Pompeii is without doubt one of the most well-known archaeological websites in Italy, and a preferred attraction for guests. We’ve visited Pompeii quite a lot of instances through the years, (Laurence first visited in 1995) and on this information we’re going to share every thing you should 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 areas in Italy, together with Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
On this information we’ll cowl every thing you should know to go to Pompeii, from attending to Pompeii, to which excursions are value 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 massive and profitable city within the Roman Empire, dwelling 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 encircling cities and villages.
Inside 24 hours of the eruption, the huge 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).
1000’s 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 similar to Herculaneum surfaced again into public consciousness. This was when the primary scientific excavations on the web site occurred.
Within the following centuries, enormous efforts have been taken to disclose the hidden metropolis, efforts that proceed right now. New discoveries are nonetheless being made on the web site yearly.
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 awesome 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 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 automotive, bus or prepare.
It’s round 250km (155 miles) south of Rome, or roughly a three-hour journey by automotive, bus or prepare.
It’s potential to go to Pompeii as a day journey from each Rome and Naples, choices I’ll cowl beneath.
How you can get to Pompeii?
Pompeii is comparatively straightforward to succeed in, with good transport connections from varied areas in Italy. We’ll undergo the choices for visiting Pompeii from a number of the extra in style departure factors.
How you 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 taking a look at 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
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 somewhat than driving.
In case you drive, you’ll need to undergo the trouble of discovering and renting a automotive, coping with site visitors round Rome, navigating, and paying tolls and fuel.
Taking public transport or a tour goes to be quite a bit simpler.
Public Transport from Rome to Pompeii
For public transport, you may take an categorical prepare from Rome to Naples Central prepare station. Then, from Naples you may take a neighborhood prepare to Pompeii.
See particulars beneath within the part on getting from Naples to Pompeii for the way to do that.
Excursions from Rome to Pompeii
Our really useful manner for getting from Rome to Pompeii as a day journey is to take a guided tour. This may make your day much more stress-free as you gained’t have to fret about logistics.
You’ll even have a greater time at Pompeii with an expert information to clarify what you’re seeing. There are a variety of tour choices to Pompeii from Rome, some really useful choices are as follows.
When evaluating excursions and costs, 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 slightly further for a tour that features extra may work out more economical!
How you 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 prepare, take a shuttle bus, take a prepare, 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 highway, and there may be paid parking on web site.
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 advocate renting a automotive particularly for this journey as the opposite choices are possible 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 site visitors, and also you get round 4 hours on web site. Observe that it’s a must to e book a selected departure time, which ties you to a selected return time, you may’t select to remain longer and are available again on a later bus.
4 hours ought to provide you with sufficient time to see quite a bit, however should you needed to spend longer on web site then this won’t be the most suitable choice.
Discover out extra and e book tickets for this expertise on GetYourGuide right here.
Prepare from Naples to Pompeii
There are two direct prepare choices for getting from Naples Central prepare station to Pompeii.
First, you should bear in mind that Pompeii itself has a few prepare stations. When taking the prepare to the Pompeii historic web site you need to get off at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteria Station as that is the one straight by the ruins.
Direct trains from Naples to Pompeii all depart from the Garibaldi prepare station, which is (slightly confusingly) situated straight beneath Naples Centrale prepare station.
The most cost effective prepare possibility from Naples to Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana service. This regional commuter prepare system runs trains throughout the world, and you’ll want to take a prepare which is heading to Sorrento.
Tickets might be bought on the station, and there are usually a number of trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 35 minutes. You’ll be able to see prepare instances on the official web site right here (Italian solely).
A barely dearer, however usually extra comfy prepare possibility, is the tourist-oriented Campania Categorical prepare. This additionally operates from Garibaldi prepare station and takes you on to the ruins.
Trains run much less continuously and value extra, however are much less crowded and extra comfy.
See timetables and purchase tickets with seat reservation for the Campania Categorical prepare on-line right here. Tickets are additionally out there in individual.
Observe that Trenitalia runs trains from Naples central prepare station to Pompeii, however these go to the principle prepare station in Pompeii somewhat 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 advocate taking one of many different choices because it’s going to be simpler. You gained’t be having a scarcity of strolling while you’re on web site!
Excursions from Naples to Pompeii
You may as well e book a tour to Pompeii which incorporates round-trip transport to and from Naples. There are fairly a number of choices, with each half-day and full-day excursions out there.
Most full-day excursions embrace a further attraction or two similar to a go to to Mount Vesuvius or time on the Amalfi Coast.
Listed here are some choices to think about.
How you can get to Pompeii from Sorrento
Sorrento is without doubt one of the main cities on Italy’s in style 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 related by rail on to Naples. That is on the identical prepare line that goes to Pompeii, that means you may simply attain Pompeii by prepare from Sorrento as properly.
Listed here 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 personal automotive rental that is undoubtedly an possibility to think about. Nonetheless, you may discover taking the prepare to be simply as handy.
The 28km (17 mile) drive takes round 40 minutes relying on site visitors. Simply bear 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 simple. There’s a common prepare service from Sorrento to Naples, which stops on the Pompeii Scavi prepare station. That is proper by the Pompeii web site entrance.
Tickets might be bought on the station, and there are usually a number of trains each hour. Journey time to Pompeii is round 45 minutes. You’ll be able to see prepare 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 usually embrace round-trip transfers, and a guided tour of Pompeii lasting 2-3 hours.
Excursions then differentiate by different additions similar to lunch, and different locations like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Observe that not all excursions embrace your Pompeii entrance ticket, and any extra sights might have extra ticket necessities, similar to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. So at all times verify 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 may see there are many choices. We’d at all times advocate evaluating a number of completely different excursions to see which fits your necessities and price range, and at all times verify what’s and isn’t included when evaluating excursions as properly.
Pompeii Opening Instances
Pompeii is often open year-round except for twenty fifth December, 1st Could, and 1st January.
Typically, every thing at Pompeii opens at 9am, however closure instances can range. So if you wish to see every thing, then we advocate visiting within the morning. That is often additionally the good 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 areas throughout the principle Pompeii web site such because the Amphitheater, Backyard of the Fugitives, Home of the Menander and so on. which even have opening instances to concentrate on. You’ll be able to see these right here.
Moreover, there are a variety of close by websites linked to Pompeii which have a final entrance time half-hour after the principle web site final entrance time.
These embrace Villa Regina, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco and Villa de Poppea. These areas are all closed on Tuesdays except for Villa Regina.
These further websites require a selected ticket to entry them and you should take a shuttle bus from the principle Pompeii web site to succeed in them, so should you plan to go to these areas 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 historic archaeological websites when deciding how lengthy to go to.
The vast majority of guests come for two – 3 hours, which can also be how lengthy the vast majority of guided excursions are.
In case you suppose you’ll want to spend extra time on web site (there may be heaps to see), then a great possibility is to take a guided tour that finishes on web site, after which discover by yourself when the tour is completed. Your tour information ought to have the ability to direct you to explicit highlights as soon as the tour is over.
Now we have accomplished this and it was a good way to be taught quite a bit from a information, after which we have been capable of discover on our personal at our leisure.
One factor to notice, in case you are visiting in the summertime months it will probably get extremely popular right here, and there isn’t loads of shade, so visiting for for much longer than 2 or 3 hours might 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 definitely heaps to see! You could possibly simply spend a complete day exploring Pompeii, particularly should you head out to the villas. It’s solely as much as you!
Pompeii Ticket Data
We’ll now cowl ticketing data for Pompeii, together with ticket varieties and prices, discounted tickets, the place to purchase tickets and extra.
Do You Want a Ticket for Pompeii?
Sure, all guests want a ticket for Pompeii, even these eligible free of charge and discounted entry.
You should purchase tickets on-line upfront or in individual 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 right 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 may solely be collected in individual on the ticket workplace.
In case you arrive at Pompeii with an Categorical ticket and resolve you need 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 present no reductions for seniors.
The place to Purchase Pompeii Tickets
You could have quite a lot of 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 principal entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
We’d usually advise towards this the place potential as you may find yourself standing in line for some time, however it’s an possibility.
In case 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 ticket might be verified, so be sure you carry any needed paperwork, similar to a authorities issued Photograph ID doc (i.e. a passport or ID card).
On-line
You should purchase Pompeii tickets on-line from quite a lot 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 offered by third events do usually value a bit extra, however can have advantages similar to free cancellation in addition to the choice to e book a guided tour.
We advocate evaluating costs and choices to see which fits you. It’s additionally essential to rigorously learn the redemption directions when shopping for a ticket on-line so you understand what you should do upfront of your go to.
Usually you may simply present a ticket in your smartphone, however generally you may must print one thing out or accumulate a ticket from a selected 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 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 positioning, which features a safety verify.
In case you pre-book your ticket, normally you may skip the ticket line. Nonetheless, 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 verify if 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 as of late you’ll nonetheless want a ticket, however there is no such thing as a value for buying it.
Tickets for the free days might be bought on-line on the official Ticketone web site right here, or in individual on the ticket workplace on web site.
We’d recommend doing the web ticket possibility as the positioning 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 web site!
What’s the Pompeii Official Web site?
There are a number of websites providing data on visiting Pompeii, together with this one.
Nonetheless, for the newest data on visiting Pompeii together with ticket costs, updates, opening hours and extra, we at all times advocate consulting the official web site.
You will discover it on the following net tackle, with content material out there in a number of languages together with English. The positioning is great and has a wealth of data that can assist you plan your go to, and is properly value trying out.
Pompeii Structure and Maps
Pompeii is a big attraction, masking round 65 hectares (170 acres). From the east aspect to the west aspect is round a kilometer (0.67 miles), and it’s 0.8km (0.5 miles) from north to south.
Suffice to say, it’s not laborious to get misplaced in Pompeii. While a lot of the positioning is specified by a grid, there are additionally loads of slender lanes and twists and turns. Navigation isn’t helped by pretty restricted signage.
That will help you discover your manner 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 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 broad 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 thought of this grid and the numbering system will enable you to orient your self if you find yourself on web site, because the Regio quantity you’re in is usually 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 often inform you which Regio and Insulae you’re in, for instance REG VII INS XIII would imply you’re in Regio 7, Insula 13.
The Insula comply with a structure system which I’m certain is smart to an archeologist however appears designed to confuse the common individual in my view.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t actually matter, as a result of the official map has each the Regio and Insula numbers marked. So, you probably have the map, all you should do is discover a signal to know the place you’re.
You’ll be able to obtain a map and information to the positioning from the official web site right here.
We extremely advocate doing this upfront and saving it to your smartphone for reference. It’s best to have the ability to get a printed model of this information while you go to, nevertheless it’s good to be ready simply in case they aren’t out there.
There are additionally avenue names that can assist you orient your self. The principal 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. Nonetheless, that is actually extra for cataloging and archaeological functions somewhat than one thing guests would need to use for navigating!
Additionally it is value noting that while most guests go to the principle Pompeii web site, there are a variety of different websites which have been excavated, and which can be visited. These require you to have a distinct ticket, and to take a shuttle bus from the principle web site.
In abstract, in case you are visiting Pompeii and not using a information, we advocate having a map 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 usually 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 might advocate taking a guided tour, or on the very least getting an audio information.
That will help you determine what to see, we’re going to share what we predict are a number of the unmissable sights at Pompeii. Most excursions will embrace a minimum of 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.
Prime Sights at Pompeii
Clearly, everybody can have barely completely different pursuits, nonetheless we predict it is a good overview of the principle highlights at Pompeii. These are the sights that the majority excursions are prone to go to as properly, 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’ll encounter them getting into the town from the western aspect. There’s a superb map right here you may obtain for reference as properly.
- 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 comprised of concrete and dates from 80BC.
- Plaster Casts of Pompeii’s victims – One of the crucial 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. Throughout the excavations, plaster was rigorously injected into these cavities to type the molds you may see right now. These might be seen at varied areas in Pompeii, together with on the Antiquarium and the Discussion board Granary
- Antiquarium di Pompei (Pompeii archaeological museum) – discovered by the Porta Marina, this museum homes a set of artifacts from the positioning. It should be stated that the very best artefacts from Pompeii might 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 guts 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 essential was going to occur in Pompeii, this was most likely the place it was going to occur.
- Basilica – discovered within the south-western nook of the Discussion board, the Basilica dates from round 80BC. Regardless of the non secular sounding title, it was truly extra of a civic corridor, used for enterprise and as a courtroom 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 principle produce market. Right this moment it’s the dwelling 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 and not using a tub home (the extra the higher), and Pompeii had a minimum of 5 of them. The Baths of the Discussion board are the closest to the Discussion board. Right here you may see the female and male bathing homes together with the recent tub room, heat tub room and chilly plunge room.
- By way of Abbondanza (principal avenue) – the principle avenue (Decumanus Maximus in Roman instances) of Pompeii runs west to east from the Discussion board all the way in which throughout the city to Sarno Gate. This is able to have been a busy, pedestrianized avenue full of retailers 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 lots of the streets, and particularly the principle streets, you will notice proof of historic Roman eateries. Search for marble counter tops with holes minimize out the place the meals would have been saved.
- Arches – Pompeii has quite a lot of 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 By way of Fortuna and Vicolo del Foro you can see the Arch of Caligula. A few of these arches additionally served a extra sensible perform, hiding water tanks that equipped close by fountains. Right this moment 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 may 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 fantastically embellished property that includes many stunning fresco work which depict varied mythological scenes. It’s additionally a really massive property.
- Brothel (Lupanare) – virtually as in style right now because it possible 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 have been generally known as she-wolves. The brothel has pretty graphic frescoes and graffiti, and fogeys may need to skip this attraction.
- Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) – As beforehand talked about, Pompeii had a minimum of 5 tub homes, of which the Stabian Baths are the most important and oldest. In truth, they’re one of many oldest Roman baths on the earth. They’re discovered on the intersection By way of dell’Abbondanza and By way of Stabiana. Right here you may see the completely different mens and girls’s bathing areas. We’d most likely advocate selecting one tub home to go to, except you’re notably into Roman tub homes.
Different websites that are slightly off the principle route and which aren’t at all times included on common excursions (though, once more, this varies!):
- Temple of Isis (Tempio di Iside) – this small and largely intact temple is discovered subsequent to the Grand Theatre, and is devoted to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The Cult of Isis was in style in Pompeii, regardless of proclamations towards 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 quite a lot of venues throughout the town the place performances would have taken place. The Grand Theater was constructed within the Greek fashion, which meant benefiting from a pure hill slope to create the auditorium, which might have had seating for five,000 spectators. A lot of the Theatre survives right now, and it’s properly value 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 usually used for mime performances, which have been in style. It was additionally used for music.
- Viewpoint / Panoramic View of Pompeii – To understand the dimensions of Pompeii, you need to contemplate 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 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. 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 incorporates the plaster casts of 13 of the victims who died making an attempt to flee the town.
- Amphitheater – an essential leisure heart in a Roman metropolis or city was the amphitheater, primarily an enclosed theatre which was used for gladiatorial battles, circuses and extra. Essentially the most well-known Amphitheatre is Rome’s Colosseum, however the one in Pompeii is definitely one of many oldest surviving amphitheaters from the Roman Empire. A lot of the construction nonetheless survives, with seating for round 20,000 individuals.
- Aqueduct – The Romans have been unbelievable engineers, and while they didn’t invent the aqueduct, their aqueducts have 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! Right this moment, you may 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 may see, there’s a lot to see and absorb at Pompeii!
Excursions of Pompeii
Among the finest methods to go to Pompeii is to take a guided tour. There’s quite a bit to see and loads of historical past and knowledge to soak up, and having a great information can undoubtedly enhance your expertise.
You could have a number of choices for taking a tour. You’ll be able to e book a tour which incorporates transport from a significant metropolis similar to Rome or Naples. Or, you can also make your personal solution to Pompeii and simply take a tour on web site.
We’ll embrace quite a lot of choices so that you can contemplate, relying in your preferences.
You may as well e book a tour information on arrival at Pompeii. Tour guides can be found simply inside the positioning entrance and will have an official badge.
Observe nonetheless that while accredited, the guides are freelance and costs should not fastened. You will want to barter value, route and tour length with the out there on-site guides.
Typically, these guides can 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 out there. So, we might usually advocate reserving a guided tour upfront as a substitute.
Practicalities for Visiting Pompeii
Costume Code at Pompeii
Pompeii just isn’t a spiritual web site 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 might 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. Keep away from any offensive clothes and also you’ll be wonderful!
You’ll nonetheless need to suppose by your clothes decisions previous to visiting. The vast majority of your go to might be spent exterior, and there may be minimal shade or shelter out there.
See the part of what to put on and pack for Pompeii for some ideas on what to carry on your go to.
Amenities at Pompeii
Pompeii has quite a lot 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, out there on the Porta Marina entrance and Porta Anfiteatro entrance.
- first assist providers, out there close to the Chora Cafe on Vicolo degli Augustali
- A number of free water fountains throughout the positioning
- A number of free rest room services throughout the positioning
- Child altering services. There are three of those, one on By way of dell’Abbondanza, one on By way of di Nola, and one on the nook of By way of Stabiana and By way of della Fortuna
Eating places / Eating at Pompeii
In case you’re visiting Pompeii for a number of hours you may want some meals. There are a variety of vacationer oriented eating places close to the principle entrances to the positioning, notably across the prepare station. There are additionally two principal choices for meals and snacks on web site as follows:
- A restaurant known as Chora the place you will get drinks and snacks like muffins, pastries and ice cream. That is at Casina Dell’Aquila, on By way of Dell’Abbondanza
- The Vicolo del Foro restaurant, which is simply north of the Discussion board by the Arco di Nerone Discussion board entrance / exit.
Observe that you simply can’t exit and re-enter Pompeii on the identical ticket, so should you plan to eat on web site throughout your go to you’ll both must carry meals with you, or go to one of many above choices.
Smoking at Pompeii
Smoking is forbidden at Pompeii besides at designated smoking areas. These might 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 luggage bigger than 30x30x15 cm (12 x 12 x 6 inches) should not permitted on the positioning and should be left on the cloakroom. This can be a free service.
In any other case, the principles are fairly apparent, and largely deal with defending the positioning and guaranteeing 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 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 potential 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 lots of the principal 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 bathrooms discovered on web site.
Pompeii has additionally developed a program to assist these laborious to listening to to benefit from the web site. Extra on this program, and accessibility on the positioning on the whole, might be discovered on the Pompeii for All web page.
Baggage storage Close to Pompeii
Guests to Pompeii should not allowed to carry any luggage bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm on web site. So nothing bigger than a small backpack primarily. We’d recommend leaving baggage in your resort room the place potential.
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 may retailer baggage and different objects freed from cost.
There are additionally baggage storage lockers on the decrease flooring of the Pompeii Scavi prepare station out there for a price.
Ideas for Visiting Pompeii
Based mostly on our experiences visiting Pompeii, we needed to share some ideas that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to.
Plan your day upfront
The very first thing we advocate doing is planning your day trip earlier than you go to. Resolve what you need to see at Pompeii, after which resolve if you wish to take a tour.
In case you resolve to take a tour, verify what it contains, after which contemplate should you want extra time. In case you are taking a tour that features round-trip transport, you won’t 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 advise trying on the official map and planning out what you need to see. You could even contemplate arising with a common path to comply with. This may assist orient you if you find yourself truly there.
Take into account a Guided Tour or Audio Information
We will extremely advocate taking a guided tour of Pompeii. An skilled information goes to have the ability to carry the positioning to life and actually enable you to 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 advocate it. Nonetheless, there are a variety of choices.
In case you take a guided tour that meets on web site, we extremely advocate planning on staying a minimum of an hour extra on web site as soon as the tour ends so you may see some other websites that the tour didn’t cowl.
In case you choose to not take a guided tour, then we’d recommend both selecting up an audio information on web site, or on the very least a guidebook that features a self-guided Pompeii tour just like the Rick Steves Italy guidebook.
Costume and Pack Accordingly
In case you are 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 sure a small daypack to hold suncream, water and any snacks.
If rain is a risk, a gentle 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 essential. The traditional streets of Pompeii might be uneven, various between unfastened grime and cobblestones. A very good pair of comfy footwear that you’re completely happy to spend time strolling in is a should.
For shoe ideas, see our guides to the greatest journey footwear for males and the greatest journey footwear for girls for some concepts.
You’ll undoubtedly need to carry a water bottle with you. Recent consuming water is accessible at fountains throughout the positioning, and on a scorching 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 in fact.
We will additionally advocate bringing some type of guidebook with you. We expect the Rick Steves guidebook is without doubt one of the greatest choices, both his Italy information or Naples & the Amalfi Coast snapshot information.
Each have a self-guided Pompeii tour which is a wonderful possibility should you select to skip a guided tour.
Be Cautious of on-site Touts at Pompeii
Like all in style vacationer vacation spot, Pompeii has a few pitfalls to be careful for.
First, if you wish to take a tour and haven’t pre-booked one, then we’d advocate taking one of many excursions with an accepted tour information.
These might be discovered at Piazza Esedra and Porta Marina, upon getting entered Pompeii, after the safety checks. These tour guides have official badges issued by the Vacationer Board of the Campania Area. In case you are uncertain if a information is accredited, verify with the ticket workplace.
Bear in mind that these guides will almost definitely have to be paid in money, and the worth of the tour goes to be one thing you’ll want to debate with the information upfront.
If you arrive at Pompeii additionally, you will possible 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 just 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 all vacation spot like this, of pickpockets. So simply be conscious of your belongings and preserve valuables in sight, or safely away in zippered pockets. That is additionally the case on the prepare and on the prepare station should you select to take public transportation.
We’ve by no means had a problem in Italy, nevertheless it’s at all times a good suggestion to take primary security precautions when touring anyplace, as you’ll at dwelling.
Arrive Early and Head to the Again
Pompeii is a well-liked vacation spot, and as such it will probably get fairly busy. As well as, there may be restricted shade on web site, and in the summertime months notably it will probably get extremely popular on web site.
All which means that for the very best expertise we advocate arriving early within the day should you can. In case you are planning on taking a tour, e book it for earlier within the day. In case you are planning to information your self, plan out your route so that you head away from the doorway first, and work your manner again in direction of it.
Many guests solely go to the most important sights, a lot of that are situated not too removed from the doorway areas, notably Porta Marina. Excursions teams additionally comply with comparable routes. So in order for you a much less crowded expertise, establish a number of sights that you’re inquisitive about which might be off the overwhelmed path, and head to these first.
Deliver a Water Bottle
We talked about this already within the “what to pack for Pompeii” part of this information, however we predict it’s value repeating. Pompeii will get extremely scorching in the summertime months and there may be not a lot shade.
There are many free consuming 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 massively in style attraction, and because of this it may be busy. The positioning has a restrict of 15,000 guests at anybody time, however regardless of the positioning being fairly massive individuals have a tendency to move to a handful of areas such because the Discussion board, Brothel, and Tub homes, that means it will probably 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 August, with weekends being busier than weekdays. In case 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 positioning should you can, away from the teams. Most excursions comply with an identical path to a handful of highlights, and should you head to the much less in style areas you will discover your self wandering virtually abandoned streets, even at a busy time of yr
- Use a quieter gate. Many individuals enter by the Porta Marina because it’s subsequent to the prepare station. The Anfiteatro gate tends to be quieter, and brings you in proper subsequent to the Amphitheater as properly, from the place you may discover the positioning at your leisure
Points of interest Close to Pompeii
Pompeii is without doubt one of the hottest sights within the Naples space, however it’s on no account the one attraction within the space! Listed here are another sights within the common 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 prepare service. It’s a smaller web site however because it was a rich seaside resort, it has a excessive density of luxurious dwellings. It’s often quieter than Pompeii, and a few excursions like this one go to each.
- Mount Vesuvius – the volcano which brought on all the difficulty remains to be energetic and nonetheless posing a menace to the tens of millions of people that reside within the space. It’s a dominant a part of the skyline, and you may head all the way in which as much as the summit to look into the steaming crater and hike across the rim. There’s a small price 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 crucial in style and spectacular areas of Italy, the 50km lengthy Amalfi Coast is true subsequent to Pompeii. Attractive seaside cities like Positano and Sorrento cling to the dramatic shoreline. It’s properly value spending a number of days right here should you 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, nevertheless it’s additionally dwelling 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 the very best preserved artefacts from Pompeii out there for viewing.
- Capri – a preferred island for a day journey (though keep in a single day should you can to keep away from the crowds!), Capri might be visited by ferry from each Naples and Sorrento. It’s an exquisite island with quite a bit to see, however it will probably get extremely crowded in the summertime months.
After all, there may be way more to see on this space, however this could provide you with an thought of what’s on provide within the space round Pompeii!
The place to Keep Close to Pompeii
In case you’re on the lookout for someplace to remain close to Pompeii, you could have fairly a number of choices. You’ll be able to keep near the positioning, or you may keep in close by Sorrento or Naples.
It’s additionally potential to go to Pompeii as a day journey from Rome, however we’ll deal with nearer lodging for this a part of the information. See our information to spending 3 days in Rome for Rome lodging choices.
- Pompeii Ruins De Charme B&B – Actually throughout the highway from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance this in style B&B affords air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included. Rooms even have a kitchen and dishwasher should you choose to prepare dinner for your self. Parking is accessible for a price.
- Lodge Discussion board – additionally simply subsequent to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, it is a well-reviewed 4* resort providing free non-public parking, air-conditioned en-suite rooms and a restaurant. Breakfast is accessible.
- 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 accessible. Observe there’s no on-site parking.
- Agora Hostel – 5 minutes stroll from the Anfiteatro entrance to Pompeii, this properly rated hostel affords nice worth non-public and shared rooms with air con. There’s a bar and low home on web site however no eating or parking out there.
- La Ferrovia Guesthouse Sorrento – discovered simply subsequent to Sorrento prepare station, this guesthouse affords non-public en-suite air-conditioned rooms with espresso makers. Paid parking is accessible close by however there’s no on-site restaurant
- Grand Lodge Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento – should you’re on the lookout for a 5* luxurious expertise in Sorrento, that is the resort to move for. Anticipate spectacular coastal views, an exquisite backyard, beautiful rooms, and two eating places to select from.
After all, there are an awesome many extra choices to select from! We advocate trying on reserving.com for every thing from motels to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and flats.
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 proper property for our price range and necessities.
See all their listings for the Pompeii space right here.
Additional Studying for Visiting Italy
Nicely, 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 can see helpful when planning your journey.
Listed here are a few of these guides, in addition to hyperlinks to 3rd social gathering sources we advocate.
- 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 enable you to plan your time in Rome. We even have a information to the greatest meals excursions in Rome, the greatest gelato in Rome and the greatest 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 thing you should know to plan your visits to this exceptional sights
- Past Rome, we now have a information to Florence, prompt 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 great nation. We even have a prompt 2-week Europe itinerary which naturally contains Italy!
- In case you’re on the lookout for a bodily (or Kindle!) guidebook, we advocate the newest version of Rick Steves Italy information, which has a lot of sensible data that can assist you benefit from your keep
And that’s it! As at all times, we hope you discovered this information helpful, and you probably have any questions or feedback about visiting Pompeii, simply pop them within the feedback beneath and we’ll reply as quickly as we are able to.
