Ruins of Pompeii: What to See inside the Pompeii Archaeological Park
Ruins of Pompeii: What to See inside the Pompeii Archaeological Park
Imagine strolling through bustling streets, vibrant with life. Imagine the murmur of conversation, the aroma of fresh bread, and the echo of laughter – all frozen in time. This isn’t a dream; this is Pompeii, an ancient city remarkably preserved by the very forces that once threatened it.
Buried by volcanic ash in 79 A.D., the ruins of Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into the Roman world. Explore the remarkably intact homes, bathhouses, and temples, each whispering stories of everyday life. Stand in the forum, the city’s beating heart, and imagine the crowds gathering. Wander through the amphitheater, picturing the roar of the crowd as gladiators clashed.
Pompeii isn’t just a collection of stones; it’s a time capsule. With one step, you’ll be transported back centuries, face-to-face with history. Join us on a journey you won’t forget. Let’s unearth the secrets of this unique UNESCO World Heritage, explore its must-see attractions, and discover its hidden gems together.
Are you ready to embark on this captivating adventure through the ruins of Pompeii, one of the best-preserved ruined cities of antiquity?…
Ruins of Pompeii: What to see inside the Pompeii Archaeological Park?
Pompeii’s sprawlingexcavation site, encompassing 163 acres, offers a captivating journey through a bygone era. Divided into nine regions, each unveils a unique facet of Roman life. While the entire site is featuring amyriad of excavations and ancient wonders, our selection highlights only the most pivotal and captivating highlights.
Here’s a glimpse into the must-see ruins of Pompeii:
1. Forum: The Civic Forum, a bustling hub at the heart of Pompeii’s daily life, served as the central nexus for key public institutions, including urban administration, justice, trade, and commerce. It also stood as the focal point for the city’s principal religious sites.
Originally, the Forum was a simple open space made of compacted earth, flanked by the Sanctuary of Apollo on the west and lined with shops on the east.
Significant transformations occurred in the Forum during the third and second centuries BC, shaping it into a well-organized area with regular dimensions. Encircled by porticoes and adorned with tuff stone paving, the Forum’s axis aligned with the facade of the Temple of Jupiter, establishing a visual link with Mount Vesuvius.
In the early imperial period, the Forum underwent further enhancements, with a re-pavement using travertine slabs. Notably, some slabs, now displaced, feature grooves designed to house bronze letters as part of a once-prominent inscription.
2. Fountain: Preceding the entrance to the Forum, this unique travertine fountain stands as a dedication to Concordia and Abundance (Abundantia). The female figure portrayed carries a horn filled with fruit. Notably, the street features a ‘crowned’ design that aids water flow, allowing pedestrians to cross without getting wet and preventing water from stagnating.
The street is adorned with large oval-shaped slabs, facilitating easy crossings between pavements. Above the side entrance to the Building of Eumachia, an inscription highlights that Eumachia, a priestess of Venus, and her son Marcus Numistrus Fronto, funded and dedicated this building to the citizens of Pompeii.
3. Capitolium: Facing the Forum stands the Capitolium, Pompeii’s paramount temple, dedicated to the revered Capitoline Triad: Jupiter, and Minerva, whose sculptures adorned the sanctuary. This rectangular space served as the nexus for various elements, strategically positioned at the intersection of major thoroughfares.
The road to the north led to the salt pans, while the southern route connected to the port. This crossroads became the civic epicenter of the city, hosting essential structures such as the Temple of Apollo, the central Capitolium, shops, the bustling Macellum market, where fish traded hands, the Imperial cult temple, and the notable Building of Eumachia, a topic we’ll delve into further.
4. The Building of Eumachia: The Building of Eumachia, standing on Pompeii’s eastern Forum, is a fascinating structure with layers of historical significance. Constructed during Emperor Tiberius’s reign, its exact purpose remains debated. Some see it as a bustling commercial center, possibly housing a textile factory owned by Eumachia, a wealthy priestess of Venus.
Others argue for a religious role, dedicated to Emperor Augustus. Divided into three sections, the building showcases Roman architectural prowess. The Chalcidicum’s grand entrance boasts an intricate marble frieze, the Porticus offers a covered walkway, and the Crypta, underground rooms, served storage or workshops.
Despite missing statues and details, the Building of Eumachia, as Pompeii’s largest near the Forum, stands as a testament to the city’s prosperity and provides a glimpse into Roman life.
5. Basilica: In the southwestern corner of the Forum stands the imposing Basilica, a structure that served as a Roman law court, similar to the inspiration behind early Christian churches. This architectural style influenced the design of paleochristian churches, featuring a large room divided into naves by substantial columns, as seen in this building.
The upper part of the Basilica housed the court for civil cases, while the lower part featured a spacious porticoed square, likely a bustling hub for commercial activities, exchanges, and meetings, making it one of the busiest places in Pompeii. Retaining its First Style decoration, characterized by faux marble ‘incrustation,’ the Basilica stands as a unique testament to this artistic style. Interestingly, graffiti on the walls, mock politicians, expressing amazement that the structure hasn’t collapsed under the weight of such silliness.
6. Amphitheater: This amphitheater, dating back to 70 BC, claims the title of the oldest known from Roman times. Its construction predates the foundation of the colony and was spearheaded by magistrates Caius Quinctius Valgus and Marcus Porcius, who were also instrumental in the creation of the Odeon. With a seating capacity for up to 20,000 spectators, drawn not only from Pompeii but also neighboring towns, the amphitheater strategically occupies a peripheral area to facilitate the movement of the large audience.
External staircases, featuring two flights, grant access to the upper tiers, while a descending corridor provides entry to the lower sections. A parapet adorned with frescoes depicting gladiators separates the arena from the spectator area, and the upper portion bears legible inscriptions showcasing the names of the magistrates responsible for the construction of the tiers.
7. Theater District: In addition to the amphitheater, Pompeii boasted another area dedicated to leisure and entertainment; the theater district, located to the west of the city near the Stabiae Gate. Roman cities, starting from the second century BC, often designated specific districts for theaters, taking advantage of naturally steep slopes for tiered seating. The district included two theaters.
The Large Theater, dating back to the 2nd century BC, could seat up to 5,000 spectators. Imagine the crowds cheering during plays, comedies, and musical performances held here. The Odeon, also known as the Small Theatre, was a more intimate, roofed venue with a capacity for 1500 spectators, primarily used for musical auditions.
Serving as a foyer, the Quadriporticus behind both theaters provided an open space for spectators during intervals or refuge during rain.
8. Pompeii’s Gladiators: Pompeii offers a glimpse into the world of gladiatorial combat, a brutal yet popular form of entertainment in the Roman Empire. While there’s no single “Gladiator Barracks” identified at Pompeii, two significant structures shed light on these warriors’ lives:
- Schola Armaturarum (Hall of the Gladiators): This building, located near the amphitheater, might have served as a training ground and equipment storage for gladiators. Although its exact purpose is debated, discoveries of training weights, helmets, and greaves point towards gladiatorial activity.
- Caserne dei Gladiatori (Possible Gladiator Barracks): The Quadriporticus near the Large Theater was initially thought to be a gladiator barracks. However, recent evidence suggests it might have been a private residence. Regardless, gladiators likely lived in scattered locations throughout the city, potentially even owning their own homes.
9. The Garden of Fugitives: The Garden of Fugitives is not just an archaeological site, but a powerful testament to the human tragedy that unfolded during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.Unearthed in 1961, the site initially presented as empty cavities where volcanic ash had preserved the shapes of victims after their bodies decomposed. Archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri filled these cavities with plaster, creating the haunting casts visitors see today.
These casts, depicting 13 individuals – adults and children – frozen in their final moments, offer a raw and intimate portrayal of their expressions and postures. The victims were found scattered throughout the garden, suggesting they were attempting to escape the city through the nearby Nocera Gate. Their presence, alongside tools and everyday objects found around them, paints a picture of individuals caught trying to gather their belongings before fleeing the inevitable.
While originally not a garden, but a vineyard with an outdoor dining area, the location likely transformed into a makeshift refuge during the eruption’s early stages. Visiting the Garden of the Fugitives can be an emotionally challenging experience, but it serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preserving history. It is not simply a tourist attraction, buta significant archaeological site and a poignant memorial to the victims of the eruption.
10. The Temples: Some of the most fascinating ruins of Pompeii are the well-preserved temples that provide a glimpse into the religious life of its inhabitants. These sacred structures served as centers of worship, rituals, and community gatherings, reflecting the diverse spiritual beliefs of the city.
- Temple of Jupiter: Located in the Forum, it stands as a majestic tribute to the chief Roman god.
- Temple of Apollo: Positioned near the Forum’s entrance, showcasing a traditional peripteral design.
- Temple of Venus: Situated in the Triangular Forum, symbolizing the city’s devotion to love and beauty.
- Temple of Vespasian: Witness the remains of this temple dedicated to the Roman emperor.
- Temple of Isis: Explore the sanctuary dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, showcasing the diversity of religious beliefs in Pompeii.
11. The Portals: Portals in the Ancient City of Pompeii serve as architectural gateways that not only mark entrances but also carry historical significance. These openings were crucial for connecting various sections of the city and played a role in daily life.
- Herculaneum Gate: Serving as an exit towards the neighboring city, Herculaneum, this portal facilitated travel.
- Vesuvius Gate: Connecting Pompeii to the Vesuvius region, contributing to the city’s economic and trade activities.
- Stabiae Gate: Offering access to Stabiae, this portal played a strategic role in Pompeii’s connectivity.
12. Domus: The architectural layout of Roman houses, especially those occupied by the affluent classes, followed a well-defined structure. The entrance featured the atrium, a spacious courtyard around which various rooms were organized: bedrooms (cubicula), utility spaces, dining rooms (triclinia), and living areas. At the atrium’s center, there was an impluvium, a pool designed to collect rainwater, with a specially crafted opening in the roof (compluvium) allowing both water entry and natural illumination.
Aligned with the entrance was a reception room (tablinum), connecting to the atrium and separable by a curtain or partition wall. Following this was the garden (hortus), later transformed into the peristyle (a garden surrounded by columns), where living rooms opened up. The domus were often adorned with vibrant frescoes on the walls. In contrast, less affluent families resided in smaller houses with simpler layouts.
- One of the most worth seeing domus is the House of Venus in the Shell, which got its name from the discovery of frescoes at the bottom of the garden. It’s situated at Via dell’Abbondanza, where many of these noble houses are located.
- Another one is the luxurious House of the Faun that is famous for its intricate mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic depicting a battle scene.
- The Villa of the Mysteries: This villa is renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting a Dionysian mystery cult ritual.
- Discover the beautifully decorated House of the Menandro, named after a statue found within, offering a glimpse into the lives of the middle class.
- See the intricately decorated House of the Tragic Poet, named after a relief depicting a theatrical scene.
- Explore the small yet interesting House of the Lovers, known for its romantic graffiti carvings.
- Step inside the well-preserved House of Loreius Tiburtinus, featuring stunning frescoes and a peristyle garden, offering a glimpse into everyday Roman life.
- Enter another impressive residence, the House of Sallust, showcasing Roman architecture and everyday household items.
- Discover the beautifully adorned House of the Vettii, showcasing vibrant frescoes and offering insights into the lives of wealthy merchants.
- See the House of the Painted Ceiling named after its beautifully decorated ceiling, showcasing intricate designs.
- Villa di Giulia Felice: Explore this luxurious home that belonged to a single wealthy woman who rented out the large rooms, creating a mix of shops, spas and residences.
13. Bathes: Within the ancient city of Pompeii, five public bathing complexes showcase the significance Romans and Pompeians attributed to the tradition of attending baths. Beyond mere hygiene and relaxation, baths served as social hubs for interaction. The bathhouses, including the Suburban Baths, Forum Baths, Stabian Baths, Central Baths, and Republican Baths, adhered to the classical structure.
The typical sequence of rooms in these baths included the apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (for cold baths), tepidarium (for warm baths), and calidarium (for hot baths). Pompeii’s baths uniformly maintained the standard separation into women’s and men’s sections.Notably, private baths were incorporated into significant residences or villas like the Villa of Mysteries and the House of Menander.
- The Stabian Baths: These well-preserved baths offer an excellent example of Roman bathing culture, with separate sections for men and women, caldarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room), and frigidarium (cold room).
- The Forum Baths: Located near the forum, these thermae were a popular spot for socializing and bathing. The complex features separate sections for men and women, with changing rooms, hot and cold pools, and saunas.
- Sarno Baths: Explore the smaller yet impressive bath complex, adorned with statues and mosaics.
14. Bakeries: In Pompeian bakeries, the process of milling and baking was seamlessly integrated, with the production of flour and bread being interconnected. The grinding of grain was facilitated by substantial millstones crafted from lava stone.
These grindstones comprised two components: a lower cone-shaped element (meta) and an upper hourglass-shaped one (catillus). The grain was poured into the rotating catillus, which was operated by slaves or animals, effectively grinding the grain and allowing the flour to accumulate below.
Bread was then baked in a sizable oven positioned at the heart of the facility. The baked goods took various shapes and were typically vended in a small room with a counter within the bakery. Bread orders were fulfilled, and products were also sold wholesale or by itinerant street vendors known as libani.
- Pompeii boasts approximately 36 such bakeries, each contributing to the culinary landscape of the ancient city.
15. Fullonicae: These ancient laundries, with a total of 12 discovered in Pompeii, include the renowned Fullonica of Stephanus. Functioning as a laundry and fabric degreasing facility, it focused on processing newly spun yarn.
The structure underwent a transformation from its original atrium house design. A substantial tank took the place of the impluvium in the atrium’s center, while the previous compluvium was replaced by a skylight, converting the upper area into a terrace for drying clothes. Additional tanks were strategically placed in the rear garden.
The fullones, predominantly slaves, diligently treaded on fabrics immersed in a liquid mixture containing animal and human urine, believed to be an optimal treatment for fabrics.
16. Thermopolia: The thermopolia, deriving from the Greek terms “thermos” for hot and “poleo” for sell, represented establishments offering both drinks and hot dishes, typically stored in large sunken jars (dolia) within a masonry counter.
These establishments were prevalent throughout the Roman world, reflecting the cultural practice of consuming a meal (prandium) beyond the confines of one’s home. Pompeii alone boasts approximately eighty thermopolia, each unique in its features.
- Some showcase embellished counters, like the one in Regio V, while others boast splendid frescoes on the walls, exemplified by the thermopolium of L. Vetutius Placidus in via dell’Abbondanza.
17. The Negropolis: In the early phases of Pompeii, the primary burial ground was located outside the Herculaneum Gate. The tombs were predominantly associated with burials from the Samnite period (5th-4th century BC). Deceased individuals were typically laid to rest in graves or stone coffins along with accompanying grave goods.
During the Roman era, burial grounds expanded on the periphery of the city, situated beyond the city gates for which they are named, while maintaining a ‘respect’ belt of approximately 30 meters where burials were generally prohibited. Today, you can see
- The necropolis of the Herculaneum Gate
- The necropolis of the Vesuvius Gate
- The necropolis of the Nola Gate
- The necropolis of the Nocera Gate
- The necropolis of the Stabiae Gate
18. Brothels: Pompeii’s brothels, known as lupanars, provide intriguing glimpses into the city’s social and sexual dynamics. Recognizable by their distinct architecture and explicit murals, these establishments reveal a part of daily life in ancient Pompeii. The lupanars typically featured small, windowless rooms with stone beds and erotic frescoes adorning the walls, illustrating various intimate acts.
Graffiti on the walls suggests a system of pricing and services, shedding light on the commercial nature of these enterprises. The explicit and often humorous depictions in these establishments reflect the openness of sexual culture in ancient Pompeii, offering a unique perspective on societal norms and individual experiences in this historic city.
- The Lupanare Grande on the corner of Vicolo de Lupanare and Vicolodel Balcone Pensile is one of the most well-preserved examples of its kind from the Roman world. It features frescoes depicting sexual acts and small rooms for encounters.
- Guide to the Pompeii Excavations
- Map of Pompeii
- There are other sights to discover outside of the Pompeii archaeological site. These are villas in Boscoreale, Oplontis and Stabiae, where Pompei’s high society resided. To reach this you can use the Pompeii Arte Bus shuttle service free of charge.
- >> Explore the places to visit nearby Pompeii in our comprehensive guide.
Pompeii Tickets, Guided Tours & Day Trips
Explore below our curated selection of Pompeii tickets, guided tours and day trips:
Pompeii: Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
8227 Reviews
From €24
GetYourGuide
“WOW!! Absolutely amazing walk into history. Honestly reading history books and seeing pictures does not even come close to experiencing this place in real life!
Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
4.823 Reviews
From €36.75
Headout
“The explanation in the emails of how to get to the meeting point was very easy and detailed.”
Pompeii: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
6901 Reviews
From €47.97
GetYourGuide
“Judas accompanied us inside Pompeii with a determined awareness of the topics covered, not sparing himself with anecdotes and details.”
Combo: Pompeii Entry Tickets + Campania Express One-Way Tickets: Naples to/from Pompei
9.713 Reviews
From €36.95
Headout
“Easy to book. Downloaded app and then showed the link at the entrance. Very easy. Pompei ruins were fabulous.”
From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour
Tickets for a Pompeii Day Trip:
6474 Reviews
From €105.00
GetYourGuide
“Fantastic day! Met our tour guide promptly outside the Hotel and the day started with climbing Mount Vesuvius, beautiful clear day! We then headed to Pompeii and had a lovely lunch which included pizza!”
Pompeii: Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
Explore Pompeii at your own pace with a Reserved Pompeii ticket, offering options like Pompei Express and Pompei+ visits. Elevate your experience by opting for an enriching audio guide, providing essential information about the ancient city.
“WOW!! Absolutely amazing walk into history. Honestly reading history books and seeing pictures does not even come close to experiencing this place in real life! Having the audio guide was great. You can actually imagine being there, living their daily lives. Definitely didn’t disappoint! We explored for several hours and still missed areas. Put aside a whole day. It is worth it!” Rachel – New Zealand, March, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
See the marvels of the archaeological site of Pompeii on a comprehensive 2 or 3-hour guided tour with a knowledgeable guide. Select a guide fluent in English, German, Japanese, Spanish, French, or Portuguese, and delve into insights about the early Romans’ lifestyle.
“The explanation in the emails of how to get to the meeting point was very easy and detailed. The guided tour started at the agreed time and the guide’s explanations were clear and interesting. Highly recommended. You are left wanting more tour but Pompeii is very big and in just one visit you can’t see everything.” Jorge – Jan, 2024 [Source: Headout]
Pompeii: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
Join a 2-hour walking tour of Pompeii with a local archaeologist, featuring a Pompeii ticket with skip-the-line access. Explore top landmarks such as the Casa del Fauno, the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica, the Forum, and ancient baths in the company of a small group.
“Judas accompanied us inside Pompeii with a determined awareness of the topics covered, not sparing himself with anecdotes and details. Her friendliness was the added value as was her sensitivity in dealing with certain topics even for children. 🔝”* GetYourGuide traveler – Italy; Jan, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Combo: Pompeii Entry Tickets + Campania Express One-Way Tickets: Naples to/from Pompei
Save time and money with this combo package, which includes a Pompeii Ticket and a direct one-way transfer between Naples Porta Nolana and Pompei Scavi station.
“Easy to book. Downloaded app and then showed the link at the entrance. Very easy. Pompei ruins were fabulous. Although I did wish there were more signs at places with explanations. But overall an amazing experience!” Christine, Jan, 2024 [Source: Headout]
From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour
Tickets for a Pompeii Day Trip:
Embark on a Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour from Naples, guided by a live guide or audio guide based on your chosen option. This 7-hour adventure includes a Pompeii Ticket, entry to Vesuvius, pizza lunch, and convenient pickup and drop-off.
“Fantastic day! Met our tour guide promptly outside the Hotel and the day started with climbing Mount Vesuvius, beautiful clear day! We then headed to Pompeii and had a lovely lunch which included pizza! Afterwards we then went to see the Ruins with our own audio headset. Our tour guide was very friendly, would highly recommend!” GetYourGuide traveler – United Kingdom; Jan, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip
Join in a 13-hour Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip departing from Rome, exploring three of Italy’s most famous destinations. Travel comfortably on an air-conditioned minibus, gain insights from your local expert guide, and enjoy the convenience of the included Skip-the-Line Pompeii ticket.
“Long trip but we’ll worth it, best excursion we booked during our two week trip so far. Downside is the time on the coach but Pompeii is absolutely fantastic, very educational. The two guides on the day were both approved by all, not a bad word to say about either. Personally we had Enzo and he was superb.[…] 5 stars all round thankyo” Greg – Germany; Jan, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Naples or Sorrento: Pompei Half-Day Tour
Embark on a half-day guided excursion from Sorrento or Naples to explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii in an air-conditioned vehicle. Admire one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites with skip-the-line Pompeii tickets.
“The staff was punctual and professional, the guide was excellent, kind and very clear in his explanations, my family and I were very satisfied, I will return with you again, there is still a lot to see in Pompeii. Thank you.” Nicolè – Italy; Dec, 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide]
>> Find out how to get to Pompeii from Naples or Salerno and read helpful visitor tips.
