Discover the Timeless Ruins of Pompeii Archaeological Park

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoy ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tsah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-ttroh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-deer-eet-zoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi farmi vedere (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy fahr-mee veh-deh-reh (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pair)]

Pompeii was established in the 7th or 6th century BCE by the Osci, an Italic tribe. The city's strategic location near the Bay of Naples allowed it to thrive as a center for trade and agriculture. Over the centuries, Pompeii developed into a flourishing Roman municipality, showcasing a blend of various cultural influences due to its interactions with neighboring civilizations.

The most significant event in Pompeii's history occurred in August 79 CE when Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically. The city was buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving its buildings, artifacts, and even the remains of its inhabitants. This eruption halted life in Pompeii, effectively freezing the city in time and providing a unique archaeological snapshot of Roman life.

Pompeii was rediscovered in the mid-18th century, with excavations beginning in 1748 under the direction of Spanish engineer Rocque Joaquín de Alcubierre. The systematic excavation revealed well-preserved ruins, providing invaluable insights into Roman urban planning, architecture, and daily life. These discoveries sparked a wave of interest in classical antiquity across Europe.

In 1997, Pompeii was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value and the need for its preservation. This status has helped to promote conservation efforts and increase global awareness of Pompeii's cultural significance, attracting millions of visitors each year to explore its ancient streets and structures.

Since its rediscovery, ongoing archaeological research and preservation efforts continue to uncover new findings and protect the site from environmental threats. The Pompeii Archaeological Park, established to manage the site, engages in restoration projects and scientific studies aimed at understanding the city's past and ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Pompeii Archaeological Park is easily accessible from Naples, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train line to the Pompeii Scavi station, which is a short walk from the park entrance. Alternatively, buses connect Pompeii with nearby towns, including Sorrento and Herculaneum. If you are driving, the park is well-signposted from the A3 motorway, and there are parking facilities available nearby.

The best way to explore Pompeii Archaeological Park is on foot, as the site is vast and many of the ruins are spread out. Inside the park, you can rent audio guides or join a guided tour. There are also information points scattered throughout the site. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, the Circumvesuviana train line provides easy access to other archaeological sites and towns, while local taxis and buses are available for longer distances.

Pompeii is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be observed. The park itself is monitored, but be vigilant with your belongings in crowded areas. Avoid the outskirts of Pompeii at night, as some neighborhoods might have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your personal items, especially in busy tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is located in Pompei, and there are pharmacies near the park for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. If you lose something valuable, report it to the local police station.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing appropriate for the weather, as you'll be walking a lot. Don’t wear high heels or inappropriate attire. Religion: Do respect religious sites, maintain a quiet demeanor, and cover your shoulders when visiting temples. Public Transport: Do validate your tickets before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals politely and use 'Buongiorno' during the day. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Neapolitan pizza and gelato. Don’t consume food or drink in the park, as it's prohibited.

To experience Pompeii like a local, visit the town of Pompei after exploring the ruins for authentic dining experiences. Try to learn a few basic Italian phrases, as locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language. Don't miss the local markets for fresh produce and local delicacies. Consider visiting off-peak hours to avoid crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with the ruins.