If you’re a looking to travel to Italy, then visiting the Pompeii Ruins is a must. Italy is not just popular for its delicious food, but also its magnificent architecture that is sure to leave you in awe. Pompeii, once filled with luxurious villas, small shops, and one-of-a-kind temples, is now a world-famous historic site, visited by tourists from across the globe.
Located near the south of Naples, Pompeii was unfortunately destroyed due to the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D. The entire city and its surroundings were buried under volcanic ash, preserving the city for 1700 years. These ruins have been a go-to destination for over 250 years, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Here is a short travel guide inclusive of travel tips and some of the famous places to visit during your trip to the Pompeii ruins in Italy.
Best Time To Visit The Pompeii Ruins
The perfect time for sightseeing at the Pompeii ruins would be between mid-March and the starting of June. The weather around this time is pleasant, dry and warm, making it comfortable to travel and easy for you to visit the sites, as any Pompeii Ruins’ guide would suggest.
How To Reach The Pompeii Ruins
By Air: The Naples International Airport, is located in the Capodichino region of Naples, which is about only 7 km away from the city’s center making traveling to the Pompeii ruins, a breeze.
By Road: Pompeii ruins are located close to Naples, Rome and Sorrento and can be easily accessed by road from these places.
From Naples to Pompeii – 30 minutes
From Sorrento to Pompeii – 45 minutes
From Rome to Pompeii Ruins – 2.5 hours
From Florence to Pompeii – 4.5 hours
By Train: Since Pompeii is surrounded by cities, it is also easy to reach by train from Rome’s Napoli Centrale Station and a few other train lines which travel back and forth from the site.
Must Read: Shopping In Italy: 6 Best Places For The Shopaholics To Indulge In An Extravaganza
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now
Timings Of Pompeii Ruins
This site is open every day except on the day of Christmas, the 1st of January, and the 1st of May. From the 1st of April to 31st October, the ruins are open from 9 AM – 7:30 PM (6 PM being the last entry time).
Pompeii Ruins Entry Fee
In order to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booth, you can choose to order your Pompeii ruins tickets online, and also book tours in advance through the website. Admission is also free during the regulars hours of the first Sunday of the month for any visitor. Keep in mind to carry cash along with you during your visit to the Pompeii ruins, as the ticket office doesn’t accept any credit cards.
Pompeii ticket fees: INR 935
Suggested Read: Italian Cuisine: Top 10 Dishes That Let You Taste The Authentic Flavors Of Italy!
10 Most Captivating Pompeii Ruins
You must not miss a visit to these fascinating Pompeii ruins that people come to see from far and wide.
1. Temple of Apollo
Take a stroll and witness the oldest structure still standing in Pompeii, the Temple of Apollo which faces the city’s Forum, showcasing the different changes adapted in architecture starting from the early 6th century B.C., till its destruction in 79 A.D. You can also pay the National Archeological Museum of Naples a visit, and admire the grand bronze statues which use to once adorn the Temple of Apollo.
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Italy: 17 Cities That Are A Must On Every Party Starter’s Bucket List!
2. House of the Vettii
The House of Vettii is situated in the western part of the Pompeii ruins, it also one of the best- preserved Roman villas. The villas feature beautifully painted frescoes on a black background which were prized possessions of wealthy merchants who once resided in Pompeii. These villas were specifically designed to pamper and impress the guests and residents designed around an inviting courtyard enclosed with magnificent columns, water-spouting statues, sculptures, basins and fountains.
3. Lupanar
Lupanar of Pompeii is also known as the Lupanare Grande, it is one of the largest of the city’s brothels. It is located east of the Forum and features 10 rooms where there are brick platforms with mattresses that once acted as beds. A few of the rooms in Lupanar are showcased with wall paintings that depict sexual scenes, which were considered to be a sign of dialogue, giving it its unique significance in the history of Pompeii.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Hostels In Italy That Are Perfect For An Affordable Sojourn
4. House of the Tragic Poet
Located in the west section of Pompeii, this house is known for its beautifully painted frescoes and mosaics. This was the house of an important poet or writer who once resided here. The house has beautiful mosaics on the floor and also grand frescoes that are surprisingly big for the size of the house.
5. Forum of Pompeii
An expansive open area shaped like a rectangle, served as a market, commercial area for the city’s political and commercial crowd. The Forum of Pompeii also housed a court, bathhouses and temples. This grand scale of space is still remarkable and it is easy to imagine the bustle of activities which occurred where the city once stood in all its glory.
Suggested Read: 6 Stunning Churches In Italy That Look Straight Out Of An Artist’s Dream!
6. House of the Faun
The famous House of the Faun received its name after a beautiful bronze statue of a faun. It is still one of the largest villas in Pompeii and takes up an entire block. This house holds some of the historic structures of Italy such as the Alexander Mosaic, depicting the great ruler Alexander the Great preparing against the battle with Darius III of Persia. This house features some of the most compelling artwork located in the Pompeii ruins.
7. Pompeii Thermal Baths
Public baths were a common feature across the Roman Empire, and a great place for people to meet, bathe and catch up with friends. Some of the houses had private baths, and a few were open to every social class, including slaves. The men and women always had separate sections for bathing. The beautiful baths were also elaborately decorated with intricate carvings on the ceiling.
8. Pompeii Amphitheatre
See the spectacular amphitheater of Pompeii that was built around 70 BC, and is considered one of the oldest structures still surviving in the world. This magnificent amphitheater was built out of stone and was a century before the Colosseum in Rome was built.
Suggested Read: 6 Best Resorts In Italy That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice
9. Villa dei Misteri
Villa dei Misteri, also known as the Villa of the Mysteries features beautifully preserved frescoes that adorn the walls against a beautiful red background. This Roman Villa shows a woman that is being initiated into a forbidden cult of Dionysus, known as Bacchus – the God of decadence. These paintings have been executed meticulously with its detailing and craftsmanship, the outdoor terrace and thoughtfully designed rooms just give you a sense of luxury.
10. Plaster Casts
The residents of Pompeii who weren’t able to flee before the eruption were buried entirely by hot ashes falling from the sky. Giuseppe Fiorelli had used a technique of filling liquid plaster in the empty spaces of where the corpses had decomposed, in order to reveal the perfect casts of the Pompeii ruin victims. The “Garden of the Fugitives” has the largest number of plastered corpses of the victims during the eruption.
Suggested Read: Italy In December: Top 6 Places That Take You Through The Best Of This Winter Paradise!
What To Pack For A Trip To Pompeii Ruins?
Since the site is exposed to the sun entirely and has very limited shade, it is best to come prepared with sunscreen, water bottles, hats, and sunglasses to keep cool. In case you miss them, they can be bought at the small town shops located near the Pompeii Ruins. The Pompeii maps are also easily available along with handy audio tour guides to help you understand the history of the Pompeii ruins in Italy.
Further Read: 16 Enchanting Beaches In Italy For An Unforgettable Vacation By The Ocean
There is definitely more to explore and learn about the Pompeii ruins in Italy. Don’t miss out on this one of a lifetime experience of exploring this country’s heritage and history on your holiday in Italy.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
