Pompeii is one of the most famous and visited archaeological sites in the world, attracting over 3 million visitors every year.
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But how do you plan your visit to this ancient city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE? How can you make the most of your visit and avoid the crowds and the queues?
In this blog post, I will show you everything you need to know about Pompeii timetables, opening hours, tickets (price/ free) and online booking options.
Also I will answer these all questions and give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your Pompeii experience.
Pompeii history and highlights
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. It is one of the most famous and visited archaeological sites in the world, and it offers a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Rome.
When and how was Pompeii founded?
Pompeii was founded by the Osci, an Italic tribe, around the 8th century BCE. It was later colonized by the Greeks, who gave it the name Pompeii, meaning "the five villages". Pompeii became a thriving commercial and cultural center, influenced by the Greek and Etruscan styles.
When and how did Pompeii become part of the Roman Republic?
Pompeii became part of the Roman Republic in 80 BCE, after it was besieged and captured by the Roman general Sulla, who made it a Roman colony.
Pompeii prospered under Roman rule, and expanded its territory and population. It also benefited from the construction of new roads, aqueducts, and public works.
What are some of the main attractions and landmarks in Pompeii?
Pompeii has many attractions and landmarks that showcase the art, architecture, and culture of ancient Rome. Some of the most famous ones are:
The Amphitheater
This is the oldest known amphitheater in ancient Rome, built in 70 BCE and capable of holding 20,000 spectators. It was the venue for gladiator fights and other spectacles, and it is still in remarkable condition.
The Villa of the Mysteries
This is one of the most famous and intriguing buildings in Pompeii, named after the mysterious frescoes that decorate its walls. The frescoes depict a ritual initiation into the cult of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, and they are full of symbolism and emotion.
The House of the Faun
This is one of the largest and most luxurious houses in Pompeii, covering an area of 3,000 square meters. It was named after the bronze statue of a dancing faun that stands in the courtyard.
The house features elegant rooms, mosaic floors, fountains, and gardens, as well as a replica of the famous Alexander Mosaic, which depicts the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia.
The Lupanar
This is the most notorious brothel in Pompeii, where prostitutes and their clients met for sexual services. The name comes from the Latin word for wolf, lupus, which was a slang term for a prostitute.
The brothel has five small rooms, each with a stone bed and a fresco depicting a sexual scene. The walls are also covered with graffiti, which reveal the names, prices, and preferences of the customers and the workers.
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The Pompeii Thermal Baths
These are the public baths where the Pompeians went to relax, socialize, and cleanse themselves. The baths were divided into separate sections for men and women, and they had different rooms for hot, warm, and cold water.
The baths also had changing rooms, massage rooms, gyms, and gardens. The baths were decorated with frescoes, mosaics, statues, and fountains, and they demonstrate the advanced engineering and hygiene of the Romans.
When and how did Pompeii get destroyed by Mount Vesuvius?
Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. The eruption started around noon, and it lasted for two days. The first day, a huge cloud of ash and pumice rained down on the city, covering it with a thick layer of debris.
The second day, a series of pyroclastic surges, which are fast-moving clouds of hot gas and ash, swept over the city, killing and burying the remaining inhabitants. The eruption killed about 2,000 people, and preserved the city in a frozen state.
When and how was Pompeii rediscovered and excavated?
Pompeii remained buried and forgotten for centuries, until it was accidentally rediscovered in 1599 CE by an engineer digging a canal. However, the first systematic excavations began in 1748 CE, under the auspices of the Bourbon kings of Naples.
Since then, Pompeii has been extensively explored and studied by archaeologists, historians, and scholars, who have uncovered and restored many of the buildings, artifacts, and human remains.
Pompeii has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. Pompeii is considered a unique and invaluable source of information and insight into the ancient Roman world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 CE.
Pompeii Timetables
Pompeii Timetables are the opening hours and days of the archaeological site and the related sites, such as Boscoreale, Oplontis, Stabiae, and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. They vary depending on the season and the site, and they may change due to weather or maintenance.
When is Pompeii archaeological site open?
Pompeii archaeological site is open daily from 9:00 am, but the closing time changes based on the season. From April to October, the last entrance is at 5:30 pm and the closing time is at 7:00 pm. From November to March, the last entrance is at 3:30 pm and the closing time is at 5:00 pm.
When are Pompeii related sites open?
Pompeii related sites have different opening hours and days, and some of them may be closed on Tuesdays. You can check the details of each site on the official website. For example, the Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of Diomedes in Boscoreale are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Tuesdays.
The Villa of Poppea in Oplontis is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, except on Tuesdays. The Villa Arianna and the Villa San Marco in Stabiae are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Tuesdays. The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is open from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, except on Tuesdays.
Are there any special visits to houses or work sites in Pompeii?
Yes, there are some special visits to houses or work sites that are usually closed to the public, but are opened occasionally for a limited number of visitors.
They have different prices and schedules, and they may require a reservation. You can find more information about the special visits on the official website.
For example, you can visit the House of the Golden Cupids, the House of the Cryptoporticus, or the House of the Orchard, which are some of the most beautiful and well-preserved houses in Pompeii.
Are there any free or reduced days to visit Pompeii?
Yes, there are some free or reduced days to visit Pompeii and the related sites, such as the first Sunday of the month, or some special occasions, such as the European Heritage Days or the World Tourism Day.
You can check the calendar of the free or reduced days on the official website. However, you should be aware that these days are also the most crowded and busy, so you may have to wait longer and deal with larger groups.
Pompeii Tickets
Pompeii Ticket is the admission fee for visiting the archaeological site and the related sites, such as Boscoreale, Oplontis, Stabiae, and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. It varies depending on the type and the validity of the ticket, and it may offer some discounts or benefits.
How much does it cost to visit Pompeii?
The cost of visiting Pompeii depends on the type of ticket you choose. There are different ticket options, such as the single ticket, the combined ticket, the annual ticket, or the online ticket. The single ticket costs €18 and allows you to visit only the archaeological site of Pompeii.
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The combined ticket costs €26 and allows you to visit Pompeii and the related sites, such as Boscoreale, Oplontis, Stabiae, and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
The annual ticket costs €35 and allows you to visit all the sites and the shuttle bus service for one year. The online ticket costs €2 more than the regular ticket, but it allows you to skip the line and enter the site faster.
How can I save money on Pompeii Tickets?
There are some ways to save money on Pompeii Tickets, such as:
Getting a reduced ticket
If you are a EU citizen between 18 and 25 years old, or a teacher of a public school in the EU, you can get a reduced ticket for €2. You will need to show a valid ID or a proof of your status at the entrance.
Getting a free ticket
If you are under 18 years old, or a student or a teacher of a school of architecture, conservation of cultural heritage, education sciences, or arts, or a journalist, or a disabled person with a companion, you can get a free ticket. You will need to show a valid ID or a proof of your status at the entrance.
Visiting on a free day
There are some days when the admission to Pompeii and the related sites is free for everyone, such as the first Sunday of the month, or some special occasions, such as the European Heritage Days or the World Tourism Day.
You can check the calendar of the free days on the official website. However, you should be aware that these days are also the most crowded and busy, so you may have to wait longer and deal with larger groups.
Buying a combined ticket
If you plan to visit more than one site, you can save money by buying a combined ticket, which allows you to visit Pompeii and the related sites for a lower price than buying separate tickets. The combined ticket is valid for 3 days and allows you to enter each site once.
Buying an annual ticket
If you plan to visit Pompeii and the related sites more than once in a year, you can save money by buying an annual ticket, which allows you to visit all the sites and the shuttle bus service for one year. The annual ticket costs €35, which is less than the price of two combined tickets.
How can I buy Pompeii Tickets?
There are different ways to buy Pompeii Tickets, such as:
Buying online
You can buy your ticket online, through the TicketOne circuit, which is the official seller. You can choose the type and the date of your ticket, and pay with a credit card or a PayPal account.
You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code, which you will need to show at the entrance. Buying online costs €2 more than buying at the ticket office, but it allows you to skip the line and enter the site faster.
Buying at the ticket office
You can buy your ticket at the ticket office, which is located at the entrance of the site. You can pay with cash or a credit card.
You will receive a paper ticket, which you will need to show at the entrance. Buying at the ticket office may take longer and require you to queue, especially during peak season.
Buying at the self-service ticket office
You can buy your ticket at the self-service ticket office, which is located at Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. You can pay with a credit card or a contactless card.
You will receive a paper ticket, which you will need to show at the entrance. Buying at the self-service ticket office may be faster and easier than buying at the ticket office, but it may not be available for all types of tickets.
What do I need to bring with me to visit Pompeii?
To visit Pompeii, you will need to bring the following items:
Your ticket:
You will need to show your ticket, either paper or digital, at the entrance. If you bought your ticket online, you will need to show the QR code that you received by email.
If you bought your ticket at the ticket office or the self-service ticket office, you will need to show the paper ticket that you received. If you have a reduced or a free ticket, you will also need to show a valid ID or a proof of your status.
Your bag:
You can bring your own bag into Pompeii, but it must be small (30x30x15 cm max). If your bag is larger, you will need to leave it at the free cloakroom, which is located at the entrance. You should not bring any valuable or fragile items in your bag, as the site is not responsible for any loss or damage.
Your food and drink:
You can bring your own food and drink into Pompeii, but you should only eat outside the designated areas, such as the picnic area near the Porta Marina entrance, or the cafeteria near the Forum. You should also dispose of your trash properly and respect the site's rules and regulations.
Your camera:
You can bring your own camera into Pompeii, but you should not use flash or tripod, as they may damage or disturb the site and the visitors. You can take photos for personal use only, and not for commercial purposes. You should also respect the privacy and the rights of other visitors and staff.
Final Thoughts
Pompeii is a truly amazing place that will transport you back in time and make you appreciate the beauty and fragility of life. If you are looking for a memorable and educational visit, you should definitely visit Pompeii and see it for yourself.
I hope this blog post has helped you plan your Pompeii timetables and tickets, and inspired you to explore this ancient city.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading and happy travels!