Things to do in Ruins of Pompeii
UNESCO heritage listed since 1997, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii needs no introduction. Famously buried under a layer of volcanic ash and pumice, its detailed archaeological excavations offer an intimate look at Roman life - while also making for one hell of a cautionary tale about living next to a volcano.
Before almighty Vesuvius blew its top in 79 A.D, Pompeii was a rich commercial hub home to more than 10,000 inhabitants, with a dense network of residential buildings, shops and entertainment facilities that included an amphitheatre, multiple thermal spas and a brothel. While some of it still remains interred, most has been uncovered fantastically preserved.
Domenico Fontana accidentally discovered the lost city in 1594 while digging a tunnel, but it was only in 1748 that serious excavation began. Liquid plaster was used to take the place of organic material (including human bodies) creating emotionally fraught scenes. From the Forum, the center of political and social life in the city, to muted frescoes or scrawled graffiti on the walls, you’ll find evidence of a complex modern culture along with poignant details that tell its story.
The ruins of Pompeii are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with the last admission at 5:30 pm. There is a bookshop inside the archaeological site to help remember your visit.
Reaching the ruins is very easy by car, all you need to do is take freeway A3 to the Pompei Ovest exit. You will find many parking lots nearby. With the public transport service, the excavations can be reached with the Circumvesuviana, stop Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri.
Our recommendations in Ruins of Pompeii
Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
en, it
Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Pompeii Ruins Day Trip From Rome with Hotel Pickup
Enjoy full day tour of Pompeii and Naples departing from Rome. Discover the pearls of Italy declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
en, fr, es, de, pt
From Rome: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Day Trip With Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Lunch
Book your day trip from Rome and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii before ascending Mount Vesuvius or visiting the Amalfi Coast.
en
Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this small group tour with an expert guide. Delve into ancient life from 79 AD visiting private and public spaces.
en, it
Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with a local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Pompeii Ruins Day Trip From Rome with Hotel Pickup
Enjoy full day tour of Pompeii and Naples departing from Rome. Discover the pearls of Italy declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
en, fr, es, de, pt
From Rome: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Day Trip With Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Lunch
Book your day trip from Rome and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii before ascending Mount Vesuvius or visiting the Amalfi Coast.
en
Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano day trip from Rome
Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, visit the two jewels of Amalfi and Positano, and explore the ancient remains of Pompei with a guide.
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Roundtrip Transfer From Rome to Pompeii with Skip-The-Line Tickets
Take the round trip service from Rome Tiburtina to Pompeii: Touristation assistance on site with audio guide and skip-the-line tickets included!
en, it, fr, es, de, +2 pt, ru
Pompeii and Herculaneum small-group tour from Rome
Experience an unforgettable excursion travelling from Rome to Naples by fast train and visiting the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum with an expert guide!
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Pompeii Ruins Day Trip From Rome
Book now and depart from Rome for a full day discovering Naples and the Unesco site of Pompei.
en, it, fr, es, de, +4 pt, ru, ja, zh
Full-day tour of Pompeii and Positano from Rome with limoncello tasting
Explore two incredible towns in one day on this trip from Rome to Pompeii and Positano. Learn about the history of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Pompeii from an expert guide, stroll around the coastal town of Positano and sample limoncello, a delicious Italian treat.
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How to get there
Ruins of Pompeii
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Italy
Reviews Ruins of Pompeii
“The groups should be smaller, less pick ups and drop offs.”
“We enjoyed Pompeii once we got there and guide was best we have had, having been on tours before. Travel time however was double the guided tour time. Next time we'll get the train! And perhaps, that option should be offered.”
“Guide was great but had 6 French only speaking people on an English speaking tour. In trying to include them with great difficulty it made our experience poor. Not sure this was the guides fault. Also 35 people on the tour which was far too many and spent most of the time trying to herd us together.”
“Needed a break. Due to early set off we missed our hotel breakfast. The 15 mins break when we got there wasn't enough time to have food - just about managed to queue for a drink. The heat was stifling - and really there should be a break. I would cut the tour time by half and allow people to explore on their own and give them enough time to have food.”
