When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. History fascinated me, and I was captivated by the idea of uncovering ancient temples and tombs in jungles. I spent hours reading about Greek and Roman history, often chatting with my history teacher. Needless to say, I was a big history geek from a young age.
One of the places that’s always been on my bucket list is Pompeii, the ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The eruption was so sudden and intense that the city was buried under 13–20 feet of ash, which actually helped preserve it almost perfectly, freezing it in time.
Pompeii’s history stretches back to the 8th century BCE, but it’s most famous for its role as a Roman city just before it was destroyed. Located on fertile land and along important trade routes, it grew into a wealthy and bustling city with over 20,000 residents. The city had everything—a large amphitheater, public baths, temples, and an advanced aqueduct system that brought clean water to the people. Many of these structures, along with grand villas outside the city, were buried under the ash during Vesuvius’s eruption.
The eruption lasted for more than two days, with the first phase lasting over 18 hours, during which ash and pumice fell nonstop. The 1,150 bodies found in Pompeii are only a fraction of the original population. Many people likely managed to escape in the early phase, but the final death toll is still unknown.
The tragedy of Pompeii is that while many lives were lost, the city itself was remarkably preserved. The ash protected everything from buildings to frescoes, street signs, pots, and even the bodies of those who perished. Although there was some looting after the eruption, Pompeii’s location was eventually lost to history, and it wasn’t rediscovered until 1748, when excavations began. Today, there’s still a lot of the city left to be uncovered, so who knows what new discoveries lie ahead!
After traveling the world and seeing some incredible ruins, I can honestly say Pompeii is one of the best. While the lack of upkeep has taken its toll on some parts of the site, it’s still an awe-inspiring place to visit. My only wish is that the Italian government would take better care of it to prevent further deterioration.
Pompeii is located near Naples, and you’ll need a full day to explore the site. If you want to see everything in detail, plan for an extra half-day. The site covers over 160 acres, and you could easily spend more time there if you’re really into history.
Top 12 Attractions in Pompeii
- The Brothel
The ancient brothel, known as Lupanar, is one of the most visited sites in Pompeii. It’s small, with stone beds and erotic frescoes that might have served as both decoration and a form of advertisement. It’s thought to have been the city’s main brothel, and given the Romans’ love of indulgence, it was probably quite popular. - The Forum Baths
Located near the Forum, these baths are among the best-preserved in Pompeii. The design is impressive, with separate sections for men and women. You can see how they heated the baths, which were an essential part of Roman culture. - The Villa of the Mysteries
This villa, located on the outskirts of Pompeii, has some of the most vibrant and well-preserved frescoes, depicting scenes from a Greco-Roman mystery cult initiation. It’s off the beaten path, so you can enjoy the site without the crowds. - The Forum
The heart of the city, the Forum was the place for public gatherings, religious ceremonies, and trade. It’s the most crowded part of Pompeii, but walking through it gives you a real sense of what life was like in the city. - The Stabian Baths
These are the oldest baths in Pompeii, and they are larger than the Forum Baths. It’s less crowded, so you can explore at your own pace. You’ll even find some preserved bodies here, which can be a little unsettling. - House of the Small Fountain
This beautiful home features a lovely mosaic fountain and some impressive frescoes. The house was owned by a wealthy family, as shown by its size and the attention to detail in its design. - House of the Faun
The largest house in Pompeii, this luxurious residence features an iconic courtyard and a famous mosaic of a battle scene. It’s a great example of Roman wealth and craftsmanship. - Garden of the Fugitives
This emotional site contains casts of people who were caught in the eruption and unable to escape. It’s a haunting reminder of the final moments of Pompeii’s inhabitants. - House of Venus in the Shell
This house features a striking fresco of Venus in a shell, along with some beautiful gardens and sculptures. It’s a bit removed from the crowds, so you can enjoy it in peace. - The Amphitheater
This massive amphitheater, built in 70 BCE, is one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. It’s a quiet place to visit, especially early in the morning or late afternoon, when the crowds are thinner. - Great Palestra
Next to the amphitheater, the Great Palestra was an exercise park and sports complex. It’s another less-visited site, so it’s perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds. - House of Sallustio
One of the oldest homes in Pompeii, dating back to the 4th century BCE, this house has a small garden, a bakery, and a fresco of the goddess Diana. It’s a fascinating site that shows the range of Pompeii’s history.
Getting to Pompeii
If you’re coming from Naples, the easiest way to reach Pompeii is by train. Trains run every 30 minutes, and tickets are around 3 EUR each way. Get off at the Pompei Scavi stop, which is just a short walk to the entrance. If you’re driving, it’s about a 30-minute ride, but be aware that parking is not free.
How Long Should You Spend in Pompeii?
A full day is ideal if you want to see everything. If you’re short on time or just want to see the highlights, 3–4 hours should be enough.
Is There an Entrance Fee?
Yes, tickets cost 18 EUR per person.
Should You Book a Guided Tour?
If you want to get the most out of your visit, a guided tour is a great idea. The site can be hard to navigate on your own, and a guide will provide context that you might miss otherwise. Tours are available on-site or through companies like Take Walks, which offers a 3-hour tour for 59 EUR.
When to Visit
Pompeii is popular and sees over 2.5 million visitors a year, so it can get crowded. For the best experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons, like May or October, when the weather is still great but the crowds are smaller.
I barely scratched the surface during my visit, and I could easily spend more time exploring the ruins. If you’re a history lover, one day might not be enough. But for most people, a day is sufficient to see the highlights. Just remember to venture beyond the main areas to experience the lesser-known and quieter spots. Walking among these ancient ruins is an eerie yet beautiful experience.
