Pompeii
Ancient City Frozen in Time

Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

79 AD: The Day That Changed
History

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted with catastrophic force, burying Pompeii under 4-6 meters of volcanic ash and pumice.

The Eruption Timeline

1:00 PM – Initial Blast.

Massive explosion sends ash column 33 km into the sky.

Evening – Pumice Fall

Volcanic pumice rains down on Pompeii, collapsing roofs.

Midnight – Pyroclastic Surges

Deadly gas clouds race down the mountain at 100 km/h.

Next Day – Total Burial

City completely buried under volcanic material, frozen in time.

Preservation & Discovery

Perfect Preservation

Volcanic ash created airtight seal, preserving buildings, objects, and bodies.

1748 Rediscovery

Spanish engineer Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre begins systematic excavations.

Plaster Casts

Giuseppe Fiorelli’s technique captures final moments of victims in haunting detail.

Ongoing Excavation

Only 2/3 of Pompeii has been excavated; new discoveries continue today.

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know before visiting Pompeii

Opening Hours & Best Times

Pompeii Tickets & Tours

Everything you need to know before visiting Pompeii

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Last Minute Skip-the-Line

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Skip the Line

Audio Guide

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Pompeii + Herculaneum

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Standard Entry Ticket

2 Sites

3 Days

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Pompeii + Mt. Vesuvius

Volcano

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Villa of Mysteries

Explore ancient frescoes and secrets

Archaeologist-Led Tours

Expert insights into daily Roman life

Preservation Challenges

Conservation Efforts

Weather Damage

Rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause ongoing deterioration of exposed structures.

Tourism Impact

Millions of annual visitors create wear on pathways, floors, and fragile frescoes.

Restoration Projects

€105 million Great Pompeii Project stabilizes buildings and improves drainage systems.

Digital Preservation

3D scanning and photogrammetry create permanent digital records of the site.

€105 Million Project

Great Pompeii Project funded by EU and Italian government for urgent conservation work.

UNESCO Heritage

Protected World Heritage Site since 1997, ensuring international cooperation in preservation.

3 Million Visitors

Annual visitor numbers require careful management to balance tourism with conservation needs.

Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii

Roman Houses

Atrium Design

Central courtyard with impluvium collected rainwater for household use.

Frescoes & Mosaics

Elaborate wall paintings and floor mosaics decorated wealthy homes.

Social Spaces

Triclinium dining rooms hosted elaborate dinner parties and gatherings.

Commerce & Trade

Thermopolia

Ancient fast-food counters served hot meals to busy
Pompeians.

Bakeries

Over 30 bakeries produced bread using large millstones
and wood-fired ovens.

Markets

The Macellum served as the central food market for fish, meat, and produce.

Entertainment

Amphitheatre

20,000-seat arena hosted gladiatorial games and wild
animal hunts.

Theatres

Large and small theatres presented Greek and Roman
plays and comedies.

Public Baths

Social centers with hot, warm, and cold bathing rooms
for all citizens.

Social Structure

Wealthy Elite

Patrician families lived in grand villas with elaborate gardens and private baths.

Merchants & Artisans

Middle-class citizens operated shops, workshops, and businesses throughout the city.

Slaves & Freedmen

Enslaved people performed household duties, while freedmen could own property and businesses.

Book Your Pompeii Experience

Explore the ancient city with expert archaeologist guides. Limited availability!

Pompeii Archaeological Park Map

Navigate the ancient city ruins and main attractions

Porta Marina entrance – closest to train station

Wheelchair-accessible routes marked on site

Staff available at multiple locations