Yvette Brown You are immediately intrigued by the infamous history of Pompeii. After learning that so much of the site is still intact and can be visited in person, so many people have added Pompeii to their bucket lists without giving it a second thought.
But is it worthwhile to visit Pompeii? A worthwhile experience in and of itself is visiting a location this historic.
Pompeii
15 miles south of Naples and 150 miles south of Rome, in the Campania region of southern Italy, is the ancient city of Pompeii. On the Amalfi coast, Positano is 22 miles away and the lovely resort town of Sorrento is 16 miles away.
The archaeological site of Pompeii sometimes referred to on maps as Pompei Scavi or Parco Archeologico di Pompei, is located next to a contemporary town also named Pompei, which is a bit confusing.
Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano that erupted and destroyed the ancient city, continues to pose a threat to the residents of the modern town. The volcano dominates the surrounding landscape, and it is visible from all directions.
What Can You See At Pompeii Today
Actually, the most well-known of the five archeological sites open to visitors is Pompeii. The excavated remains of typical Roman settlements can be seen alongside Herculaneum, Oplontis, Boscoreale, and Stabaie.
There is still a ton of detail to be seen despite the fact that the site is huge and hasn’t even been fully excavated (try Herculaneum for a more condensed and finished site).
A few authentically preserved Roman theaters and an amphitheater, as well as a wide variety of homes and establishments, including bakeries, are all visible in Pompeii.
The Forum, the center of Pompeii’s public life, the Temple of Apollo, and a traditional thermal bath are all visible inside. Not all Pompeians had running water in their homes, so this was a major attraction in the city.
Reasons To Visit Pompeii
The fact that Pompeii has been flawlessly preserved as a result of the volcanic eruption in 79 AD is one of the main attractions for tourists. It is a website that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at ancient people’s daily lives.
A Glimpse Into The Past
If you are visiting Pompeii, it is best to read up on the city’s history and make a list of the sights you want to see when you get there.
Because Pompeii is so large, even on a guided tour lasting two to three hours, you probably won’t be able to see everything.
Pompeii is exceptional because it provides visitors with an inside look at an ancient civilization’s daily life in the past.
Pompeii’s Brothel, the Forum Baths, the Temple of Jupiter, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the House of the Faun, The Temple of Isis, and the Amphitheater are a few noteworthy attractions that you should include on your list.
If you aren’t taking a tour, reserve your tickets online to avoid standing in line when you get there. To help you organize your day, you can also download a map from the original website.
One of the five archeological sites in the area that you can visit is Pompeii, so keep that in mind. The additional locations are Herculaneum, Opolis, Boscoreale, and Stabiae.
A Visit To Herculaneum
Herculaneum, though less well known, experienced the same fate as Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted. The common misconception among tourists is that Herculaneum is merely a scaled-down version of Pompeii, but this is undoubtedly untrue.
This archaeological site is less visited and better preserved than those near Pompeii, which are about 8 miles away. In addition, it is much smaller, has better signage, and is simpler to explore on your own.
To give you an idea of the contrast, Herculaneum sees about 300,000 visitors annually while Pompeii sees over 3 million.
Take the train to the Ercolano Scavi station and exit if you want to visit Herculaneum. The Vesuvio Express bus departs from outside the Ercolano train station, making this the ideal starting point if you do want to visit Mount Vesuvius.
A Visit To Mount Vesuvius
Yes, Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe and is nicknamed the sleeping giant, but it is also a natural wonder that you should definitely visit. One of the primary causes to go to Mt. Vesuvius is supposed to view the Crater.
A 20-minute ascent will get you to the crater, so be prepared for a hike. As you ascend, pause to take in the stunning Bay of Naples.
Please remember to pack appropriate gear, such as cozy shoes and a few layers, if you intend to go hiking. Make sure you’re prepared because the weather on the mountain can change in an instant.
Stop for lunch and a few glasses of wine at a nearby winery if you’re looking for something a little extra. Vesuvius is known for its Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ) wines that have been produced here for thousands of years.
Jump In A Time Machine
In light of the city’s literal freezing of time and the presence of thousands of residents. According to legend, Vesuvius had secretly lain dormant for thousands of years, so none of the locals knew that it was a volcano.
The unfortunate town residents were caught off guard by the explosion, and many of them are still lying here today, appearing to be going about their daily lives. For history buffs and tourists alike, it’s a sobering but incredible experience.
Naples
Now that we’ve moved past the vulcanic death, let’s talk about Naples, one of the world’s top foodie cities. The climate in southern Italy is ideal for growing succulent, delicious tomatoes, zucchini, rocket, and eggplants.
Naples is also a cheese lover’s paradise, with flatbreads topped with delectably fresh Buffalo Mozzarella and Fior Di Latte in the city’s renowned pizzerias (where, of course, everyone’s favorite takeaway was created!).
Is Pompeii Worth Visiting
Pompeii is an essential stop on any trip to Italy, and not just to see the ruins themselves.
The archaeological site of Pompeii is incredibly close to some of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, making the trip down from Rome or another more northern Italian city well worth it.
