The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried the ancient city of Pompeii and surrounding areas, preserving the ruins until their rediscovery some 1700 years later. The eruption released an estimated 1,000 cubic kilometres of molten material into the atmosphere along with a combination of toxic gases and corrosive aftermath, vaporising all life within a few kilometres. The ancient town was enveloped and decimated within moments and buried beneath a layer of ash and pumice.
Preserving the Ruins
The ruins of Pompeii, along with the neighbouring larger city of Herculaneum and several small villages, have been valued for the insight they can provide about the daily life of ancient civilisations. Excavations of the area produced a vast array of works of art, engravings and artefacts that were entombed in their protective layer and gave us a wonderful glimpse into the culture and achievements of people who lived two thousand years ago. As a result, these unparalleled and important findings have been granted World Heritage designation by UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, to ensure they are safeguarded and preserved for future generations.
Access to the Site
Due to the delicate nature of the ruined city and the immense archaeological importance and cultural significance of the area, the site is open to visitors with extreme limitation. Estimates of the number of visitors to the site annually stand at 2.5 million and the Italian government, from Rome, ensures strict control of the access.
The only authorised entrances to the ruins are the Vesuvius National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage site. For the latter, sign up for passes in advance or obtain tickets at the gate.
The most popular way to tour is to hire a private guide who can provide detailed information about all aspects of the ruins, from their daily life and customs to the more spectacular sites. As parking spaces near the site are limited and the area is restricted, most tour companies offer package deals that include transport, as well as participation in related activities such as interactive theatre, Pompeii museum visits and lunch with local farmers. In addition to private companies, service agencies offer tours to the site. Some of them even provide live audio and visual streaming of the ruined site’s monuments.
Covid Restrictions Imposed
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, admission to the ruins of Pompeii was temporarily suspended until further notice. Tourist visits are allowed only under extremely strict measures, such as temperature scans, contactless entry, sign-in logs and masks. The Italian government has directed that the sites cannot accommodate any more than 350 people, and visitors must keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other visitors.
Restoration and Conservation of the Site
Restoration and conservation projects are currently ongoing in order to preserve the ruins of the once-thriving city. The project seeks to strengthen the walls and churches, restore the frescoes, mosaics and sculptures, protect the archaeological artifacts and restore the amphitheatres. In addition, the parks have been equipped with facilities to ensure the safety of visitors to the area while maintaining the historical value of the site.
Environmental Conversation
As the ruins of Pompeii are surrounded by the Strabone and Volturno National Parks, environmental conservation is of great importance. The parks host a range of endangered wildlife species from small mammals to large predatory birds. The parks are patrolled by Park Rangers, who are responsible for enforcing laws meant to protect the local wildlife. Furthermore, the Italian government has recently imposed a ban on hunting in order to protect the endangered species and their habitats.
Wildlife Habitat
In order to ensure the health of the surrounding ecosystem and its wildlife, the Italian government has enacted several laws to protect local flora and fauna. Since its inception, the national parks have seen a remarkable transformation in terms of the condition of the natural habitats and the decline of endangered species. The presence of park rangers has also helped to deter illegal activities, such as hunting and poaching, which have proven detrimental to the local wildlife.
Environmental Education
The ruins of Pompeii are used as a platform for educating visitors about the importance of environmental protection and conservation. The site is used to host workshops and lectures about the local ecosystem and the threats that it faces. It also serves as a testing ground for sustainable solutions to environmental problems, such as introducing eco-friendly tourist activities and providing guidance on sustainable management.
Tourism Opportunities
The archaeological significance of the ancient city of Pompeii generates a massive interest from both foreign and domestic visitors. The area is renowned for its fascinating monuments, panoramic views and an extensive array of historic artefacts. Largely considered as one of the most visited places in Italy, the site offers a variety of activities that cater to the needs of visitors, such as volcano tours, outdoor excursions and boat tours in the nearby lake.
Public Safety Measures
To protect the ruins of Pompeii, the Italian government has implemented key safety measures that monitor visitor behaviour and ensure that the required safety measure are met. The regulations limit the number of visitors allowed in the premises and maintain distance between travellers. Furthermore, guards are posted throughout the site in order to maintain the rules and prevent any form of illegal activity or damage to the site.
Awareness Campaigns Around the Ruins
The Italian government has developed several public awareness campaigns in order to educate visitors about the archaeological value of the ruined city and the importance of preserving its history for future generations. Campaigns such as “Love Pompeii” have been launched to encourage the public to respect the rules and regulations of the area. Furthermore, the Italian government has committed to increasing the security of the area by hiring more guards and deploying specialised drones and robots to patrol the site.