Not very far from Naples in Italy, Pompeii is an ancient town that is best known for its preserved ruins. The town, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was engulfed by Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 which resulted in a loss of many lives and infrastructure.

Today Pompeii is an excavation site and an outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement and one of the major attractions in Italy. Wondering what things to do in Pompeii and where to begin? Read on

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is located close to Naples in the Campania region of Italy. The town is located about 150 miles (241 kilometres) south of the capital city, Rome.

How to reach?

The Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento line passes through Pompeii and the town can be reached within 45 minutes from either Naples or Sorrento. You can also take a bus or drive from Naples. If you are on a cruise, you can get down at Naples and hop on a bus shuttle to reach Pompeii. Pompeii is a walking site. Hence, the only way to get around the town is on foot.

What is the best time to visit?

Pompeii can be visited all year long. But make sure you start your day early, before the crowd gets there. July is the hottest month and is best avoided.

What to see in Pompeii Ruins?

Via di Nola, Via Stabiana, Via dell’Abbondanza, and Via del Foro are the four main streets to cover in Pompeii. The latter two streets are linked to the large civic Forum which is the hub of Pompeii’s political and economic life. The Orpheus crossroads and the Holconius crossroads are the two important crossroads to look out for. The city is laid out in a rectangular form and has a defence boundary wall that is served by gates like Marina, Ercolano, Vesuvio, Nocera, Capua and Sarno.

The Triangular Forum is the most ancient centre in Pompeii. Many of the Pompeii tourist attractions are concentrated here. The Porta Marina is located on the other side and is a testament to the period of maximum expansion of Pompeii. While in Pompeii, so not forget to visit the following places:

The Great Palaestra (Gymnasium) – With a pool in the middle, this large arena was used for sporting events. The three sides of this amphitheatre have long internal porticos.

The Amphitheatre – Located right opposite to the Gymnasium, the Amphitheatre is one of the most visited sites in Pompeii. Completed in 80 BC, this site is one of the best-preserved sites anywhere in the world. The Amphitheatre was used for gladiator battles, other sports and spectacles involving wild animals.

Forum – The centre for public activities, this site is surrounded by many important government, religious, and business buildings.

House of the Vettii – Containing many frescoes, this house is believed to be a residence of two brothers who freed the slaves and in turn became very rich. Except for the atrium, rest of the house is closed for public.

Temple of Apollo – Dating back to 575 BC, this site is one of the oldest remains discovered.

The Basilica – The most important public building during its heyday, this site is where the trade and public administration was carried out.

Baths – The well-preserved and roofed Forum Baths give you an idea of how the baths used to function in Roman times.

A few more Pompeii attractions include House of the Faun, Via dei Sepolcri, Lupanar, House of the Ancient Hunt, Forum Granary, House of the Tragic Poet, The Ground surface, and Bars and Bakeries.