Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near Naples that was buried in volcanic ash and frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the world's largest open-air archaeological sites, preserving daily Roman life whole: paved streets, frescoed villas, bathhouses, an amphitheatre, and the haunting plaster casts of victims in their final moments. The site is vast with almost no shade, so planning a route and preparing for sun and hydration makes for a far more rewarding visit.
The Forum: the civic, commercial and religious heart of the city with a direct view of Vesuvius, and the natural starting point of any visit.
House of the Vettii: reopened in 2023, this wealthy townhouse is famed for some of the most vivid mythological frescoes at the site.
Villa of the Mysteries: a life-size cycle of deep-red frescoes depicting a Dionysiac initiation rite, still in its original location (a Plus ticket is required).
Plaster casts: forms poured into cavities left in the ash, recreating the final poses of people and animals at the moment of the eruption — Pompeii's most iconic sight.
Large Theatre, Amphitheatre and bathhouses: landmark structures that convey the scale of everyday Roman city life.
Good to know
SafetyThe Circumvesuviana train linking Naples and Pompeii, and the area around Pompeii station and ticket offices, are notorious for pickpockets. Wear your bag in front, never keep your wallet in a back pocket, and stay especially alert in crowded carriages.
CautionTouts near the station and entrance commonly sell fake or overpriced train and admission tickets, or claim 'the entrance is closed' and offer to get you in. Buy tickets only through official channels.
CautionUnofficial guides who tout outside the gates often run large, low-quality tours. Book guided tours through the official website, a licensed agency, or an official tour from inside the main gate.
SeasonIn summer (July–August) daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C with almost no shade. Enter right at opening, carry 1.5–2L of water, and bring a hat, SPF50+ sunscreen and a parasol, resting in a designated shaded spot every 30–40 minutes.
RulesTwo train stops on the line have 'Pompei' in the name, which trips up first-time visitors. Get off at 'Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri)', directly opposite the main Porta Marina entrance, and search 'Pompei Scavi' in transit apps.
Practical info
From Naples Garibaldi, the Circumvesuviana train takes about 35–40 minutes; get off at 'Pompei Scavi' and it's a 50m walk to the Porta Marina entrance. A standard ticket is around €20 (with higher-tier options such as Pompeii+ that include key suburban villas); under-18s enter free, EU citizens aged 18–24 pay a reduced fare, and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Opening is roughly 9:00 (last entry around 17:30 in high season mid-March to mid-October, shorter in winter); confirm the latest prices, hours and rules on the official site before visiting. Comfortable shoes and water are essential.
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