much as you!
Pompeii Ticket Info
We’ll now cowl ticketing info 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 free of charge 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 need to see. These are as follows. Costs are appropriate 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.
In case you arrive at Pompeii with an Specific ticket and determine you need 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 cost.
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 could have a variety of choices for buying Pompeii tickets.
In particular person
First, you should purchase tickets for Pompeii on-site at Pompeii itself. There are ticket workplaces on the three primary entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
We’d typically 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.
In case you beneath 18, an EU resident aged 18-24, or fall into one other class for lowered worth tickets, then you have to to go to the ticket workplace in your ticket.
That is so your qualification for the lowered price tag may be verified, so be sure you carry any crucial paperwork, equivalent to a authorities issued Photograph ID doc (i.e. a passport or ID card).
On-line
You should purchase Pompeii tickets on-line from a variety of web sites, as follows:
In our expertise, the official web site tends to have the bottom value on-line tickets, however they don’t include free cancellation.
Tickets bought by third events do usually value a bit extra, however can have advantages equivalent to free cancellation in addition to the choice to guide a guided tour.
We suggest evaluating costs and choices to see which fits you. It’s additionally vital to fastidiously learn the redemption directions when shopping for a ticket on-line so you recognize what it’s essential do upfront of your go to.
Usually you possibly can simply present a ticket in your smartphone, however generally you would possibly must print one thing out or gather a ticket from a particular pick-up level.
By Telephone
You should purchase tickets for Pompeii by telephone. The quantity is +39 811 865 8177. The workplace is often open weekdays from 9.30 to 6pm. There’s a surcharge of €1.50 for reserving by telephone.
Are you able to Skip the Strains at Pompeii?
There are two strains at Pompeii. First, there may be the road for the ticket workplace the place you should purchase tickets in particular person. Subsequent, there may be an entrance line for going into the positioning, which features a safety verify.
In case you pre-book your ticket, most often you possibly can skip the ticket line. Nonetheless, this may depend upon the ticket you buy, as some on-line tickets require you to swap a voucher for an precise ticket, so do verify if that is so with the ticket you could have 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 isn’t a value for buying it.
Tickets for the free days may be bought on-line on the official Ticketone web site right here, or in particular person on the ticket workplace on web site.
We’d counsel doing the net ticket choice as the positioning can get very busy on the free days, and if it exceeds capability, the ticket workplaces 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 info on visiting Pompeii, together with this one.
Nonetheless, for the most recent info on visiting Pompeii together with ticket costs, updates, opening hours and extra, we at all times suggest consulting the official web site.
Yow will discover it on the following net handle, with content material obtainable in a number of languages together with English. The location is superb and has a wealth of data that can assist you plan your go to, and is effectively price testing.
Pompeii Structure and Maps
Pompeii is a big attraction, protecting round 65 hectares (170 acres). From the east facet to the west facet 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 exhausting 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 manner round, it’s a good suggestion to have an concept of the structure of Pompeii.
The very first thing to know is that Pompeii is split into 9 distinct areas, or “Regio“. This technique was developed manner 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 extensive and three excessive.
The structure of the areas isn’t solely 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 concept of this grid and the numbering system will allow you to orient your self when you find yourself on web site, because the Regio quantity you might be in is often 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 house constructing. For Pompeii, the Insulae are the blocks.
So, while you see an indication in Pompeii, it’s going to normally inform you which Regio and Insulae you might be in, for instance REG VII INS XIII would imply you might be in Regio 7, Insula 13.
The Insula comply with a structure system which I’m positive is sensible to an archeologist however appears designed to confuse the common particular person for my part.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t actually matter, as a result of the official map has each the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, in case you have the map, all it’s essential do is discover a signal to know the place you might be.
You’ll be able to obtain a map and information to the positioning from the official web site right here.
We extremely suggest doing this upfront and saving it to your smartphone for reference. You need to have the ability 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 obtainable.
There are additionally avenue names that can assist you orient your self. The primary homes and points of interest even have names.
I’d additionally add that every home (and a few of the rooms within the homes) even have numbers. Nonetheless, that is actually extra for cataloging and archaeological functions moderately than one thing guests would need to use for navigating!
It is usually price noting that while most guests go to the primary Pompeii web site, there are a selection of different websites which have been excavated, and which will also be visited. These require you to have a distinct ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the primary web site.
In abstract, in case you are visiting Pompeii with out a information, we suggest having a map readily available, and being conscious of the Regio and Insulae system. You may as well 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 suggest 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 predict are a few of the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most excursions will embrace at the least a few of these, though tour routes can range. In case you are taking a tour, at all times verify what they embrace to make certain it covers your pursuits.
High Sights at Pompeii
Clearly, everybody may have barely totally different pursuits, nevertheless we predict it is a good overview of the primary highlights at Pompeii. These are the sights that the majority excursions are more likely to go to as effectively, though in fact it’s going to range, and never all excursions will go to each sight we record.
These sights are ordered roughly as you’d encounter them getting into the town from the western facet. There’s a superb map right here you possibly can obtain for reference as effectively.
- Porta Marina – arguably essentially 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 – Probably the most 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 have been encased in ash and asphyxiated, and their our bodies entombed. Over time the our bodies decomposed, leaving gaps within the hardened ash layer. In the course of the excavations, plaster was fastidiously injected into these cavities to type 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 positioning. It have to be stated that the most effective artefacts from Pompeii may be discovered within the Naples Archaeological Museum, nevertheless there’s a lot to see right here nonetheless, together with plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims.
- The Discussion board (Foro) – the guts of any Roman metropolis or city is the Discussion board, the place you’d have discovered metropolis administration buildings, the primary 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 truly extra of a civic corridor, used for enterprise and as a court docket for dealing with authorized issues. Non secular Basilicas got here later, basing their title and structure on the Roman buildings!
- Discussion board Granary – The Granary is situated by the Discussion board and would initially have been the primary produce market. As we speak it’s the house of 1000’s of artifacts which have been excavated from the ruins, in addition to plaster casts of a few of the victims of the catastrophe.
- Baths of the Discussion board (Terme del Foro) – No Roman city is full with out a tub home (the extra the higher), and Pompeii had at the least 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 tub room, heat tub room and chilly plunge room.
- By way of Abbondanza (primary avenue) – the primary avenue (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 could have been a busy, pedestrianized avenue crammed with 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 avenue.
- Eateries – alongside most of the streets, and particularly the primary streets, you will note proof of historic Roman eateries. Search for marble counter tops with holes lower out the place the meals would have been saved.
- Arches – Pompeii has a variety of arches which you will note all through the 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 see the Arch of Caligula. A few of these arches additionally served a extra sensible perform, hiding water tanks that equipped close by fountains. As we speak 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 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 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 over round 32,000 sq. ft, and would have been owned by a really rich household. The title comes from a bronze statue of a faun which was discovered right here, the unique of which is within the Naples Archaeological Museum (a duplicate 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 giant property.
- Brothel (Lupanare) – nearly as common immediately because it doubtless was in its heyday 2,000 years in the past (though with a considerably totally different clientele), the brothel was the place residents got here to seek out intercourse employees, in addition to drinks and social interplay. The title Lupanare comes from the Latin title for a wolf-den, as prostitutes have been often called she-wolves. The brothel has pretty graphic frescoes and graffiti, and oldsters would possibly need to skip this attraction.
- Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As beforehand talked about, Pompeii had at the least 5 tub homes, of which the Stabian Baths are the biggest and oldest. In reality, they’re one of many oldest Roman baths on the planet. They’re discovered on the intersection By way of dell’Abbondanza and By way of Stabiana. Right here you possibly can see the totally different mens and ladies’s bathing areas. We’d most likely suggest selecting one tub home to go to, except you might be significantly into Roman tub homes.
Different websites that are just a little off the primary route and which aren’t at all times included on common excursions (though, once more, this varies!):
- Temple of Isis (Tempio di Iside) – this small and largely intact temple is discovered subsequent to the Grand Theatre, and is devoted to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The Cult of Isis was common in Pompeii, regardless of proclamations in opposition to it by the Roman Senate. It’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 a variety of venues throughout the town the place performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was constructed within the Greek type, 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 effectively 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 have been common. It was additionally used for music.
- Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To understand the size of Pompeii, you need to take into account visiting the perspective by Casina dell’Aquila, simply by the intersection of By way of Dell’Abbondanza and Vicolo di Tesmo. The perspective is on the unique stage of the bottom right here earlier than the excavation, and gives you an concept of simply how a lot floor needed to be moved so as to unearth the town.
- Home of Menander (Casa del Menandro) – owned by a excessive rating and rich household, this massive home (19,000 sq. ft) is known as for the fresco which depicts the Greek playwright Menander. There are 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 comprises the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died making an attempt to flee the town.
- Amphitheater – an vital leisure middle in a Roman metropolis or city was the amphitheater, basically 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 individuals.
- Aqueduct – The Romans have been unbelievable engineers, and while they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts have been positively engineering wonders of their time. They allowed the distribution of water throughout the Roman Empire, and allowed cities like Pompeii to get recent water to their residents. The water in Pompeii was carried by the Augustan Aqueduct, sourcing water from 96km away, utilizing solely gravity to maneuver the water! As we speak, 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 soak up 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 numerous historical past and knowledge to soak up, and having an excellent information can positively enhance your expertise.
You could have just a few choices for taking a tour. You’ll be able to guide a tour which incorporates transport from a significant metropolis equivalent to Rome or Naples. Or, you may make your individual option to Pompeii and simply take a tour on web site.
We’ll embrace a variety of choices so that you can take into account, relying in your preferences.
You may as well guide 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 should not fastened. You’ll need to barter worth, route and tour length with the obtainable 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’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 typically suggest reserving a guided tour upfront as an alternative.
Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii
Costume Code at Pompeii
Pompeii isn’t a spiritual web site and as such there isn’t a particular costume code for visiting.
There are a few guidelines round clothes. First, you can’t be naked chested, you have to be carrying a high. As well as, clothes that could possibly be thought-about 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 positioning, so is unlikely to have an effect on most guests. Avoid any offensive clothes and also you’ll be high quality!
You’ll nonetheless need to suppose via your clothes decisions previous to visiting. Nearly all of your go to can 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 recommendations on what to carry in your go to.
Services at Pompeii
Pompeii has a variety of customer providers you should use. These embrace:
- 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 positioning
- A number of free bathroom 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
Smoking at Pompeii
Smoking is forbidden at Pompeii besides at designated smoking areas. These may be discovered close to the Casina dell’Aquila and the bathroom services.
Safety at Pompeii
All guests should undergo a safety verify at Pompeii. Cumbersome objects, umbrellas, and baggage bigger than 30x30x15 cm (12 x 12 x 6 inches) should not permitted on the positioning and have to be left on the cloakroom. This can be a free service.
In any other case, the principles are fairly apparent, and largely concentrate on defending the positioning and guaranteeing an excellent expertise for all. So that you’re not allowed to play music, deface objects, climb on the ruins, decide fruits or flowers, construct fires, enter fenced off areas and so forth.
You’ll be able to see the complete record of guidelines and laws right here.
Accessibility at Pompeii
Pompeii is clearly an historic metropolis, and as such there are accessibility challenges. Nonetheless, 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 mother and father with buggies, to a big a part of the positioning.
These routes embrace most of the primary buildings that guests would need 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 bogs discovered on web site.
Pompeii has additionally developed a program to assist these exhausting to listening to to benefit from the web site. Extra on this program, and accessibility on the positioning normally, 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 web site. So nothing bigger than a small backpack basically. We’d counsel leaving baggage in your resort room the place doable.
In case 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 objects freed from cost.
There are additionally baggage storage lockers on the decrease ground of the Pompeii Scavi practice station obtainable for a charge.
Suggestions for Visiting Pompeii
Based mostly on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we needed to share some suggestions that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to.
Plan your day upfront
The very first thing we suggest doing is planning your day trip earlier than you go to. Resolve what you need to see at Pompeii, after which determine if you wish to take a tour.
In case you determine to take a tour, verify what it consists of, after which take into account if you happen to want extra time. In case you are taking a tour that features round-trip transport, you may not have a lot further 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 propose trying on the official map and planning out what you need to see. You could even take into account developing with a basic path to comply with. This may assist orient you when you find yourself truly there.
Think about a Guided Tour or Audio Information
We are able to extremely suggest taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An professional information goes to have the ability to carry the positioning to life and actually allow you to perceive what you might be seeing.
On our most up-to-date go to to Pompeii we took this guided tour with Take Walks and may extremely suggest it. Nonetheless, there are a selection of choices.
In case you take a guided tour that meets on web site, we extremely suggest planning on staying at the least an hour extra on web site as soon as the tour ends so you possibly can see every other websites that the tour didn’t cowl.
In case you decide 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 yr, it would be best to carry an excellent solar hat to maintain the solar off your face, unfastened becoming clothes, and sure a small daypack to hold suncream, water and any snacks.
If rain is a risk, a light-weight raincoat or poncho can also be a good suggestion. Umbrellas should not allowed on web site.
In case you are visiting exterior of the warmest months of the yr, then some hotter layers are a good suggestion simply in case it’s cooler on web site.
Footwear can also be vital. The traditional streets of Pompeii may be uneven, various between unfastened grime and cobblestones. A superb pair of snug sneakers that you’re joyful to spend time strolling in is a should.
For shoe recommendations, see our guides to the most effective journey sneakers for males and the most effective journey sneakers for girls for some concepts.
You’ll positively need to carry a water bottle with you. Recent ingesting water is on the market at fountains throughout the positioning, and on a sizzling day you have to to drink loads of water. We use and love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for journey, however there are many choices on the market in fact.
We are able to additionally suggest bringing some type of guidebook with you. We predict 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 if you happen to 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 suggest taking one of many excursions with an permitted tour information.
These may 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 not sure if a information is accredited, verify with the ticket workplace.
Remember that these guides will almost certainly have to 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 doubtless be supplied excursions by guides exterior 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 danger, as with all vacation spot like this, of pickpockets. So simply be conscious 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 if you happen to select to take public transportation.
We’ve by no means had a problem in Italy, however it’s at all times a good suggestion to take primary security precautions when touring anyplace, as you’d at house.
Arrive Early and Head to the Again
Pompeii is a well-liked vacation spot, and as such it may possibly get fairly busy. As well as, there may be restricted shade on web site, and in the summertime months significantly it may possibly get very popular on web site.
All which means for the most effective expertise we suggest arriving early within the day if you happen to can. In case you are planning on taking a tour, guide 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 manner again in direction of it.
Many guests solely go to the main sights, lots of that are situated not too removed from the doorway areas, significantly Porta Marina. Excursions teams additionally comply with related routes. So if you need a much less crowded expertise, establish just a few sights that you’re inquisitive about which can be off the overwhelmed path, and head to these first.
Convey a Water Bottle
We talked about this already within the “what to pack for Pompeii” part of this information, however we predict it’s price repeating. Pompeii will get extremely sizzling in the summertime months and there may be not a lot shade.
There are many free ingesting water fountains throughout the positioning, so carry a water bottle and keep hydrated free of charge as you wander!
Escape the Crowds at Pompeii
Pompeii is a vastly common attraction, and because of this it may be busy. The location has a restrict of 15,000 guests at anyone time, however regardless of the positioning being fairly giant individuals have a tendency to move to a handful of places such because the Discussion board, Brothel, and Tub homes, which means it may possibly really feel extra crowded than it’s.
Listed below are some suggestions for escaping the crowds at Pompeii.
- Go to at a quieter time of the week or yr. Peak season in Italy is mostly from Might via August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. In case you can’t keep away from visiting in excessive season, strive visiting on every week day if doable.
- Head to a quieter a part of the positioning if you happen to can, away from the teams. Most excursions comply with an identical path to a handful of highlights, and if you happen to head to the much less common areas you could find your self wandering nearly abandoned streets, even at a busy time of yr
- Use a quieter gate. Many individuals enter via the Porta Marina because it’s subsequent to the practice station. The Anfiteatro gate tends to be quieter, and brings you in proper subsequent to the Amphitheater as effectively, from the place you possibly can 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 on no account the one attraction within the space! Listed below 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 normally quieter than Pompeii, and a few excursions like this one go to each.
- Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which induced all the difficulty continues to be energetic and nonetheless posing a menace to the hundreds of thousands of people that dwell 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 vital common and spectacular areas of Italy, the 50km lengthy Amalfi Coast is correct subsequent to Pompeii. Beautiful seaside cities like Positano and Sorrento cling to the dramatic shoreline. It’s effectively price spending just a few days right here if you happen to can. Alternatively, you will 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 house 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 the most effective preserved artefacts from Pompeii obtainable for viewing.
- Capri – a preferred island for a day journey (though keep in a single day if you happen to can to keep away from the crowds!), Capri may be visited by ferry from each Naples and Sorrento. It’s a lovely island with lots to see, however it may possibly get extremely crowded in the summertime months.
In fact, there may be way more to see on this space, however this could provide you with an concept of what’s on provide within the space round Pompeii!
The place to Keep Close to Pompeii
In case you’re searching for someplace to remain close to Pompeii, you could have fairly just a few choices. You’ll be able to keep near the positioning, or you possibly 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 concentrate on 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 street from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this common B&B affords air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms even have a kitchen and dishwasher if you happen to favor to prepare dinner for your self. Parking is on the market for a charge.
- Lodge 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 on the market.
- 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 on the market. Be aware there’s no on-site parking.
- Agora Hostel – 5 minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this effectively rated hostel affords nice worth personal and shared rooms with air-con. There’s a bar and occasional home on web site 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 on the market close by however there’s no on-site restaurant
- Grand Lodge Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – if you happen to’re searching for a 5* luxurious expertise in Sorrento, that is the resort to move for. Count on spectacular coastal views, a lovely backyard, pretty rooms, and two eating places to select from.
In fact, there are an amazing many extra choices to select from! We suggest trying on reserving.com for every part 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 correct 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 see helpful when planning your journey.
Listed below are a few of these guides, in addition to hyperlinks to 3rd social gathering sources we suggest.
- Now we have 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 allow you to plan your time in Rome. We even have a information to the most effective meals excursions in Rome, the finest gelato in Rome and the finest cafes to drink espresso in Rome
- Now we have a information to visiting the Colosseum, in addition to a information to visiting the Vatican. These have every part it’s essential know to plan your visits to this outstanding points of interest
- Past Rome, now we have a information to Florence, urged issues to do in Milan, a information to spending 2 days in Milan, and suggestions for a day in Venice
- We even have an in depth 10 day Italy itinerary that can assist you plan a visit on this great nation. We even have a urged 2-week Europe itinerary which naturally consists of Italy!
- In case you’re searching for a bodily (or Kindle!) guidebook, we suggest the most recent version of Rick Steves Italy information, which has a number of sensible info that can assist you profit from your keep
And that’s it! As at all times, we hope you discovered this information helpful, and in case you have any questions or feedback about visiting Pompeii, simply pop them within the feedback under and we’ll reply as quickly as we will.
