Pompeii

Pompei

Pompeii is an extraordinarily preserved ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into everyday Roman life frozen in time.

Things to do

• Walk the Forum — The civic heart of Pompeii, surrounded by temples and public buildings, is the best starting point.
• See the plaster body casts — Poignant casts of victims caught in the eruption are displayed throughout the excavation site.
• Visit the Villa of the Mysteries — This well-preserved villa features stunning frescoes depicting mysterious Dionysian rituals.
• Explore the ancient baths (Terme) — The Stabian Baths are among the oldest and best-preserved Roman thermal baths in existence.
• Climb Mount Vesuvius — A short drive from Pompeii, the hike to the crater rim offers breathtaking views of the bay.
• Visit the Lupanar (Ancient Brothel) — The best-preserved brothel in Pompeii features original stone beds and erotic frescoes above each room door.
• Explore the House of the Faun — One of Pompeii's largest private homes, famous for its bronze dancing faun statue and stunning Alexander mosaic replica.
• See the Amphitheatre — The oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre in the world, built around 70 BC and capable of seating 20,000 spectators.
• Walk Via dell'Abbondanza — Pompeii's main commercial street is lined with shops, taverns, and election graffiti still visible on original stone walls.
• Visit the Garden of the Fugitives — An open garden displaying 13 plaster casts of victims in their final moments, the largest group found at one location.

Food to try

• Piennolo tomatoes — Sweet cherry tomatoes grown on Vesuvius slopes, used in local sauces and bruschetta.
• Pasta e fagioli — A hearty soup of pasta and borlotti beans, a staple of Campanian countryside cooking.
• Mozzarella di bufala — Fresh buffalo mozzarella produced nearby in the Campanian plains, best eaten the same day.
• Limoncello — A bright lemon liqueur made from local Sorrento lemons, often served chilled as a digestif.
• Pizza Napoletana — Try the classic Margherita at a local pizzeria using wood-fired ovens, a staple of Campanian cuisine.
• Sfogliatella — A crispy shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta and candied citrus, best enjoyed fresh from a Neapolitan bakery.
• Ragù Napoletano — A slow-cooked rich meat sauce served over pasta, a Sunday tradition deeply rooted in Campanian households.
• Fiano di Avellino — A crisp local white wine from the Campania region, perfect paired with seafood dishes near the coast.
• Struffoli — Tiny fried dough balls drizzled with honey and colorful sprinkles, a beloved Campanian sweet treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive early to beat crowds — The site gets extremely busy by midday, especially in summer — morning entry is much more peaceful.
• Wear comfortable shoes — The ancient cobblestone streets are uneven and can be slippery, sturdy footwear is essential.
• Hire a licensed guide — A knowledgeable guide brings context that signage alone cannot provide across the vast ruins.
• Respect the ruins — Do not touch, climb, or remove any stones or artifacts from the archaeological site.
• Dress modestly — Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect for the cultural and historical significance of the site.
• Stay on marked paths — Follow designated routes only, as straying off paths can damage fragile ancient structures.
• Bring water and sun protection — The site offers little shade, so carry a water bottle and wear sunscreen or a hat, especially in summer.
• Silence near frescoes — Keep voices low and avoid flash photography near delicate frescoes and preserved artworks to help preserve them.