Visiting Pompeii
How to Get to Pompeii:
For our trip to Pompeii, we opted to book a car for convenience, though the train is an equally viable option. If you’re traveling from Naples, trains run every 30 minutes, making it a convenient and regular mode of transport. The Pompeii train station (Pompeii Scavi Villa dei Misteri) is just a five-minute walk from the site, but be aware that there are multiple train stations serving Pompeii, so make sure you disembark at the correct one. The station itself is quite close to the entrance of the ruins, making it an easy and accessible way to arrive.
Do you have to pay to visit Pompeii?
Yes, there is an entrance fee of €18 per person for visiting the archaeological site. You can book the tickets online too. However, if you happen to visit on a Sunday, admission is free, offering a great opportunity to explore without the cost. Keep in mind that during free-entry days, the site may be more crowded, so plan accordingly.
Will I need to book a guide?
While booking a guide is not strictly necessary, I highly recommend using the Rick Steves audio guide for Europe. This audio guide provides valuable insights into the main highlights of Pompeii, allowing you to tour at your own pace. With it, you can explore both the well-known parts of the site and less popular areas on your own time, making it a flexible and informative option for independent travelers.
How much time does Pompeii take to explore?
Pompeii is an enormous site, spanning over 160 acres, and can take more than a day to fully explore if you are passionate about archaeology and history. For those with limited time or casual interest, three to four hours should be sufficient to cover the major landmarks, especially with the help of a good guide or audio tour. However, history enthusiasts may want to devote a full day to really immerse themselves in the experience.
Must-visit places
The Forum:
One of the most popular and historically significant areas in Pompeii, the Forum is typically crowded, located right near the main gate. As in many ancient Roman cities, the Forum was the heart of Pompeii’s civic and social life. It housed important buildings like the Basilica (which served as the Palace of Justice) and the Temple of Jupiter. The Forum was a central hub for political, religious, and commercial activities, and you can even catch a view of Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance from here, making it a remarkable starting point for your exploration.
The Main Street: via Abbondanza
From the Forum, you can walk down Pompeii’s Main Street, lined with remnants of ancient bars, restaurants, brothels, and shops. The street was primarily a pedestrian thoroughfare, bustling with life during ancient times. It’s easy to imagine the vibrant social scene that once thrived here, where Romans dined, shopped, and enjoyed the nightlife.
The Forum Baths:
Pompeii had over six public baths, and the Forum Baths are among the most elegant examples. Complete with gymnasiums and spa facilities, these baths were a cornerstone of Roman social life. Walking through the bath complex, you’ll see separate sections for men and women, as well as different temperature-controlled baths (hot, cold, and freezing). The design and structure give you a fascinating glimpse into how Romans maintained both hygiene and social connections.
Fast Food Joints:
In Pompeii, fast-food establishments, known as “thermopolia,” were common and catered to those who preferred dining out rather than cooking at home. Near the baths, you can see the remains of these fast-food joints, identifiable by their marble countertops with holes that once held large jars for soups and stews. These places were bustling hubs where people stopped by for quick meals.
The Bakery and Mill:
As you explore, you’ll also come across bakeries, recognizable by the stone mills used to grind flour for the local population. Some even have brick ovens that closely resemble modern pizza ovens. These bakeries were crucial for feeding Pompeii’s residents, providing fresh bread and other essentials.
The Theatre:
Pompeii, like many Roman cities, had an amphitheater, which was a vital part of its social and cultural life.The amphitheater hosted performances, plays, and public spectacles, and it reflects the vibrant entertainment culture of ancient Pompeii. The acoustics and design are still impressive today, and walking through the space allows you to imagine the lively events that once took place there.
The Great Palestra:
Adjacent to the amphitheater is the Great Palestra, which functioned as a sports park and a place for youth groups to gather. This open space was used for athletic training, sports events, and games. It even featured a large swimming pool, which must have been a popular spot for relaxation and exercise.
Houses to Visit:
Pompeii is famous for its beautifully preserved homes, each showcasing unique architectural styles and design elements.Some of the most notable houses include the House of the Faun, the House of the Small Fountain, and the House of the Tragic Poet. These homes reflect the taste and wealth of their owners and offer a peek into the domestic lives of ancient Romans. The intricate mosaics, frescoes, and layout of these homes are worth exploring in detail.
The Brothel:
Perhaps one of the most talked-about sites in Pompeii is its ancient brothel, known as the Lupanar. The building is relatively small, with stone beds and murals that depict various acts, offering a glimpse into the private lives of Pompeii’s citizens. The brothel is one of the most visited locations in Pompeii, and despite its size, it draws considerable attention due to its historical significance. It’s intriguing to note how these establishments existed alongside regular homes and shops, blending into the daily life of the city.