Say what you want about natural disasters like the one that befell the small towns below Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but one thing is for sure: archaeologists and historians examining ancient remains can tell a lot more about these cities than you might. they can over the ones that took their sweet moment to collapse.
Imagine, at dawn on August 25, AD 79, a violent explosion of toxic gases and burning ash from an eruption that had started the day before caused it to stop at Pompeii. People were covered in ashes doing their best to survive. The frescoes were left undone, the paintings still in their pots. The ashes and ashes covered and preserved the scene exactly as it was at the time. As tragic as it was, the information preserved under the rubble was as pristine as can be found on a 2,000-year-old site.
Excavations in Pompeii
The excavations began in 1748 by Carlo Borbone. Seeking fame, he searched for treasure at random, just like a “clandestine” might do today. (A clandestine is one who does the work clandestinely for his own benefit, like a grave robber).
It was not until the appointment of Guiseppe Fiorelli in 1861 that a systematic excavation was carried out. Fiorelli was responsible for pioneering the technique of making plaster casts of eruption victims of the kind you’ll see around the site if you go.
Excavations continue to this day.
Five houses recently restored in 2016 within the city that were buried when the volcano Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 will serve as the backdrop for a show about how nature was perceived by the Greek and Roman world from the 8th century to . C.
Recently opened sites include the homes of Julia Felix, Loreius Tiburtinus, Venus in the Shell, Orchard, and Marcus Lucretius. ~ Pompeii to reveal five restored houses.
Pompeii was a haven for many wealthy Romans, which is why the rich remains fascinate us today. Many of the frescoes still look fresh, and the restored mosaic floors are spectacular. It’s hard to believe, as we extrapolate back from the technological explosion we have experienced during the short period of our lives, that more than two millennia ago people lived in houses and apartments of a type that we would not mind living in today. (Well, as long as you don’t mind the lack of private toilets, I mean.)
The excavations at Pompeii are quite extensive. You may not see everything in one day. This map will show you the extent of ancient Pompeii and its proximity to the new city of Pompeii.
Arriving in Pompeii
You can take the private Circumvesuviana line that runs between Naples and Sorrento. Get off at Pompeii Scavi . If you take the line from Naples to Poggiomarino, get off at Pompei Santuario . The regular FS line from Naples to Salerno also stops at (modern) Pompeii, but at a different station than the Circumvesuviana.
The SITA bus that goes from Naples to Salerno stops in Pompeii, in Esedra Square.
By car, take the Pompeii exit from Autostrada A3.
Entradas Pompeii Excavations
A single ticket to enter the Pompeii excavations at the time of writing costs € 11. A three-day pass is also available to access five sites: Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis, Stabiae, Boscoreale. Check Pompei Turismo for the latest ticket prices.
Pompeii Scavi opening hours
November – March: daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm (last admission at 3.30 pm)
April to October: daily from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (last admission at 6 pm)
Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25.
Pompeii or Pompeii?
Pompeii is the spelling of the ancient Roman site, the modern city is spelled “Pompeii.”
Staying in Pompeii
There are many hotels in Pompeii. The one we recommend, and which receives excellent reviews from people who have stayed there, is the Hotel Diana Pompei, a three-star hotel near the Pompei FS station and a short walk (about 10 minutes) from the ancient city, Pompeii Scavi. The nearby restaurant, La Bettola del Gusto Ristorante , serves excellent food, the hotel staff are friendly and helpful, and the free internet connection works well.
Additional learning
For information on Roman plumbing, see: The History of Plumbing: Pompeii and Herculaneum.
To learn about baths, see: The Thermae Stabianae.
Erotic pompeii
Brothels and erotic frescoes are prominent features of Pompeii. For more information on one of the most interesting brothels in Pompeii, see Pompeii: The Brothel. Unlike most buildings in Pompeii, this one has been extensively rebuilt, a feature of our fascination with sexuality that our own culture suppresses.
Erotic images of Pompeii can be seen in the Naples Museum of Archeology in the Secret Room Exhibition. You will need to make a reservation to visit it. The strange thing is that they will allow you to take photos of the exhibition.
Around Campania – Attractions near Pompeii
Visit our Campania Map and Travel Resources to see other attractions in the area, including transportation options, the Campania ArteCard discount card, and a map of this interesting region of Italy.
