The ancient ruins of Pompeii (Roman spelling with a double “i”) are located just south of Naples in the city of Pompei (one “i”). Along with nearby Ercolano (Herculaneum), it was forever preserved for posterity after a massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in my opinion, should be on everyone’s bucket list of what to see in your lifetime!
Life in Pompei
Life in Pompei was good: the “bella vita” one might say. The soil was rich and fertile; the location on the Gulf of Naples was perfect. Little did the residents know that the looming mountain that was the backdrop to their pleasant life was a ticking time bomb. They could not have known because Vesuvius had not erupted for 1,800 years.
Warning Signs
The first warning was in the year 62 AD when a massive earthquake occurred in Pompei and actually caused a tsunami that reached Ostia, the port of Rome. Great damage was done to the city due to the fact that it was constructed on very fragile ground. Evidence shows that many of the temples and precious art were first damaged and later repaired in this quake. Sacrifices were made to the gods to ask for mercy. People were terrified and it was recorded that many went mad.
The “Big One”
The gods must have still been very angry because the course of history would be forever changed sometime around the month of August in the year 79 AD. Pliny the Elder, head of the Roman fleet at the time, left us an eyewitness account. There had been a quake that rattled the area, destroyed aqueducts, and left a sulfur scent in the air. What would happen next was beyond anything they could have comprehended. Mt. Vesuvius unleashed its rage and literally blew its top off blasting gas, debris, and ash 21 miles into the air.
Thousands fled as the hail storm of pumice, ash, and tuff began pelting down upon Pompei. It’s estimated that 90% of the population managed to take shelter away from the city during the 3-day long eruption. But it wasn’t over yet. A series of pyroclastic flows exploded out of the volcano and first demolished the cities of Herculaneum, Boscoreale, Oplontis, and Terzigno. The blasts that reached Pompei would decimate the city and the approximately 2,000 poor souls who were still there. This thriving city would lie there, under the ash, for another 1,500 years.
The Pompei Archaeological Park
Fortunately for us, the last eruption was in 1944, and excavations have been uncovering the mysteries of Pompei since the 16th century. It is one of the most studies sites in the entire world. The Pompei Archaeological Park draws about 2 million visitors every year so obviously, the curiosity about this ancient culture is universal!
The Top 10
To really appreciate the site, you’ll need to devote an entire day just to see the highlights (and that is just Pompei- without even considering Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius). The area is divided into 9 areas called “regio” and each one includes a multitude of dwellings. Here is an essential list to get you started, but do your own research ahead of time!
- Theaters: the Odeon and the “Teatro Grande” (tip: stand in the middle of the Odeon and speak normally to hear your voice amplify).
- Garden of the Fugitives (Orto dei Fuggiaschi): pay homage to the 13 plaster-cast bodies that were trying, in vain, to escape.
- Amphitheater: it could hold 20,000 spectators in its glory days.
- Lupanare: the brothel. Erotica galore here! (lots of explaining to do if you have little ones in your party!)
- Praedia of Giulia Felice: part of the first excavations and truly stunning.
- House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno): a fabulous villa with frescoes and mosaics.
- Villa of the Mysteries (Villa dei Misteri): the most amazing villa excavated probably belonging to the wealthiest family of Pompei.
- The Forum: the center of life in Pompei.
- The Forum Baths: not the largest bathhouse on the site but the best-preserved.
- The Great Palestra: an outdoor gym in antiquity.
Tips
Another tip is to keep in mind that the very best of Pompei is actually conserved in Naples in the National Museum of Archaeology. In the 1700s, the King of Naples ordered all of the finest artifacts from the site to be transferred and there they remain. If you’re a true history or archaeology buff, then it is an absolute must-see.
It is also highly recommended to take a guided tour with an expert guide and pick up a map. Remember to wear very comfortable shoes (this is a gigantic site with gravelly roads), a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because once inside the ruins, there is basically no shelter from the sun’s rays. You can bring water into the park and snacks but don’t bring a huge backpack (not allowed). There is a cafeteria-style restaurant on the grounds.
Visitors with young children and disabilities should use the “Pompei for Everyone” route for their visit which is more accessible.
Getting There
Due to its popularity, Pompei is pretty-well connected. If arriving by train, you can take the Circumvesuviana (literally meaning, “around Vesuvius”) Napoli-Sorrento which stops at Pompei Villa dei Misteri. The Circumvesuviana Napoli-Poggiomarino stops at Pompei Santuario. The Italian train FS (Ferrovia dello Stato) Napoli-Salerno line stops at Pompei. There are 3 entrances into the park. From Naples and Salerno, you can also take SITA buses or BUSITALIA.
Check the official website of the Pompei Archaeological Park for extensive information in English and updates regarding reopening after COVID-19 closures.
Even under normal circumstances, do not expect all areas of the site to be open to visitors at any given time. This is an ongoing excavation and many areas close at various times throughout the year.
