A place that will leave you speechless and a path to study before leaving: here are all the tips for a tour in Pompeii.
Pompeii it was a discovery that left me speechless. I had been dreaming of going there for a long time and I must say that despite the incessant rain that prevented us from fully enjoying the visit, or perhaps thanks to it, I can't wait to go back.
The history of Pompeii
The city is one of the best preserved testimonies of life in Roman times.
Destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Vesuvius, whose lapilli have covered and preserved the houses, objects and testimonies of the daily life of our ancestors to this day.
There are many aspects to consider before visiting the archaeological complex and some mistakes not to be made as I did.
Plan your visit in advance
It is necessary in order to make the most of the day (yes, you will need a full day and probably won't be enough to see everything!).
I recommend planning your entrance during the first opening hours, both to avoid the crowd (which will not fail) and to have the opportunity to have more time to dedicate and have the opportunity to enjoy the place without so much crowding.
Select in advance what you absolutely do not want to miss and start from there, study a path that avoids you having to go over the same points several times and leaves you the right time to dedicate to each point.
The site is huge, it will require a lot of energy and it is visitable on foot. Take frequent breaks to regain your energy and if you can't see everything, it will be the right excuse to organize another visit.
It may be worth considering booking a guided tour so as not to lose even one aspect of what you will find in front of you.
A tip: don't miss the Villa dei Misteri.
If you have more days available and you are interested, plan a visit to Herculaneum or ai excavations of Oplontis.
Plan to be comfortable
The worst thing is to find yourself unable to continue because they are too sore or tired.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring with you the bare minimum in comfortable and light backpacks or bags.
Make sure you have water with you and especially in the summer months sunscreen and a hat.
There are very few dining options where to buy food and drinks so take advantage of them as soon as you pass by or enter organized.
There are not many shelters except inside some of the structures so it is essential to know in advance that you will stay for hours under the scorching summer sun if you visit Pompeii this season.
Get a map in advance or collect it at the entrance, you will need it so you don't get lost!
Enjoy what you are experiencing
I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to enter a Roman house, see the paintings, walk on such an ancient road. It is not every day that you see a millennium old loaf of bread, see a bakery or an oven used so long ago. Thanks to a dead battery and a storm, I was able to really enjoy the visit through my eyes and not a screen.
Be psychologically ready
The most sensitive will experience Pompeii in a different way. Realizing the tragedy experienced by the city and its inhabitants and seeing in front of the casts of those who were men, women, children and their animals is at times shocking and very exciting.
How to reach us
By car: A3 Napoli-Salerno motorway, Pompei Ovest exit. You can park in the complex's car park. Don't pay attention to illegal parking attendants.
By train: Circumvesuviana Naples-Sorrento or Naples-Poggiomarino.
By bus: SITA from Naples and Salerno; CSTP n.4 from Salerno; CSTP n 50 from Salerno.
There are three entrances: “Porta Marina” (via Villa dei Misteri); “Piazza Esedra” (lower Porta Marina square); “Piazza Anfiteatro” (Immaculate square).
Make sure you don't have bulky luggage with you. Tickets can be purchased at the entrances or online, starting from € 13.00 with various packages for entrances also to the archaeological areas of Oplontis and Boscoreale and reductions.
Check the rates and opening hours on the official website, where information is constantly updated.
