Pompeii

If you are on holiday on the Amalfi Coast, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pompeii. This incredible archaeological city will offer you a truly unique experience, a journey back in time that will leave you fascinated and inspired. Prepare to be transported back in time, through the streets and ruins of one of the most emblematic cities of ancient Rome.

How to get to Pompeii

In this section, we will give you all the information you need to reach the city of Pompeii, whether you travel by car or by public transport.

We will have the Amalfi Coast as our point of reference, because we have in mind travellers who want to treat themselves to a day out during their holiday, discovering its fascinating archaeological site and the precious historical treasures it holds.

However, in order to provide information also to those who take the reverse route, i.e. decide to stay overnight in Pompeii and eventually move on to other destinations, at the end of this paragraph you will also find useful information for reaching your destination, whether you are coming from the north or the south.

If you want to reach Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast, travelling by car, you can have Salerno or Sorrento as your first point of reference. A lot depends on where you are staying: if, for example, your starting point is Positano, you should reach Sorrento and then proceed to Pompeii. If, on the other hand, you are starting from other locations closer to Salerno, such as Cetara and Vietri, follow the directions to Salerno.

In summary, the options are these:

✅ From the Amalfi Coast, follow the SS163 road in the direction of Castellammare di Stabia. From there, take the A3 highway in the direction of Naples and then take the Pompei Ovest exits. Follow the signs for Pompei, which will take you directly to the archaeological site.

✅ From Salerno, take the A3 motorway in the direction of Naples. After about 25 kilometres, take the Pompei Ovest exit. Follow the signs for Pompeii to reach the archaeological site.

Even if you travel by public transport you have two options, which always depend on where you are staying. 

In general, you always have to reach Salerno or Sorrento first by bus or ferry and then take another means of transport (bus or train), as there is no railway line on the Amalfi Coast.

You can reach both destinations either by Sita Sud bus or by Travelmar ferry.

📣 If you decide to move by sea, you can book your ticket right now here!

✅ From Sorrento you can travel on the buses of the EAV (Esercizio Autoferrotranviario) company that connect Sorrento to Pompei and take about 30-40 minutes to get to Pompei, or you can take the Circumvesuviana train towards Naples. Get off at the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station, which is just opposite the entrance to the archaeological site of Pompeii. In this case, the train journey time from Sorrento to Pompeii is approximately 30 minutes.

✅ From Salerno take the metropolitan train that leaves every half an hour and reaches Pompeii in about 40 minutes. An alternative is to take the SITA bus line connecting Salerno and Pompeii. Buses leave regularly from Salerno’s bus station and take about 40-50 minutes to reach the city.

✅ To reach Pompeii if you are coming from the north (Rome) by car Take the A1 motorway south towards Naples. Continue on the motorway until the exit for the A3 motorway towards Salerno/Reggio Calabria. Continue along the A3 motorway to the Pompei Ovest exit. Follow the signs for Pompeii, which will take you directly to the archaeological site. 

✅ If travelling by train, the reference point is Naples Central Station. Once here, proceed to the Metro station and take the Circumvesuviana line towards Sorrento and get off at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. The journey time from Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri is approximately 30-40 minutes by train.

✅ If, on the other hand, you are travelling from the south, take the A3 motorway northbound if you are travelling along the coast, or the A16 motorway northbound if you are travelling inland.

Proceed along the motorway until the exit Pompei Ovest or Pompei Est, depending on where you are coming from.

What to See in Pompeii: Tours and Excursions

You are about to embark on an authentic journey into the past! 

This city, buried and preserved by volcanic ash for centuries, has an incredible variety of archaeological treasures to explore: from the famous archaeological site, with its cobbled streets, houses, temples and beautifully preserved frescoes, to the Forum, public baths and amphitheatres, every corner of Pompeii offers a chance to talk about history and to immerse yourself in the daily life of Roman times. 

In this section, we discover what to see in this city that allows you to experience the fascination of history in its smallest details.

📍 The Forum

The beating heart of Pompeii, it was the political, social and economic centre of the city. Here are the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, the courts, basilicas and shops.

In antiquity, it was a busy and lively place, with a constant stream of people gathering to discuss business, shop and attend public events. Today, you can walk among the columns and ruins of the Forum, immersing your imagination in life in the Roman city. It is a fascinating place where history, art and culture intertwine, offering a unique glimpse into Pompeii’s glorious past.

📍 The Archaeological Excavations

Covering more than 44 hectares, the archaeological excavations of Pompeii are a true open-air museum, one of the most important in the world.

 You can walk through ancient cobblestone streets, admire the houses of Roman nobles, such as the Villa of the Mysteries, and discover well-preserved frescoes.

Through excavations, it has been possible to reconstruct streets, houses, shops, theatres, baths and temples, throwing light on the social, cultural and economic activities of the time.

Right at the main entrance, you will see the Temple of Apollo, one of Pompeii’s most important sanctuaries, an important place of worship for the city’s ancient inhabitants.

📍 Pompeii’s houses

In addition to the fact that they have been wonderfully preserved, with mosaic floors, frescoes and interior gardens, they allow you to experience the details of Roman architecture and domestic habits of the time. For instance, the House of the Faun is one of the most famous dwellings, featuring a large atrium with a mosaic of a dancing faun.

But the House of Menander will also leave you speechless, especially for the quality of the frescoes decorating the walls with mythological scenes, landscapes, still lifes and portraits, representing a variety of themes and artistic styles. The frescoes show a remarkable attention to detail and a vivid range of colours, offering a vivid picture of life in ancient Pompeii.

📍 Pompeii’s ancient theatres

As you walk through the ruins, you can admire Pompeii’s ancient theatres, such as the Teatro Grande and Teatro Piccolo, which were places where plays, concerts and political meetings were held. The Palestra Grande, on the other hand, was a place dedicated to physical training and sports.

📍 Pompeii’s public baths

Then you will visit Pompeii’s public baths, such as the Stabian Baths and the Forum Baths, and discover some fascinating facts about the hygienic habits of the time, with their hot, cold and sweating rooms and bath tubs.

📍 Villa of the Mysteries

One of the highlights of the Pompeii excavations is the Villa of the Mysteries, just outside the walls of Pompeii: a suburban villa famous for the frescoes decorating its walls, depicting the initiation rites of a mysterious sect. 

If we were to list here all the precious treasures you can admire while walking around the excavations, we would probably write for two days in a row, because every corner of the site tells a different story and allows us to immerse ourselves in ancient Roman life.

📍 Blessed Virgin of the Rosary

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, one of the most important places of devotion in Italy. 

Located in the city centre, next to Piazza Bartolo Longo, it is a landmark for the Catholic faithful and a place of devotion and spirituality.

The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, considered the patron saint of Pompeii. Its history dates back to 1875, when a young lawyer named Bartolo Longo, a convert to Catholicism, decided to restore an old religious building and build a shrine in honour of the Madonna. The sanctuary was completed in 1891 and has since become an important pilgrimage centre.

Inside the basilica, you can admire the main altar, adorned with precious marble and artistic decorations. In the centre of the altar is the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, considered miraculous by the inhabitants of Pompeii. The statue depicts the Madonna and Child Jesus and is a symbol of hope, comfort and protection for the faithful.

What to see around Pompeii

📍 Antiquarium di Boscoreale

it is located a few kilometres from Pompeii, in the municipality of the same name.

If you travel by car, you can reach it by taking the SS145, following the signs for Boscoreale. If, on the other hand, you want to reach it by public transport, from Pompei Station take the Circumvesuviana and get off at Boscoreale. From here, it is best to take a taxi, as it may be difficult to continue by public transport.

If you are a history buff, the museum is definitely worth a visit, as it houses a large collection of artefacts from the excavations of Pompeii and the town of Boscoreale, which was an important centre in antiquity. Among the exhibits are frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, objects of daily life, coins and other artefacts that provide valuable evidence of life in ancient Pompeii.

Trekking and Walking

If you have decided to stay overnight in Pompeii, in addition to the long excursion to discover all the details of life in the ancient buried city, we recommend you take advantage of a walk in the Vesuvius National Park, which will take you to the top of the volcano, from where you can admire the entire bay of Naples.

Inside the park, you can choose from a variety of paths through oaks, pines and holm oaks to the summit of the volcano.

Inside the park you will find a volcanological observatory, while at the entrance you can visit the Vesuvius Museum, where you can learn more about the volcanic history of Vesuvius through exhibitions, exhibits and interactive information panels.

✅ If travelling by car, take the provincial road 5 (SP5) in the direction of Boscotrecase, reach the provincial road 18 (SP18) and follow the signs to Vesuvius National Park, continuing to the park entrance.

✅ By bus, instead, from Pompei Station, take the Circumvesuviana and get off at Ercolano Scavi, which is the most convenient stop to reach the park.

From here, take another bus or a taxi to reach the entrance of the Park. The EAV Tramvia Vesuvio tourist shuttles also depart from Pompeii Station.

Experiences to do in Pompeii

In addition to a long tour of the archaeological excavations, with long breaks to explore the various aspects of the ancient city’s culture, in Pompeii you can enjoy moments of relaxation and holiday, walking through its historic centre, exploring the modern side of the city.

In the historic centre you will find small shops for shopping, restaurants and clubs, which will make a great addition to your day trip or holiday.

📣 Unique experiences to do in and around Pompeii? We have selected the most interesting ones for you!

Why choose Pompeii as your travel destination

To walk the ancient streets of Pompeii means to plunge into a past era, transported back in time as we admire the frescoes, altars, temples and baths that tell us stories of daily life, religious cults and grandiose spectacles. Pompeii is an essential stop for history buffs, art lovers and curious travellers wishing to discover the secrets of an ancient civilisation buried beneath the ashes of Vesuvius.

📣 Choose Pompeii if:

🔹 You are looking for a destination of historical and cultural interest

🔹 You are looking for a strategic destination that allows you to easily reach and visit other places, such as Sorrento and Naples. You can reach both easily by Circumvesuviana train or by bus in about 40 minutes.

The best time to visit Pompeii

Since the main attraction is the archaeological site, which requires quite a bit of walking, the best times are spring and autumn. The months of March to May and September to November offer very pleasant times, with mild temperatures and generally fine days.

Winter can reserve some unpleasant surprises, such as rainy days or some particularly cold days, although generally the second occurrence is very rare.

We do not recommend the warmer months as, in addition to the higher temperatures, the greatest number of tourists are concentrated in the city.

The advice, as always, is to judge well according to your needs, your state of health and your climate and travel preferences.

Events in Pompeii

Pompeii hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, offering visitors a vibrant cultural experience amidst the ancient ruins. While some events are held annually, it’s always wise to check official websites for any updates or changes.

✅ Pompeii Theatrum Mundi: Every summer, the grandeur of Pompeii’s ancient theaters comes alive with the Pompeii Theatrum Mundi festival. This theatrical extravaganza features performances ranging from classical to contemporary theater, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and dramatic ambiance of Pompeii’s ancient theaters.

✅ Feast of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary: On May 8th, Pompeii celebrates the Feast of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, the patron saint of the city. This religious event is deeply revered and draws countless faithful followers each year. It’s a time to experience profound faith, participate in religious ceremonies, and soak in the atmosphere of devotion and spirituality that permeates the festivities.

In addition to these flagship events, Pompeii regularly hosts art exhibitions, conferences, theatrical performances, and other cultural events within the archaeological site and its surroundings. It’s advisable to check the event calendar before planning your visit to ensure you don’t miss out on any special happenings during your stay in Pompeii.

Fun Facts about Pompeii

✅ Legend has it that there’s a curse on those who take artifacts from Pompeii, supposedly bringing misfortune upon themselves. Numerous stories abound online about individuals returning pilfered items after experiencing negative repercussions.

✅ The famous “Dog of Pompeii” is a poignant symbol discovered during the excavations—a petrified dog captured in a moment of terror. A bronze replica now stands at the excavation site, while the original is housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, serving as a haunting reminder of the tragedy that befell Pompeii.

✅ Pompeii has been a popular setting for numerous films, including the 2014 movie “Pompeii” directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, which portrays a tale of love amidst the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Other films set in Pompeii include “The Last Days of Pompeii” (1935) and “Pompeii: The Last Day” (2003).

Historical Background

Pompeii’s history dates back to the arrival of Greek and Etruscan settlers, who established colonies in the Campania region. Over time, Pompeii fell under Greek and Etruscan influence, leading to the construction of the Doric Temple and the introduction of the cult of Apollo.

The city later came under Roman control and experienced a period of prosperity and expansion. Significant construction projects, such as the Forum and various public and private buildings, transformed Pompeii into a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

Despite facing challenges such as the Social War and a devastating earthquake in 62 AD, Pompeii thrived as a Roman colony, attracting wealthy Romans and becoming a popular resort destination.

However, Pompeii’s fate was sealed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried the city under layers of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving it for future generations to discover and explore.