{"id":6760,"date":"2018-06-15T10:24:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-15T10:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=6760"},"modified":"2024-06-27T15:31:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T11:31:47","slug":"pompeii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/pompeii\/","title":{"rendered":"Your complete guide to visiting the ruins of Pompeii"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the course of your life, you have come across many heroes. However, the most remembered heroes are usually tragic. Think Hamlet, Severus Snape or Sweeney Todd. Pompeii is that that tragic hero on the face of our planet. Unceremoniously erased from existence in 79 CE, this city has now reemerged and is open to your imagination and scrutiny. If you find yourself with a spare day in either Naples or Rome, visiting the Pompeii ruins must make it to your agenda.<\/p>\n

Before you set off on your visit, here are a few things you must know – the history, highlights of the ruins, how to get from Rome & Naples to Pompeii, a curation of the best Pompeii Tickets<\/a> and other handy tips to make your visit memorable.<\/p>\n

Essential Information <\/h2>\n

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Know before you go<\/h4>\n

\ud83c\udf41 Best time to visit – November to March\u23f0 Suggested duration – 2 days\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0fStarting Pompeii ticket<\/a> price – \u20ac13\ud83d\udd0e Dissolved in – 79 AD \ud83d\ude84 Closest train station – Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri<\/p>\n

Opening Hours<\/h4>\n

Tuesday to Sunday – 9 am – 7 pm Closed on Monday<\/p>\n

Must-see<\/h4>\n

House of VettiiTemple of ApolloThe House of the Tragic PoetHouse of the Faun Forum of Pompeii<\/p>\n

Address<\/h4>\n

Piazza Immacolata, 80045 Pompei NA, ItalyGet there<\/a><\/p>\n

Why should you visit Pompeii? <\/h2>\n

\"Pompeii<\/p>\n

Pompeii\u2019s site has a history of 2 millennia and a window into its once-thriving culture. On a visit to the Bay of Naples, you will uncover the preserved ruins of what\u2019s left of the streets, homes, and people after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. Even everyday objects like urns and pets can be seen at the ruins. When the workmen of the King of Naples found the remains of Herculaneum in 1738, they decided to look at the farther lands where Pompeii lay buried. It was discovered by chance and no one had any idea what they were looking for. On your visit, you can also climb Mount Vesuvius, the vengeful volcano that took prey to thousands of Pompeii\u2019s people. The 30-minute climb is safe and offers panoramic views of the remains of the city. <\/p>\n

Pompeii is the closest we will ever see of the roots of the Roman culture since most of the ruins are well preserved. A third of the city is still unexcavated making it a modern-day expedition even for commoners. <\/p>\n

A Walk Down Pompeii History<\/h2>\n

The vicinity of Mount Vesuvius<\/a> struck as a nice place for retreats to the Greeks around 8th Century BCE. The picturesque and sunny locale soon became a sanctuary for distinguished citizens seeking a recess. Luxury villas were the first to come. The slaves were brought, which in turn saw more and more residential areas, taverns, small factories, brothels, and bathhouses.<\/p>\n

An earthquake, which in hindsight was a warning, forced a significant section of the populace out of the city in 63 CE. Pompeii, however, continued with its polished lifestyle. On a fateful day in 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted after a long time. As it spewed lava, the volcanic ash it had sent up in the air began clobbering down on Pompeii. A vast majority of the population fled the catastrophe. However, around 2000 people went down with the city, choking on the ash-laden air and the superheated poison gas. Pompeii and a few nearby towns were lost.<\/p>\n

In 1748, a group of explorers stumbled upon the ruins of Pompeii. It was discovered that the volcanic ash had preserved the entire town. Skeletons were found where the people had fallen. Objects of daily use, as well as food items, were unearthed. Almost three centuries later, a large section of the city has been excavated and is now a thriving tourist destination.<\/p>\n

Pompeii Ruins – Highlights<\/h2>\n

Since it was first discovered, interest among the general public regarding Pompeii ruins has only increased. Untiring efforts have led to the excavation of a significant part of erstwhile Pompeii. Here are the most striking spots within Pompeii ruins that should make it into your itinerary.<\/p>\n

House of Vettii<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

<\/a> This villa represents the typical Roman architecture of its time. After the earthquake, the villa was renovated and installed with water spouting statues. The most notable feature of the villa is the planning that was put into it to facilitate entertainment and luxury of the wealthy merchants who used to stay here. House of Vettii can be found in the western sector of Pompeii ruins.<\/p>\n

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Villa dei Misteri <\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

<\/a> This is yet another architectural and artistic marvel at the heart of Pompeii ruins. Complete with its own garden and a large terrace, Villa dei Misteri features splendid artworks in the interior quarters. The name alludes to the secret initiation ritual that is painted on the walls. Astonishing details are still visible of a woman being initiated to the cult of Dionysus in the painting.<\/p>\n

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Temple of Apollo<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

Thought to be the oldest structure within Pompeii ruins, Temple of Apollo is the surviving testimony to the city\u2019s long history. The temple features Etruscan architecture that was later modified by the Greeks, and then further amended by the Romans. The statue of Apollo and the bust of Diana seen in the temple today are the copies of the original artefacts excavated at the site.<\/p>\n

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Image Courtesy: Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n

The House of the Tragic Poet<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

This relatively small house at the far-west section of the Pompeii ruins is adorned with gorgeous decoration and elegant frescoes. The floor features a curious mosaic depicting people gathering backstage. This led researchers to believe that the house belonged to a notable poet. At the entrance, one can still see a sign in Latin warning visitors about a dog.<\/p>\n

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Lupanare<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

Among the several brothels within Pompeii ruins, Lupanar is by far the largest. The rooms have stone platforms that were topped with mattresses and used for beds. Watch out for the graffiti on the walls of Lupanar. It is said that they were drawn by both the prostitutes and their clients. Some graffiti form conversations and offer you a unique viewpoint of Pompeii ruins.<\/p>\n

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House of the Faun<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

This private villa is so large that it takes up an entire block of Pompeii ruins. Named after the statue of a faun that was found here, the villa accounts for a significant number of contemporary artworks. The most distinguished among them is the Alexander Mosaic, which illustrates Alexander the Great facing off against Darius III of Persia. Currently, the complex geometric floor pattern garners the most attention from visitors.<\/p>\n

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Image Courtesy: Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n

Forum of Pompeii<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

The forum was the center of all cultural and political activities of Pompeii. The large rectangular open space was also thought to be the home of the marketplace and the bathhouses. The cross-shaped design of the courthouse was later adopted by churches across Europe. Albeit most of the buildings lie in ruins, the nobility and splendour of the erstwhile Pompeii can still be approximated.<\/p>\n

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Stabian Baths<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

Public baths were a differential trait of the Roman empire, and that fact is reinstated in the Pompeii ruins. The entire sector had three thermal baths, one of which was still under construction. The chambers were heated by running hot water through the walls of the rooms. The public baths excavated in Pompeii ruins have unified sections for men and women.<\/p>\n

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Image Courtesy: The Eruption Of Mt Vesuvius<\/a><\/p>\n

Pompeii Spectacula<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

Built around 70 BCE, this amphitheatre is so old that the word \u201camphitheatre\u201d wasn\u2019t even in use during its time. This is also the first Roman amphitheatre built of stone, outdating the Colosseum by a century. With a capacity equal to the entire population of Pompeii, this used to be the center of all sporting events in the city. You can see an almost entirely preserved Spectacula in Pompeii ruins now.<\/p>\n

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Image Courtesy: The History Hub<\/a><\/p>\n

The Temple of Isis<\/u><\/b><\/h4>\n

Located behind Teatro Grande, the Temple of Isis<\/a> is a Roman temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. This compact temple was one of the first things that surfaced when the excavations started. Principal devotees of the Temple of Isis are believed to be women, freedmen, and slaves. The cult of Isis is said to have spread in the Hellenistic age due to the religious contacts of the Greeks with the East and Egypt.<\/p>\n

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Pompeii Tickets<\/h2>\n

If you’re planning a visit, make sure you grab your tickets in advance as the queues outside can take upto an hour during peak season. Skip the line tickets with guided tours are highly recommended and so are the combo tickets that take you around Naples, Rome, or Amalfi. Browse through our catalogue of the best Pompeii Tickets<\/a> and headout with us on an archaeological journey.<\/p>\n

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Save \u20ac6<\/strong> on your Pompeii Tickets when you use promo code GONAPLES<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Choosing a Pompeii Tour<\/h2>\n

In the 21st Century, we are spoilt for choices in every aspect of our lives. Pompeii tours are no different. Below are multiple options available for you when it comes to choosing a guide for a Pompeii tour.<\/p>\n