Experience · Pompeii, near Naples, Italy
Pompeii Archaeological ParkA story we are still researching.
The Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserved almost intact under volcanic ash.
A closer look
The story
Pompeii was a thriving Roman city until Mount Vesuvius erupted, most likely in autumn (around 24–25 October) of 79 AD, though older sources cite August. The eruption buried the city under pumice and ash, and pyroclastic flows killed those who had not fled; around 1,150 bodies have been recovered on site, out of a population estimated between 11,500 and 20,000.
The full story
Rediscovered in 1592 during aqueduct construction and formally identified in 1763, systematic excavation began in 1748. What emerged was an extraordinarily preserved snapshot of daily Roman life — streets, villas, frescoes and even plaster casts of victims' final positions.
Pompeii was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, prized as the only archaeological site offering a complete picture of an ancient Roman city. It now draws about 2.5 million visitors a year and is reached easily by train from Naples, with Mount Vesuvius itself open for a guided crater walk nearby.
Written from the sources listed at the end of this page. If we have something wrong, tell us.
What you will see
Stops on the trail.
- 01Forum and Temple of Jupiter
- 02Villa of the Mysteries
- 03Plaster casts of victims
- 04Amphitheatre of Pompeii
- 05Mount Vesuvius crater
When to go
April–June and September–October avoid both summer heat and the shortest winter days.
Getting there
From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri station (about 30 minutes), directly opposite the site entrance.
How to visit
- Bags are limited to 30x30x15 cm; visitors are asked to display good and acceptable behaviour on site.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes for both the ruins and any Vesuvius crater walk — surfaces are uneven volcanic stone.
Before you plan
- Time-slot entry booking is required in peak season (16 March–14 October); walk-up tickets may not be available.
- Let time pass
- Behave as a guest
- No smiling selfies
- Tread lightly
- Leave something behind
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