Historic Landmark
Forum
Rectangular main square in the center of the ancient city, lined by the remains of significant public buildings such as the Capitol (Temple of Jupiter), the Basilica, a court and market hall, and several temples.
Italy
Pompeii
CityCultureFor Families
Pompeii was a Roman town at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, which disappeared under four to six meters of pumice and ash during the eruption in 79 AD.
by Felix Gillen
Pompeii was a Roman town at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, which disappeared under four to six meters of pumice and ash during the eruption in 79 AD. It has been excavated since 1748, revealing streets, houses, workshops, temples, theaters, and baths.The archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, lies on the outskirts of the modern town of Pompei, southeast of Naples, about 35 to 40 minutes away via the Circumvesuviana.
Sights in Pompeii
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Historic Landmark
Villa dei Misteri
Villa approximately 400 meters northwest of the city walls, along the Tomb Roads outside Porta Ercolano. One hall is painted all around with a fresco cycle on a red ground, its scenes mostly interpreted as the initiation of a woman into the cult of Dionysus; some scholars see other meanings in them.
Historic Landmark
Amphitheater
Dating to 70 BC, the amphitheater in the city's east is among the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters and one of the first made of stone instead of wood. It seated around 20,000 spectators. Nearby is the entrance Piazza Anfiteatro.
Stabian Thermae
The oldest and largest of Pompeii's five public baths, at the intersection of Via dell'Abbondanza and Via Stabiana, begun circa 125 B.C. It includes separate areas for men and women with changing rooms, cold, lukewarm, and hot baths, plus a colonnaded courtyard for physical exercise with a swimming pool.
Historic Landmark
Casa del Fauno
One of Pompeii's largest and most splendid houses, built around 180 BC, with approximately 3,000 square meters and two peristyle courtyards. It is named after the bronze statue of a dancing Faun in the atrium, which stands here as a copy. The famous Alexander Mosaic from this house is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, with a replica on display here.
City walks in Pompeii
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Echoes of Pompeii: A Journey Through Time in Ancient Streets
Discover Pompeii on a fascinating 2-hour tour that leads you to the most impressive sites of the ancient city. From bustling squares to silent houses and poignant testimonies of the catastrophe, experience Roman life up close. An unforgettable walk through history.
Stops (7)
Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurant and Pizzeria on Via Plinio in modern Pompei, a short walk from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
Restaurant south of the excavation site, whose rooms are designed with frescoes in the style of a Roman inn. The menu offers modern cuisine and dishes based on ancient recipes.
Winery on the northern outskirts of Pompeii with vineyards at the foot of Vesuvius. Besides tastings of its own wines, it offers food.
Dining & Drinks
Pompeii lies in the wine region at Vesuvius, with a Neapolitan-influenced cuisine.
Lacryma Christi of Vesuvius
Red and white wine from the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius, part of DOC Vesuvio, made mostly from local varieties Piedirosso and Caprettone.
Pomodorino del piennolo
Small tomatoes from Vesuvius, whose trusses are tied into a large bunch after harvest and hung for storage, traditionally as stores for the cold months. They bear a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP).
The Story
From the 8th century BC, settlements of the Osci lay in the area of Pompeii; later, Greek influences arrived, and the Samnites ruled the city. After Sulla's siege in 89 BC, Pompeii became a Roman colony. An earthquake severely damaged the city in 62 AD, and many buildings were still being rebuilt when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Estimates for the population at that time range from 10,000 to 20,000.Excavations began in 1748 under Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre, and in 1763, the city was definitively identified as Pompeii. Giuseppe Fiorelli, director of excavations from 1863, developed the method of casting plaster into the cavities left by victims' bodies in the ash. Excavations continue to this day, in recent years, notably in Regio V.Wall paintings, mosaics, and inscriptions make Pompeii one of the most important sources for daily life in Roman antiquity. Many originals are housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Arrival and On the Go
The regional train Circumvesuviana connects Naples (Piazza Garibaldi) and Sorrento with the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station, located opposite the Porta Marina entrance. From Naples, the journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes, with trains running approximately every 20 to 30 minutes during the day. Additionally, the Trenitalia regional train stops in Pompeii, about a 15-minute walk from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.Within the archaeological site, you explore on foot. If you come by car, you can park in paid parking lots near the entrances. A shuttle bus runs from Pompeii to Vesuvius. Current information on the region can be found in the travel and security advisories of the Federal Foreign Office.
Accommodations in Pompeii
Find perfect stay in Pompeii
Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Agoda* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Airbnb
Vacation Rentals
* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.
Campgrounds in Pompeii
Find perfect campground in Pompeii
Plan your trip to Pompeii
Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.
- 1
- 2
Plan your trip
The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.
- 3
Use it on the road
Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.
