Pompeii
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 19 January 2024
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The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located in the Metropolitan City of Naples province around 20 kilometres from Naples city centre.
Since 1997 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Villa Oplontis. |
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Pompeii was an ancient Roman city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of neighbouring Mount Vesuvius on the 24 August 79 AD.
The city was buried underneath between 4 to 6 metres of ash and pumice and remained lost to the world until around 1748 when a Spanish engineer decided to excavate the site.
Due to the lack of air and moisture caused by the burial, many of the artefacts in the city were incredibly well preserved whilst one of the techniques used by the engineers created a morbid yet fascinating discovery. In order to fill the gaps beneath the ground to aid the excavation, plaster was poured into the voids where the human bodies had once lain, and what can now be seen at Pompeii are plaster-casts of those bodies in the exact position they were in when they died.
The city was buried underneath between 4 to 6 metres of ash and pumice and remained lost to the world until around 1748 when a Spanish engineer decided to excavate the site.
Due to the lack of air and moisture caused by the burial, many of the artefacts in the city were incredibly well preserved whilst one of the techniques used by the engineers created a morbid yet fascinating discovery. In order to fill the gaps beneath the ground to aid the excavation, plaster was poured into the voids where the human bodies had once lain, and what can now be seen at Pompeii are plaster-casts of those bodies in the exact position they were in when they died.
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The Pompeii archaeological site is located near Naples in the Campania region of southern Italy. It was once a thriving Roman city until it was tragically buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The eruption was so intense that it completely destroyed the city, killing thousands of its inhabitants and preserving the town in a remarkable state of preservation.
The eruption was so intense that it completely destroyed the city, killing thousands of its inhabitants and preserving the town in a remarkable state of preservation.
History
For nearly 1,500 years, Pompeii remained buried and forgotten until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Excavations began in the mid-18th century and continue to this day, revealing an exceptional and unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman life.
The Pompeii archaeological site covers an area of about 170 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides a well-preserved snapshot of daily life in a Roman city during the 1st century AD. The excavated ruins include streets, houses, public buildings, temples, theaters, and markets.
The Pompeii archaeological site covers an area of about 170 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides a well-preserved snapshot of daily life in a Roman city during the 1st century AD. The excavated ruins include streets, houses, public buildings, temples, theaters, and markets.
Key features
- The Forum: The heart of the city, the Forum, was the main public square and the political, religious, and economic center of Pompeii.
- Houses of Pompeii: Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of various houses, some of which belonged to wealthy citizens and feature beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and intricate decorations.
- Villas: Several luxurious villas, like the Villa of the Mysteries, showcase the opulence of Pompeian upper-class life.
- Amphitheater: One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters, where gladiatorial contests and other spectacles took place.
- Baths: The town had several public and private baths, which were an essential part of Roman social life.
- Theater: The large theater, with its semicircular seating, was used for theatrical performances and public gatherings.
- The Brothel: One of Pompeii's most infamous buildings, known for its explicit frescoes depicting sexual scenes.
Visitor information
- Tourist Information: Visiting Hours: The Pompeii archaeological site is open to visitors throughout the year, but the opening hours may vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
- Entry Fee: There is an entrance fee to visit Pompeii, with discounts available for EU citizens, students, and children. Tickets can be purchased online or at the site's ticket office.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors who want a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site. English-speaking guides offer insightful tours, and audio guides are also available for self-guided tours.
- Accessibility: Parts of the site are accessible to wheelchair users, but due to the ancient nature of the city, some areas may have limited accessibility.
- Getting There: Pompeii is easily accessible from Naples and other nearby towns. Visitors can reach the site by train, bus, or car.
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Opening-times:
Winter: (November to March) Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00, Sat & Sun: 08:30 - 17:00 Last entry: 15:30 Summer: (April to October) Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 19:30, Sat & Sun: 08:30 - 19:30 Last entry: 18:00 |
Prices:
Full price: €16 Pompeii, Villa Oplontis and Boscoreale Joint Ticket: €18 EU Citizens aged 18-24: €2 Under 18's: Free Closed on: 1st January, 1st May, 25th December |
Parco Archeologico di Pompei
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Comune: Naples
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Region: Campania Nearest train station: Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri Close by: Mount Vesuvius, Castellammare di Stabia, Herculaneum Recommended accommodation: Hotel Pompei Be Green |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata Year: 1997 |
Top Attraction
Annual visitor numbers: 3,935,791 Ranked number 3 in Italy in 2019 Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism |
