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Contents
Pompeii | The ancient city preserved in ash
Pompeii in a nutshell
- Size and scope: Pompeii spans about 163 acres (66 hectares) and housed 20,000 to 25,000 people, featuring a complex grid of streets and buildings.
- Destruction: The city was buried under ash and pumice by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which led to the immediate death of its inhabitants and preserved the city in time.
- Discovery: Rediscovered in 1748 during canal excavation work, Pompeii's excavation revealed its remarkably well-preserved ruins and provided insights into Roman life.
- Design and layout: The city features a grid-like street pattern with major roads, public spaces like the Forum, and various structures including homes, baths, and temples, reflecting Roman urban planning.
Pompeii tickets explained
Standard entry
Guided tours
Tickets with transfers
Features
Entry to Pompeii, map (optional), guidebook in English, French, Spanish, German, Polish, or Russian (optional), audio guide in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese (optional)
Guided tour of Pompeii with skip-the-line entry, expert English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected), archeologist guide (optional), small group size, headsets
Guided tour of Pompeii with entry, round-trip transfers from Naples, English, Spanish or French-speaking guide (as per option selected), headsets for groups above 10, entry to Herculaneum (optional), entry to Vesuvius (optional)
Why buy?
Explore Pompeii at your own pace, focusing on your interests. Ideal for independent travelers and nature lovers, this budget-friendly option lets you dive deep into your chosen areas.
Make the most of your time with a well-organized tour at an excellent price, and gain insider insights and captivating stories.
Enjoy a seamless experience with tickets that include transfers—save time at the site and relax during the ride without the hassle of logistics.
Starting from
€23.90
€36.75
€75
Recommended tickets
- Pompeii Tickets
- Pompeii Tickets with Audio Guide
- Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- From Naples: Pompeii Guided Tour with Optional Herculaneum or Vesuvius Visit
- From Naples: Pompeii Guided Tour with Optional Herculaneum or Vesuvius Visit
- From Sorrento: Pompeii Guided Tour with Optional Vesuvius Visit
- From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Day Trip
Unveiling Pompeii’s ancient marvels
The Temple of Isis
This ancient Egyptian temple reflects the popularity of Egyptian deities in Pompeii. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it features intricate decorations and artifacts related to her worship, showcasing the city’s religious diversity.
Temple of Apollo
Located in the Forum, this temple is one of Pompeii’s oldest and most important religious sites. It was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy and healing, and is notable for its impressive columns and statues.
Villa of the Mysteries
Renowned for its well-preserved frescoes, this villa is famous for its elaborate and enigmatic murals depicting initiation rites and mystery cults. The artwork provides a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman religious practices.
Pompeii Spectacula
This term refers to the various entertainment venues in Pompeii, including the amphitheater and the theater. These spaces were used for gladiatorial games, theatrical performances, and public spectacles, reflecting the city’s cultural life.
Lupanare
Pompeii’s most famous brothel, the Lupanare offers a glimpse into the city’s social life and attitudes towards sex. Its walls are adorned with erotic frescoes, and the rooms are arranged with small beds, revealing how the establishment functioned.
Know more about Pompeii brothels
House of the Vettii
A luxurious residence known for its richly decorated rooms and exquisite frescoes, including mythological and everyday scenes. The house belonged to two wealthy freedmen and demonstrates the opulence of Pompeii’s elite.
Stabian Baths
These public baths are among the oldest and largest in Pompeii, showcasing the Roman approach to hygiene and leisure. The complex includes hot and cold rooms, a gymnasium, and well preserved mosaics.
Know more about Pompeii baths
House of the Faun
One of Pompeii’s grandest houses, known for its size and elaborate decorations, including the famous mosaic of the Battle of Alexander. The house features a large atrium and peristyle garden, reflecting the wealth and taste of its original owners.
History of Pompeii in a nutshell
Foundation and Roman rule
Founded by the Opics in the 7th century BC, Pompeii thrived on fertile volcanic soil and was influenced by Greek and Etruscan cultures. The Samnites took control in the late 5th century BC, and the Romans conquered Pompeii in 89 BC, making it a Roman colony in 80 BC. Under Roman rule, the city prospered with significant improvements to its buildings and infrastructure.
Catastrophic eruption and rediscovery
On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii in volcanic ash. The city remained lost until its rediscovery in the 18th century, with excavations starting in 1748. In 1863, plaster casts of the victims revealed their final moments.
20th Century developments
Pompeii suffered damage during World War II bombings in 1943. The 20th century saw key discoveries, including extensive excavations by Amedeo Maiuri in 1951, and notable cultural events like Pink Floyd’s performances in 1971 and 2016.
Detailed history of Pompeii
Book your tickets to Pompeii
Frequently asked questions about Pompeii
What do Pompeii ruins tickets include?
A standard Pompeii ticket grants access to the ancient city of Pompeii, allowing you to explore the ruins at your own pace. Depending on your ticket type, you may also receive additional perks such as return transfers from Naples or guided tours.
I'm not a big fan of crowds. What ticket should I purchase if I want to explore in big groups but also gain a deeper understanding of what I'm seeing?
If you prefer to explore Pompeii solo but want deeper insights, consider an audio guide. It allows you to navigate at your own pace while providing detailed information. Skip-the-line tickets are also helpful to avoid long queues and make the most of your visit. Small group tours offer a more personalized experience with fewer people, combining expert guidance with flexibility.
How many people are in a small group tour of Pompeii?
The small group tour of Pompeii accommodates up to 20 guests.
How big is Pompeii?
Pompeii covers approximately 66 hectares (163 acres), making it one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient cities.
How long does it take to visit Pompeii?
A visit to Pompeii usually takes around 2 to 4 hours. However, to explore the site more thoroughly, you might need 5 to 6 hours.
Can I see Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii?
Yes, Mount Vesuvius is visible from various points within Pompeii. It provides a dramatic backdrop to the ruins and a reminder of the eruption that buried the city.
Is Pompeii accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Pompeii is partially accessible for visitors with disabilities. While many paths and main areas are wheelchair-friendly, some parts of the site, with uneven surfaces and steps, can be challenging.
What's there for kids to enjoy during their visit?
Kids can enjoy exploring Pompeii's well-preserved streets, houses, and ancient artifacts. The site offers a sense of adventure and history, and educational aspects like frescoes and mosaics can be fascinating for younger visitors.
