Pompeii

The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii are located just south of Naples in Campania, Italy. Once a thriving city at the height of the Roman Empire, Pompeii was destroyed in the year 79AD by a catastrophic volcanic eruption from Mt Vesuvius, which towers above the city. The eruption sent huge waves of heat and ash down across the area, killing the residents of Pompeii instantly. Around seven meters of ash covered the city, burying and preserving it for 1700 years. The ruins were rediscovered in the 1700’s and since then have been completely excavated down to street level. Frozen in time, the well preserved ruins of Pompeii gives excellent insight into Ancient Roman life.

Our visit to Pompeii

One rainy morning, my wife and I caught the train from Sorrento, stopping at Pompeii station which is right at the doorstep of the ruins. Umbrella in hand, we paid the €11 entry fee and began exploring the ancient city. *Update 2024: The ticket price is now € 18.00

The buildings are so well preserved that I actually felt like I was a Roman nearly 2000 years ago, walking through the aftermath of an apocalyptic event. Walking street after street I could enter peoples homes, see where they cooked and bathed, where they would have relaxed in their garden with some wine and where they would go to see a performance at the theater. I could actually see, touch and feel what it would have been like to live in those times.

An amphitheater in Pompeii

Someone’s kitchen, or a shop?

A villa courtyard

Ancient pottery

The tunnel to enter the Arena in Pompeii

Inside the arena in Pompeii

Some ancient carvings

Pompeii is beautiful and haunting at the same time and I felt privileged to be allowed to wander through this ancient city. It stands as a memorial to the thousands of people who died nearly 2000 years ago.

How to visit Pompeii

Here is some practical information to help plan your visit to Pompeii:

1. Location: Pompeii is located near the modern city of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. The archaeological site is well-marked and easy to find.
2. Getting There:
   • By Train: The easiest way to reach Pompeii is by train from Naples. The Circumvesuviana train line runs between Naples and Sorrento, with a stop at Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, which is a short walk from the main entrance to the ruins. It’s also possible to make a day trip to Pompeii from Rome.
   • By Car: Pompeii is accessible via the A3 motorway. There are parking facilities near the entrance, but they can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
   • By Bus: Several bus services run from Naples, Sorrento, and other nearby towns directly to Pompeii.
3. Opening Hours: The archaeological site is typically open every day, with varying hours depending on the season:
   • April to October: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
   • November to March: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
   • Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. It’s recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
4. Tickets:
   • Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance. Booking in advance can save time and ensure entry during busy periods. You can find discounted tickets and tours here.
   • Various ticket options are available, including standard entry tickets, guided tour tickets, and combination tickets with access to other nearby sites like Herculaneum.
   • EU citizens aged 18-25 can often benefit from reduced ticket prices, and children under 18 usually have free entry.
5. Guided Tours: Guided tours are highly recommended to get the most out of your visit. Knowledgeable guides provide context and insights into the history, culture, and daily life of ancient Pompeii. Audio guides are also available for rent.

Here are some select ticket and tour options to consider:

Have you been to Pompeii? What was your experience like?