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History of Pompeii

Every visit to Pompeii is a journey through time, but not all travellers move at the same pace. Some may only have a couple of hours and want to capture the essence of the site, while others can spend the whole day exploring the houses, temples and ancient streets. In this section, you’ll find tailored itineraries designed to guide you through the city, based on the time you have available. Whether you opt for a short route or a more in-depth exploration, Pompeii will offer you something truly unique.

FAQ about what to see in Pompeii

Pompeii is rich in extraordinary sites. Among the most important are the Forum, the centre of political and social life; the Teatro Grande and the Odeon, dedicated to performances; the House of the Faun, one of the most opulent domus; the Villa of the Mysteries; and the Suburban Baths. If you need assistance, refer to one of our itineraries listed above to ensure you don’t miss the main attractions.

It depends on the experience you wish to have. A quick tour can take two hours, while a more in-depth visit requires at least half a day or a full day. If you want to discover even more, we offer dedicated itineraries for different tour durations. To learn more about how much time you should allocate to visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park, read our article.

Some areas of the excavations may be closed for restoration or maintenance. We recommend checking availability at the ticket office or on the official website before your visit.

It depends on your preferences. An expert guide or audio guide can enrich your visit with historical details and interesting facts. If you prefer to visit on your own, check our “Useful Information” section, where you’ll find itineraries tailored to the time you have available. To learn more, read our article on exploring Pompeii with a guide.

Yes! If you only have two hours, you can follow our express itinerary, which will guide you through the main attractions.

Pompeii’s finest domus offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Roman times. Among the most famous is the House of the Faun, one of the largest in the city, renowned for its mosaic of Alexander the Great. The Villa of the Mysteries is striking for its extraordinary frescoes depicting mystery rites. The House of Menander, with its private baths and rich decorations, represents a fine example of an aristocratic residence. The House of the Cryptoporticus is known for its striking underground corridor frescoed with scenes from the Iliad, while the House of the Vettii stands out for its mythological decorations and luxurious architecture. Finally, the House of the Wounded Bear is famous for the bear mosaic that gives it its name and its elegant rooms. These residences are essential stops for those who wish to understand the art, luxury, and private life of the Pompeians.

Yes, some rooms and domus within the Pompeii Archaeological Park are subject to periodic closures for conservation and safety reasons. To find out exactly which areas are accessible on the day of your visit, we recommend consulting the official Pompeii website.