Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Located in Campania, Italy, it is a fascinating example of ancient Roman life. It is also located very close to the city of Naples. In fact, while riding on the Circumvesuviana railway, it only takes about 30 minutes to get between the two ancient cities.
Pompeii, the famous Roman city buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, is located around 17 kilometres to the southeast of Naples. The city was situated just at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. The eruption of 79 AD quickly and unexpectedly destroyed the thriving city of Pompeii, leaving it buried and preserved for centuries.
The city of Pompeii was rediscovered in 1748 and since then, archaeologists have been able to uncover the everyday life of the ancient Roman city. Due to its location, the site experiences a relatively large number of visitors. Tourists are able to explore the city, with many viewing the iconic historic structures such as the Forum, the Temple of Jupiter, and even preserved frescoes.
In an interview with National Geographic, Professor Lucia Magnani, Director of the Pompeii Site, emphasised the importance of the ancient site: ‘Pompeii is a portal to our past, a time capsule of human history, an opportunity to learn about our society and our culture. Its close proximity to Naples provides the opportunity to both be educated and entertained at the same time.’
The city of Naples is the perfect base for exploring many nearby and ancient sites, including that of the ruined city of Pompeii and the nearby first-century mountain town of Herculaneum. Both are easily accessible from Naples, traveling along the roads and rail lines from from the city center.
It’s also worth noting that Naples is a vibrant port city with its own culture, traditions, and attractions, such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Piazza del Plebiscito. Naples is a great place to experience the food, culture, and history of Italy, making it an ideal place to stay for those visiting the area.
In conclusion, the ancient city of Pompeii is incredibly close to Naples, making it an easy day trip or a weekend getaway idea. Its proximity to Naples also makes it a great opportunity to both experience the history and culture of the ancient city while also enjoying the vibrant city of Naples and its surrounding area.
Visiting Pompeii
Visitors to the 21-hectare site of Pompeii can explore ancient temples, streets, houses and ancient baths. The ruins are in an extraordinary condition, due to the volcanic ash which preserved art, artifacts and architecture throughout the former lively city. The largest area of the ruins is the forum, surrounded by porticos, which would have been a busy area for shopping and trading. It is incredible to think that many of the frescoes located in the city were preserved for centuries, and now can be seen by visitors from all over the world.
The city also features a unique amphitheatre located near the Forum. This site is considered to be of great archaeological interest, as it has remained incredibly intact since its construction during the 1st century BC. The amphitheatre would have accommodated around 20,000 people for performances which would have taken place in the city.
The Volcanological Museum of Pompeii is also worth visiting, as it helps visitors to understand the science and reasons behind the eruption. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts, including scientific instruments and many works of art that were severely damaged or destroyed by the eruption.
Although it is necessary to book tickets in advance to visit the city, doing this will make it much easier to explore the ruins without the worry of waiting in line. The site also offers a variety of guided tours for those who would like more of an in-depth exploration of the city.
Best Time to Visit
The city of Pompeii attracts millions of visitors per year, making it one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. The most favourable weather conditions to visit the city is usually during the Spring and Autumn months. During these months the weather is usually mild and there are fewer crowds.
The city can be quite hot during the summer months and much of the site is exposed to direct sunlight, making it hard to explore in the heat. Furthermore, this is the peak time for tourists, resulting in long queues and making it hard to experience the city’s hidden gems. As such, it is recommended to plan your trip to Pompeii during the milder months.
Pompeii offers various activities and experiences throughout the year and with fewer tours taking place during the winter months, those who visit during this season will have a more tranquil and unique experience of the city.
Vesuvius and Surrounding Area
The volcano, Mt. Vesuvius, is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world. It has been inactive since its devastating eruption of 79 AD, and only partially covers the city of Pompeii. Although the mountain is mostly dormant, the ash, lava and boulders, which are often seen near the volcano, are still eerie reminders of its devastations power.
The area around the volcano has many opportunities for activities, including hiking, and vineyard and winery tours. There are also many hikes available which people can take up to the summit of the volcano, and even to the mountain peak. In addition to the volcano, the Sorrentine Peninsula is dotted with bays, coves and small villages, which are perfect for day trips. Many of these towns are full of colourful and rustic history.
The nearby islands of Procida and Ischia are also worth exploring, as their picturesque harbors, winding streets and local tavernas are simply unforgettable. Finally, the Gulf of Naples and its promenade, lined with restaurants and cafes, offer amazing views of Pompeii in the distance and simply cannot be missed.
Facts About Pompeii
Created in the 6th Century BC, Pompeii was a major trading port linking the Neapolitan area with Rome, Greece, and the wider Mediterranean. Despite its size, the city was a wealthy and culturally vibrant place, home to esteemed families, sculptors and craftsmen. Here are some other interesting facts about the ancient city, which visitors may find inspiring:
- The city of Pompeii cover 64 hectares and included 166 public and private buildings.
- Over 2,000 skeletons were found in the ruins of Pompeii.
- There were three gates in to the city: the Herculaneum Gate, the Serapis Gate, and the Vesuvius Gate.
- The most polished and impressive frescoes were found deep within the city.
- The city included the wealthy homes of many famous figures such as Sallust, who was a Roman historian.
A Final Word
Pompeii is a mesmerising and exciting place to visit and its proximity to Naples makes it a must-see for tourists. The rich history of the site and its natural beauty, combined with the vibrant city life of Naples, makes this region of Italy a perfect place to holiday. Visitors to the area can enjoy the unique cultures, cuisines and experiences, as well as take educational and inspiring tours of the city’s numerous ancient sites.
