Pompeii Archaeological Park

Overview

Pompeii is the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavated ruins—streets, villas, baths, and an amphitheatre—offer the most complete picture of daily life in the Roman Empire.

Highlights

• Forum: The civic heart of the city, with temples, markets, and government buildings.
• Villa dei Misteri: Vivid frescoes depicting a mysterious Dionysiac initiation ritual.
• Amphitheatre: The oldest surviving stone amphitheatre in the Roman world (80 BC).

History

Founded in the 7th century BC, Pompeii became a prosperous Roman colony. The eruption of 24 August 79 AD buried the city under 4–6 metres of volcanic ash, preserving it for nearly 2,000 years.

Visitor Tips

• Book online: Timed tickets at pompeiisites.org skip the queue.
• Arrive early: Gate opens at 09:00; plan at least 3 hours.
• Duration: 3–5 hours.