The Pompeii Archaeological Park is one of the most visited sites in Italy. While it’s on many people’s bucket lists, there seem to be a lot of questions around it. After living in Italy for several years and having been to Pompeii a few times, I put this handy guide to everything you want to know about visiting the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
Whether this is your first visit or you’re coming back, this guide will help you plan your trip. I promise you, it’s not as complicated as it might seem online. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it, but if you are, you’ll love it that much more. Here is what you need to know to plan your trip (plus some additional ideas for how to make the best of your trip).
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Brief history of Pompeii
What exactly is the story of Pompeii? It was once a thriving Roman city near the base of Mount Vesuvius (aka the volcano it will forever be tied to). Pompeii was a resort town for wealthy Romans and had bustling markets, intricate villas and vibrant cultural life. Founded in the 7th or 8th century BC, Pompeii became a Roman colony in 80 BC. It then flourished as a hub of trade and leisure.
Its strategic location on the Bay of Naples made it desirable for wealthy Romans to build luxurious homes, contributing to its reputation as a city of elegance and prosperity. The fertile ground around this area also gave the region the nickname of Rome’s breadbasket.
What happened in Pompeii?
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD marked one of history’s most catastrophic natural disasters. On August 24 (although some speculate it was more like October), the volcano erupted violently, burying Pompeii under meters of volcanic ash and pumice. The pyroclastic flows reached temperatures of 250°C (482°F), instantly killing anyone in their path. This tragic event, while devastating, preserved the city in remarkable detail, creating a perfect snapshot of Roman life frozen in time.
We know about the eruption from the works of people at the time. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is one of the best-documented ancient natural disasters, thanks to the writings of Pliny the Younger, a Roman author and lawyer who provided a first-hand account. His letters to the historian Tacitus remain the primary historical source describing the catastrophic event.
Pliny described how the eruption began with an unusual cloud resembling a “pine tree” rising high into the sky. His letters outline the sequence of events over two days. It started with ashfall and pumice raining down on Pompeii and neighbouring areas. The pyroclastic surges of high-speed flows of hot gas and volcanic material followed.
Pliny’s account vividly captures the panic and confusion among the residents. He described scenes of people fleeing in the dark under a thick canopy of ash, carrying whatever they could salvage. Others chose to stay indoors, hoping for safety that never came. If this sounds terrifying, it was probably a thousand times worse.
Pliny’s uncle, Pliny the Elder, was also present during the eruption. As the admiral of the Roman fleet stationed nearby, the elder Pliny launched rescue efforts and attempted to study the phenomenon up close. Unfortunately, like many others, he succumbed to toxic fumes and died in an effort to save others.
Pliny the Younger’s observations offer insights into the events, including trembling ground (precursors to the eruption), the suffocating air laden with sulphur, and the pitch-black sky filled with ash. These observations have been invaluable for volcanologists studying the nature of volcanic eruptions.
Rediscovery and preservation efforts
Pompeii was eventually forgotten and lay buried for nearly 1,700 years. Excavations uncovered a city remarkably intact, with frescoed walls, mosaics and everyday objects frozen in time. We do have records that Pompeii was accidentally discovered in 1592 by an Italian architect named Domenico Fontana.
Fontana found walls with frescoes and inscriptions, but at the time, these remains were not identified as part of the ancient Roman city. He kept quiet about the discovery and the site was covered back up. This is mind-boggling to me.
Actual excavations began in 1748 under Charles III of Spain, who ruled the Kingdom of Naples. The goal was less about historical preservation and more about recovering treasures to display in the royal collection. This marked the official “rediscovery” of Pompeii as an ancient city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Workers began uncovering structures, frescoes, and artifacts that provided a vivid glimpse into Roman life.
Today, archaeologists continue to uncover new areas and artifacts, providing insights into Roman urban planning, architecture, and daily life. Preservation efforts have focused on protecting Pompeii’s delicate structures and artworks from weathering and human impact.
Why visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park?
Visiting Pompeii is a little bit like stepping into a time capsule. As you wander through its streets, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the genius of Roman architecture and how much we can learn about life in Ancient Rome. At the site, you can get insights into Roman culture, from the layout of homes and shops to public spaces like baths and theatres. We can learn what they did, how they lived, what they ate and what kind of entertainment they preferred.
The site also offers an insight into how sophisticated Roman urban planning was. Pompeii was built on a grid system of streets, raised sidewalks, and a complex water distribution system. We can learn a lot about Roman construction techniques used in buildings and roads that demonstrate their engineering prowess.
Overview of Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The ancient city covers an area of about 660,000 sq m (66 hectares). The archaeological park covers approximately 440,000 square meters (44 acres). There are 1500 buildings, including homes, temples, baths and public squares, all preserved under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Pompeii Archaeological Park is Italy’s second most visited archaeological site, following the Colosseum-Forum-Palatine Hill complex in Rome. It attracts about 3,500,000 visitors per year. Yes, you heard that right.
What are some must-see spots in Pompeii?
Remember that the Pompeii Archaeological Park was once a thriving city. There are many places to explore, and you can learn more about the different public sites or new areas recently discovered on the official site. Here are a few of the spots I recommend visiting.
- The Forum: This was the city’s central square. It is surrounded by temples and government buildings while the volcano looms in the distance.
- The Amphitheater: This is one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres used to host gladiatorial games. Other theatres in Pompeii were used for plays, like the Grand Theatre (Teatro Grande).
- The Villa of the Mysteries: Famous for its well-preserved frescoes.
- The Baths: Public bathhouses offering a glimpse into Roman leisure activities.
- The Lupanar: An ancient Roman brothel with suggestive frescoes on the walls.
- The House of the Faun: A grand residence with exquisite mosaics.
- The Stabian Baths: Another example of Roman bathing culture.
- The Garden of the Fugitives: A poignant display of plaster casts of victims.
- Casa dei Casti Amanti: A villa that once belonged to wealthy merchants with well-preserved frescoes, courtyards and mosaics.
Tips for planning your visit to Pompeii Archaeological Park
One of the most confusing aspects of visiting the Pompeii Archaeological Park that I often hear from people is figuring out the logistics. Should you book a tour? Can you go on your own? Where is the best place to get tickets? And so on. The long and short of it is that the answer depends on you.
While some people prefer an organized tour, others would rather go alone. Both are great options, depending on whether you want to bother with the logistics (ex., getting to Pompeii from another part of Italy) or want to know what you’re seeing. You can definitely visit on your own, and if you prefer an info guide, rent an audio guide at the gate.
New changes for visiting the Pompeii Archaeological Park
In 2025, there are new rules for visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park. These rules were implemented to protect the site, but they can affect your visit, especially if you show up unaware or without a plan. You can read the official announcement on the website. Here are the highlights:
- Limit of 20,0000 visitors per day. This rule came into effect last November and is already being enforced. During the high season (April 1 to October 31), there will be two timeslots: 9 am to 12 noon (maximum of 15,000 visitors) and 12 noon to 5:30 pm (5,000 visitors).
- Another change is in tickets. You will need a nominative ticket with your name on it, which you will provide when you buy the ticket. This applies to buying tickets online and at the box office. You’ll have to show your ID when you arrive.
Tips for visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park on your own
We’ve always visited on our own and you can too. You can use Google Maps to help you navigate the Pompeii Archaeological Park. All the major sites (like villas, theatres, etc.) are mapped out so you can check them out before you go to get an idea of what you want to see. You can also download the PDF map of the whole site before you go. The official site also has four routes ranging from 2 to 7 hours. You can check them out here to give you an idea of what each route covers.
Opening hours
- From April 1 to October 31: 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
- From November 1 to March 31: 9 am to 5 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm)
- The Pompeii Archaeological Park is closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1
Tickets
- You can get tickets online on the website to avoid queues. This will allow you an expedited entry through the fast-track line at the Porta Marina entrance. Audio guides are also available for rent at the entrance or online.
- You can also get tickets onsite but arrive early (especially if you’re travelling during the high season) to make sure you can get one.
How to visit Pompeii Archaeological Park for free
Most people visiting Italy don’t realize that museums and historical sites (including Pompeii Archaeological Park) are free on the first Sunday of each month. These Sundays are busy, so once again, if you plan to take advantage of this opportunity, arrive early. During the busy summer months, getting the tickets might be even more challenging, especially now that there is a cap on how many visitors can enter.
What are the best times of year to visit Pompeii?
While most websites recommend visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), you’re better off visiting from November to March. The weather is much better, and the crowds are fewer, which means you’ll get a much better experience. Keep in mind that while winter offers cooler temperatures, the daylight hours are shorter.
I advise against visiting during summer. It gets very hot, and there isn’t a lot of shade on site, and you might end up with a heat stroke and a sunburn. Plus, it’s the busiest time of the year to visit, which means it will be crowded.
How long should I plan to spend at Pompeii to see everything?
You need at least half a day at the Pompeii Archaeological Park to fully appreciate what you’re seeing. The site recommends four different routes, which can give you an idea of what to see and how long to stay. If you plan to stay the day, bring some snacks, as there is only one place on site to get food (behind the temple of Jupiter, just past the Forum). Unfortunately, you can’t leave the site to grab a bite at the numerous bars and reenter. In this situation, a guided tour can help you maximize your time.
How to get to the Pompeii Archaeological Park
The Pompeii Archaeological Park is easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento, and other nearby locations:
- Trains: The Circumvesuviana line connects Naples and Sorrento to the Pompeii Scavi station.
- Buses: Regular buses operate from Naples and other towns.
- Tours: Many guided tours include transportation and expert commentary.
- Driving: Parking is available near the site, but traffic can be challenging.
Tips for visiting
One of the most important things to remember is to dress appropriately. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle, especially in summer.
You can visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park on your own or with a tour. As already mentioned, there are pros and cons to both. A guided tour offers expert insights, while self-guided options allow for flexibility. Audio guides and apps are also available, so choose what works best for you.
Make sure to respect rules and regulations. There is always a story of some idiot tourist damaging the site – don’t be that person. Don’t touch artifacts or enter restricted areas, and most definitely, don’t carve into any surfaces or chip at anything.
Listen to the podcast: Visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park
