The Campania region is famous for many things, including the Pompeii Archeological Site. While many visitors eagerly come here to walk the ancient streets and admire the colourful frescoes that once adorned the Roman villas, there are many other ruins to explore here. Here are our picks for the must-see archaeological sites in Campania to add to your next itinerary.
Why are there so many ancient sites in the Campania region?
The Romans left a lot of temples, roads and other structures all over Italy and the Mediterranean. However, not all of them are still here for us to visit. So, what makes Campania so unique?
Campania lies in southern Italy. Its geographical location, fertile land and access to the sea made it important for the ancient Greeks, then the Romans, and later, the Byzantines. It was home to influential Greek colonies like Cumae and Paestum and later became an essential Roman hub.
Volcanic activity in the region, notably the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, contributed to preserving some of the world’s most iconic ruins. The Campania region’s mix of cultural, political, and economic importance during Roman and Greek times ensured that many cities were established and flourished. Today we can admire the magnificent ruins that have stood the test of time.
Top archaeological sites in Campania to explore
There are many sites in Campania that vary from barely-there ruins to more touristy spots. For this list, I’ve only included the sites in Campania that are easily accessible and you can visit them on your own when you explore the region.
1. Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii is the world’s most famous archaeological site. It’s also one of the most visited sites in Campania. Pompeii was buried under a thick blanket of ash and pumice in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The eruption preserved the town, offering an extraordinary snapshot of Roman life. Pompeii’s streets are still lined with ancient Roman ruts made by chariot wheels. You can walk through these ancient roads, experiencing the same paths as the Romans did centuries ago.
What to see: Highlights include the Forum, the heart of Roman civic life, the Amphitheater, one of the oldest in the Roman world, the Villa of the Mysteries, with its vividly preserved frescoes and the House of the Faun, one of the largest and most luxurious homes in Pompeii.
2. Herculaneum Archaeological Park
Herculaneum, like Pompeii, was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. However, the volcanic mud preserved much of the organic material. You can see remnants of wooden structures, stairs and furniture. The site is smaller, but it offers a more immersive experience than Pompeii. About two-thirds of the ancient city lies under the modern-day Herculaneum.
What to see: The Villa of the Papyri, where carbonized scrolls were discovered, the House of the Deer, with beautiful mosaics, and the Baths of the Forum, highlight the complex Roman bathing culture.
3. Paestum
Paestum was originally a Greek colony and became a thriving Roman town. The site is famous for its incredibly well-preserved Greek temples, which are some of the finest examples of Doric architecture in the world. Paestum is one of my favourite archaeological sites in Campania and I recommend it to everyone who visits.
What to see: The Temple of Neptune, the largest and best-preserved of Paestum’s temples, the Temple of Hera and the Paestum Museum, which houses several important artifacts from the site, including the famous Tomb of the Diver, a Greek fresco depicting a man diving into water.
4. Cumae
Cumae is known as the site of the ancient Sibyl, a prophetess in Greek mythology. Siby’s Cave is very different from the other Greek temples but is also fascinating to explore. The cave was where the prophetess gave her cryptic oracles, and the place was later described as the gates of hell by Virgil in his tale of Aeneid.
What to see: The Temple of Apollo, the Sibyl’s cave, and the Roman baths. The site also includes remains of a Greek theatre and defensive walls.
5. Baia Archaeological Park
Baia was an ancient Roman resort for the elite, featuring luxurious villas, spas and temples. The entire area around Baia was known for its volcanic springs, which the Romans used in numerous thermal baths. The city was gradually submerged due to seismic activity, creating an underwater archaeological park.
What to see: The submerged ruins of villas and thermal baths and the Villa of the Papyri, with its incredible frescoes, are all accessible by boat. Visitors can also see submerged temples and ancient infrastructure.
6. Oplontis
Oplontis, located near Pompeii (10 min drive), was home to a lavish Roman villa, likely owned by a member of the imperial family. Here, you can get a glimpse of the luxury Roman aristocracy enjoyed. It’s believed that the frescoes depict scenes from the myth of Dionysus, which speaks to Roman fascination with Greek mythology.
What to see: The Villa of the Papyri with frescoes of mythological scenes and the well-preserved rooms and garden areas. You can walk through the villa and appreciate the intricate architecture and frescoes.
7. Stabiae
Stabiae was a wealthy resort town known for its sprawling villas, including the Villa Arianna and Villa San Marco. It was also buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius but is less visited compared to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Stabiae’s villas were some of the most luxurious during Roman times. They feature expansive views and state-of-the-art Roman engineering.
What to see: Villa Arianna, which features impressive frescoes and views over the Bay of Naples, and the Villa San Marco, which includes large atriums and pools. The site’s panoramic location offers stunning vistas.
8. Benevento
Benevento predates the Romans and was home to the Semnites before they conquered it. Here, you can explore the remnants of the Roman theatre, the Egyptian obelisk and the Arch of Trajan, one of the best-preserved triumphal arches from the Roman Empire. Benevento is also known as the City of Witches, so you can explore its Roman, medieval, and early Christian past.
What to see: The Arch of Trajan, the Roman Theatre, and the Roman bridge over the Calore River. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Sofia. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines early Christian and Lombard elements.
9. Capua
Capua was once one of the wealthiest and most prominent cities in the Roman Empire. Capua was known as the “City of Gladiators” because this was where many Roman gladiators trained, including the famous Spartacus. It played a significant role in the Roman slave revolt, so if you want to walk in the footsteps of the ancients, Capua is the place to do it.
What to see: The Capua Amphitheatre, the second-largest Roman amphitheatre after the Colosseum, where gladiators trained. You can also explore the Museo Campano, which displays archaeological finds from the region.
