Pompeii Italy
I came across Pompei when researching Naples Italy . An ancient city buried under Volcanic ashes 2000 years ago ! After reading about it we added to our itinerary.
How To visit Pompeii ?
We used Naples as your base to visit Pompei. It is cheaper to stay in Naples vs. Sorrento. Two famous towns you can use as your base . From Naples we caught a local train to Pompeii . The train line is called The Circumvesuviana Train. It is very cheap compared to other options to travel between Sorrento/Naples and to go to Pompeii and Herculaneum. You can find all the details about here . The train stations look a bit more ghetto compared to other Italian train stations but we found it to be safe .
Pompeii Tickets
Once we got off the train station it is a very short walk to get in to Pompeii. We were there early morning and just bought the tickets at the counter . There were no lines . Based on our experience you don’t have to buy tickets ahead of time if you plan to be there when it opened .
Also be aware . Wait till you go inside before buying tickets . There are many people outside trying to sell you tickets/tours . Don’t fall for it . Politely decline and go inside before buying entrance tickets !
Pompeii
The entire city of Pompeii was buried under ashes about 2000 years ago when Mount Vesuvius erupted . Because it was buried many of the items in the city were preserved . It was surreal walking and exploring the different areas of Pompeii and imaging what life was like for the people that lived in this city 2000 years ago !
People
Unfortunately when the Volcano erupted 2000 years ago the residents of Pompeii all died . Some died from falling debris, collapsed buildings and many died from volcanic gas .
When the city was dug up there were many skeletons found . You can find casts of where the bones were found . It is saddening to see the positions of the people . Gives you a view into the terror they would have faced before dying.
Buildings/Sites In Pompeii
The sudden eruption and the following burial of the city helped preserve the 2000 year old city !
Portions of the entire city were intact .
Paint & Colourful Murals That Survived
Throughout Pompeii there are many vibrant wall paint and floor paint that has survived for close to 2000 years ! The residents had impeccable taste . It gives one a sense of excitement to see what is left over today . Sharing photos of some of the striking paint job and designs we came across in Pompeii.
Outdoor Theatre
The city also had an outdoor theatre . A public gathering place . Most of it is still intact today .
Bath Houses
The people of Pompeii was also big on baths . We came across multiple baths during our exploration.
Whore Houses
Brothel
We even came across a brothel . It consisted of small rooms with a colour painting of the type of service offered on top . This made me a bit sad .
Overall exploring the entire ruins was a very special experience. We didn’t get a guide and still managed to find most of the places . Some other photos of the various other areas .
It is humbling to be in a very well preserved 2000 year old town . We spend about four hours at Pompeii. Highly recommend a stop if you are in Naples , from Rome or even Amalfi . A unique experience and an ancient ruin worth visiting!