Pompeii Archaeological Park

The Pompeii Archaeological Park preserves the ruins of the Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. Covered by metres of pumice and ash, Pompeii lay hidden until systematic excavations began in 1748, and what has been uncovered since then offers an unrivalled picture of daily life in a Roman town: paved streets with stepping stones and cart ruts, houses with painted walls and mosaic floors, bakeries, shops, taverns, baths, temples and places of entertainment. Together with Herculaneum and Oplontis it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The heart of the city is the Forum, surrounded by the Basilica, the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Jupiter, with Vesuvius rising behind it. From there, the Via dell'Abbondanza, the main street, leads past shops and inscriptions towards the amphitheatre, among the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatres, and the great palaestra. Among the houses, the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii are famous for their size and decoration, while the Stabian Baths, the Lupanar, the theatres and the bakeries with their millstones show the city's public life. The plaster casts of victims, made with the technique developed by Giuseppe Fiorelli in the 19th century, including those in the Garden of the Fugitives, are a moving reminder of the disaster. Excavations continue today and regularly bring new discoveries.

The site is very large, the paving is uneven and there is little shade, so wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a hat, and allow at least half a day. Entry is by ticket, with timed, named tickets and a daily visitor limit, so booking in advance on the official channels is strongly recommended, especially in high season. The main entrances are at Porta Marina, close to the Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri station, and at Piazza Anfiteatro, near the modern town centre. The Villa of the Mysteries, just outside the walls, is part of the same park.