Pompeii Travel Guide
Well-preserved Villas, Murals and Mosaics
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At the foot of Mount Vesuvius close to Naples stands Pompeii, Italy’s largest and most impressive archaeological site. The city was highly important during the Roman period before the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD which obliterated all traces of life and covered a vast area in a thick blanket of ash. Today it is, like its sister site Herculaneum, a time capsule of life, with the mummified remains of those unfortunates caught in the blast together with amazingly well-preserved villas, murals and mosaics. Utterly unmissable.
Located 24km south of Naples Pompeii was destroyed in August AD79, the end of a city that had a history stretching back 700 years before, to the 7th century BC. An account by Strabo says Pompeii was an Etruscan town but it was as the Roman colony, Colonia Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum, that it became important, as the passage of goods was sent from its port to Rome or Southern Italy along the nearby Appian Way. Digs and other research show that in addition agriculture, oil and wine production were important.
The towering massif of Vesuvius erupted in August AD79 and Pliny the Younger who escaped and witnessed it from Misenum said it was like the end of the world. A pyroclastic flow of hot ash and pumice some 500 degrees celcius swept over the region, burying the town, its villas and those unfortunate enough not to be able to escape, in a searing yet all-preserving coating.
Today the site is well documented and researched, the town once again open to the air, and perhaps another eruption... It provides a unique glimpse at life almost 2000 years ago, with superb villas, murals and mosaics enabling an easy to imagine look at Roman life as it was at its peak.
Attractions in Pompeii
The Villa of Mysteries, found outside the archaeological area, the House of the Vetti and the House of the Faun are all worth seeing. See to the Forum, Theatre and the Via dei Sepolcri rutted by chariot or carriages wheels. Don’t forget the neighbouring and equally worthwhile site of Herculaneum and climb Vesuvius to the Grand Cratere.
Activities in Pompeii
Allow a full day to explore the area. A guide is essential – hire at the site (may need to book in advance) or through a local Travel Expert.
Relaxing
The site gets hot so grab a cool drink, find a sheltered spot in the shade and reflect on this amazing site.
Getting Around
You can get to the site via the Circumvesuviana: get on the train for Sorrento and alight at Pompeii/Scavi. Alternatively a tour will include all transport.
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