A visit to the Ruins of Pompeii, the city that was devastated by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a remarkable chance to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating and well-preserved archaeological sites.
History
Pompeii (or Pompei, with two ‘i’s in Italian) is a remarkably preserved ancient Roman city located in Campania. In 1997, Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried Pompeii and its surroundings under nearly 20 feet of volcanic ash. Because it remained hidden for nearly 2,000 years, the Roman city has been exceptionally well preserved.
To date, approximately three-quarters of Pompeii’s 165 acres have been excavated. However, recent efforts have concentrated on restoring and maintaining the buildings that have already been uncovered. The exposed ruins are now at risk from natural elements such as weather, erosion, light exposure, and water damage.
Our Trip
When visiting the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, keep in mind that this is an entire city filled with buildings, villas, shops, squares, and temples. To see everything, you would need a dedicated three-day tour!
We opted to drive and parked nearby. Our plan was to spend a full day exploring the ruins, focusing on major sites including the Large Outdoor Theater, Amphitheater, Villa of the Mysteries, the Forum, and the Basilica.
Having purchased our tickets online ahead of time from the official website, we received a free map upon entry. The map suggests a route but also numbers each site, allowing you to customize your own journey through the park.
Unfortunately, we visited on what seemed to be the hottest day of the year! Aside from a small refreshment stand near the Temple of Jupiter, there are no food options, so definitely bring your own drinks and snacks. There are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park for a well-deserved break.
UPDATE (27th May 2020): Due to COVID-19, there is now a mandatory route and timed entry slots in place, with limited capacity – click here for more details >
Location
If you’re staying with us, you’ll be pleased to know that Pompeii is only a 20-minute drive from Villa Di Martino. The A3 Pompei Ovest highway exit will take you directly to the archaeological park entrance, where there are several parking options available.
Circumvesuviana trains run from Naples and Sorrento, and you should disembark at Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, which is just a short walk from the park entrance. Click here to view the train schedule >
How Much Does It Cost?
Tickets are priced at €5 when purchased on-site at the ticket office, but availability may be limited. To avoid this issue, we recommend booking online for an additional €1.50, making the total €6.50. Children under 18 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
You can find the park’s full opening hours on the official website. The park is closed on Mondays and opens from 9 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with the last entry at 5:30 pm.
Summary
We highly recommend dedicating a day of your next trip to Italy to experience this extraordinary archaeological site. It offers excellent value for your money, with countless sights to see and explore. Be sure to bring plenty of food and drinks so you can take refreshing breaks and enjoy all the must-see areas at your own pace. It made for a truly rewarding day.
For more information, visit the Archaeological Park of Pompeii website.
Photos by Monica
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