Pompeii
Pompeii is the ancient Roman city buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius, preserving an entire urban layout of streets, houses, shops, and public buildings in extraordinary detail. Excavations since the 18th century have uncovered roughly two-thirds of the site, with new discoveries still made in recent years.
Highlights include the Forum, the amphitheater, several well-preserved villas with surviving frescoes and mosaics, and the plaster casts of victims formed by pouring resin into cavities left by decomposed bodies in the hardened ash.
Given the size of the excavated area, a thorough visit takes several hours of walking, and the site offers minimal shade, so sun protection and water matter as much as timing your ticket.
Pompeii FAQs
At least 2-3 hours for the highlights, and up to a full day if you want to see the site thoroughly.
The Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station, about 30-40 minutes, puts you right at the entrance.
Casts made by pouring resin into voids left in the hardened ash by decomposed victims' bodies, preserving their final poses.
Very little; bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for the uneven ancient streets.
A guide or audio guide is worth considering given the site's size and lack of on-site explanation at many points.
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