How long does it take to walk around Pompeii?
Scaling the outer walls of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the citizens of ancient Pompeii buried their city and its history in ash. Unstirred for nearly a millennium, Pompeii was rediscovered in 1748, astonishingly, its state of preservation remained in near-perfect condition. Every balcony and stairwell, fire-place and gateway guarded for an eternity against modern advances still stands in its original hallowed state, allowing visitors the unparalleled opportunity to travel in time.
It would take a novice wanderer several days to wander from house to house, temple to temple, and faunal to fountain if they walked the requisite five miles of the entire layout. It’s estimated that the required circumference spans 6 hours, with 3 marathon-esque hours dedicated to the slender tracks of the 80+ acre compound. The average walking pace of each casual traveler amounts to approximately three miles an hour, so with an optimal educational route, it’s estimated that it would take guests in the ancient town three and a half hours to fully explore the ruins.
The commercial footsteps of the “Old City” mainly consist of the skeletal distinction of a town that was rather silent at the time of the eruption. Again in ideal form, it is encouraged to permit two and a half hours to properly evaluate all of the secondary cobblestone sceneries and locations outside of the main arteries. With Pompeii’s history rich in festivities and delights, it is likely essential for any explorative sojourn to ponder a day into the unexplored alleys located between main themes. To truly envelop the culture of this lost world, it would be prudent to allocate a total of seven hours to leisurely encounter the trails.
Scholarly insight ascertains that three and a half hours is an adequate passage to thoroughly appreciate all of the tourist favorites, such as the Basilica, the Forum, and the Thermopolium. With Pompeii being sheltered from urban modernization, what remains is a pathway that capsulizes the mythical and mysterious history of the Roman Empire. Therefore, if a traveler is looking to see the highlights, it would be feasible to walk the loop in three and a half hours or less.
It’s easy to get lost in the romanticism of walking through ruins, especially one with such a mysterious history, however planning is essential to maximize the experience. To properly reciprocate to the many stories, rituals, and characters that linger in the walls, it is wise to remember the golden rule of time management, arriving early is the key to unlock a fruitful tour. For example, if guests attempt to race around the premises in one hour, they won’t be able to appreciate the pertinent details that are the window to the past.
The Necropolis
In the epicenter of the ruins stands the sacred Necropolis which embodies nearly two thousand souls whose tragic fates were sealed in the wake of the volcanic eruption. As the largest Roman cemetery ever uncovered, the Necropolis stands as a testimony to the thousands of soldiers, slaves, traders, and families that were frozen in the depths of Pompeii’s twilight.
For the avid history buff, walking the Necropolis becomes the trek of a lifetime: an opportunity to conduct their own archaeological investigations and to walk among the spirits of 79 AD. During this ancient excursion, submerged rocks, sanded corners, and sweeping landscapes border narrow alleyways, ultimately transporting the one lucky enough to take the voyage back in time for a few hallowed hours.
Visitors may arrive at the site with a specific mission or itinerary, but knowing that getting lost is half the fun, it’s advised to keep the expectations open and to become engulfed in the lands of the Vesuvius. While it’s comprehensive to discuss the necessary length of a journey, it’s much more important to ensure that the traveler takes their time and understands the human touches that are the backdrop of the ruins.
The Parks of Pompeii
The parks of Pompeii are a magical opportunity for anyone looking to view the artwork of ancient skulls and temples that are free to explore. From tiled mosaics, to graffiti-like walls, visitors can discover the legacy of a people that had close ties to the gods.
Although the ruins are often mistaken for the nearby Pompeii amphitheater and the forum, it holds their own unique charm. The parks of Pompeii is a paradise for archaeologists and for those looking for a true adventure through time, as what is found in these parks are unique artifacts which bring to life the tragedies of this lost world.
The parks provide a window into the culture that once existed here and offer a chance to fully appreciate the exquisiteness of this ancient city. On the parks grounds, one can view the town’s acropolis, porticoes and suburban villas, cast outhouse lavatories, taberna’s and other shops, and other majestic structures.
The walking tour of the parks should not be rushed, as one of the best aspects of this journey is to observe the unparalleled beauty that encapsulates the grounds. Archaeologists who have dedicated their lives to uncovering the secrets of Pompeii will tell you that the roads can sometimes take many turns and that the destination is more revealing than one could expect.
It is best to come to the parks of Pompeii without expectations, allowing the area to unfold and tell its story naturally in an unstructured way. Visitors must beware of the hidden gems that lie beneath the parks, as the excavations amongst the area have yielded artifacts from the ancient civilizations that lived alongside the Romans.
The Architecture
The architecture of Pompeii is, arguably, the greatest preserved work of its time, boasting structures that have been maintained for nearly two thousand years. What remains in the city is not only large structures such as the Basilica, but also the intricate details of the small street-side houses that were once so vital to the functioning of this bustling town.
The architecture of Pompeii Icons such as the Temple of Jupiter, the Roman Theatre, the Forum Of Pompeii and the House of the Faun all burst with tales of goods and gladiators, gods and goddesses, oracles and priests from a bygone era. From a distance, one can admire the various columns and walls that linger around the grounds, observing the footprint of a time lost to the sands of time.
It is said by historians who have studied Pompeii that beneath the dust of each wall are intricate stories of gods and warriors who were once were roused by the sound of the times, waiting to be heard.
Today, the buildings of Pompeii are quite literally a book of secrets, one which has been written by centuries. Though many documents have been found within the contents of the villas and stores, there is still much to learn and discover, adding another layer to the already enthralling tale that is the great city of Pompeii.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere within Pompeii is unique and mysterious, as one can almost feel a heavy history lingering amongst the ruins. Despite the destruction that was surely felt on the day of the eruption, humanity has still stamped its mark on these ancient and mysterious grounds.
Though the names that have been long forgotten, the story of Pompeii stands as a monument of mankind, a history that dates back to the Roman Empire. This spectacular story allows visitors to walk back through time, taking in the charred remains from one of the most legendary volcanic explosions in history.
Amidst the silent ruins, one can still hear the tales of the times, whispers of silver and gold, of gods and goddesses and the power of the gods. As one walks within the streets one can take in the evidence of the past, discovering ancient statues and mosaics, perfectly described walls, and other hints of what was once a lively and thriving city.
Although many wonder further the story of the great city, we can only draw upon what little remains to tell the tales. As we look upon these incredible pieces of art and structure, we can learn lessons and be thankful that we have been blessed with the opportunity to discover a whole world – now lost beneath a blanket of ash.
