Following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, time stopped dramatically for Pompeii and its inhabitants. That moment has been captured and preserved for ever by the volcanic lava that overwhelmed the town. Here you will find shops, houses and temples all perfectly preserved, as well as half-finished frescoes and mosaics that are testament to the sudden impact of the volcanic eruption.
Limited excavation began in 1748 but the project didn't begin on any large scale until well over a century later. Today, the site is one of the largest and certainly the most fascinating ancient ruins in the world.
You enter the town in the way that visitors would have done 2,000 years ago, via the brickwork arch of the Porta Marina. Make your way down to the forum and you'll see several two-storey buildings and the columns that were part of the temple of Jupiter. There are also the remains of the façade of the original city hall.
You’ll find the remains of six bath houses in Pompeii with the best preserved being the Forum Baths. There are some 40 bakeries and well over 100 bar and restaurant-type establishments, giving a fascinating insight into what daily life must have been like.
In addition to these scenes of ordinary life, there are several grander houses, which were once home to the town’s wealthier residents. Among the best preserved is the House of Vetti with its beautiful mosaics and frescoes. The House of the Faun complete with statue of a dancing faun and the House of the Tragic Poet are also worth seeing.
There is plenty to see here that could easily occupy a whole day. The town is open daily and an entrance fee is applicable. Pompeii can be reached via the Circumvesuviana line heading towards Sorrento from Naples. Should you wish to explore other excavations in the area such as Herculaneum, a three day pass is available at a discounted rate.
