Pompeii: An Ancient Roman City Frozen in Time
Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, a Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The ruins of Pompeii offer an unparalleled window into the daily life of the Roman world. The city, founded in the 8th century BC, experienced various rulers, including the Oscans, Greeks, Etruscans, Samnites, and finally the Romans. Under Roman rule, Pompeii flourished as a commercial hub and resort town, evident in its sophisticated infrastructure and opulent villas. The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried Pompeii under layers of ash and pumice, effectively freezing the city in time. The thick layers of volcanic material preserved buildings, artifacts, and even the forms of the inhabitants, providing invaluable insights into Roman life. Excavations began in the 18th century and continue today, revealing the city's layout, including its forum, temples, bathhouses, theaters, and private homes. Visitors can wander through the ancient streets, explore the remarkably preserved houses with their intricate frescoes and mosaics, and witness the haunting plaster casts of the eruption's victims. Pompeii offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience Roman civilization firsthand. The scale of the city is impressive, requiring a significant amount of walking to fully appreciate its wonders. Highlights include the Amphitheatre, one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters; the House of the Faun, known for its elaborate mosaic of Alexander the Great; and the Stabian Baths, a complex of bathhouses showcasing Roman bathing practices. Visiting Pompeii is a powerful and moving experience, offering a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of Roman history and culture.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground.
- Bring water and sun protection, especially during the summer months, as there is limited shade.
- Consider hiring an official audio guide or joining a guided tour to enhance your understanding of the site.
- Book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the main areas of Pompeii.
A brief summary to Scavi di Pompei
- Viale delle Ginestre, Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80045, IT
- +390815369869
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Naples, the easiest way to reach Pompeii is by taking the Circumvesuviana train. From Napoli Garibaldi station, take the Circumvesuviana line towards Sorrento and disembark at Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. This station is located just a few steps from the Porta Marina entrance to the Pompeii ruins. The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes. A single ticket costs around €3.
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Bus
Several bus lines connect Naples and Pompeii. The SITA bus departs from near the Nuova Marina port in Naples and stops at Pompei Scavi. Flixbus also offers service from Naples to Pompeii, dropping off at Piazza Falcone e Borsellino. The bus journey takes around 35 minutes, but can be longer depending on traffic. A one-way ticket costs around €7.
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Car
If driving from Naples, take the A3 Napoli-Salerno motorway towards Salerno. Exit at Pompei Ovest and follow signs to Via Villa dei Misteri. This route leads to the Porta Marina entrance. Be prepared for tolls on the motorway. Several parking lots are available near the site, including Parking Zeus and Pompei Zone Parking. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €8-€15 per day for a car.
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Walking
From the center of modern Pompei, the Scavi di Pompei are easily accessible on foot. From Piazza Garibaldi, walk along Via Roma to Piazza Anfiteatro, one of the entrances to the site. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, from the Pompei Santuario train station, it is a short walk to the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
