Everything to Know About Pompeii Entrances
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, leading to complete destruction of the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii was completely flattened under a mass of ash, pumice and other volcanic debris. Today, visitors flock from all around the world to visit and explore the beautifully-preserved ruins of Pompeii, to gain a deeper understanding of the town’s culture and lifestyle before the volcanic eruption. If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you need to know about using the right Pompeii entrances.
What to Know About Pompeii Entrances
Whether you’re visiting from Naples or Rome, on a guided or independent tour, there are three main Pompeii entrances to choose from. Read on to know which to use at what point.
The Porta Marina is the main entrance to Pompeii, located directly across the road from the Pompeii Scavi train station. This entrance is more popular with tourists, mostly due to all the facilities available here. For instance, you can access the information kiosk, hire audio guides, shop for souvenirs here. Express access to Pompeii is also available at this entrance. Given that many of the facilities listed above are only available at Porta Marina, it's the most crowded of the three entrances to Pompeii and you can expect a considerable waiting time here.
Located to the east of Pompeii, this entrance is a 15 minutes walk from Porta Marina. The Piazza Anfiteatro entrance is considered the best entrance for sightseeing since you'll be led directly to the amphitheater, forum and other important places in Pompeii. You can hire an audio guide at this entrance as well and also avail the free luggage storage service to store your personal belongings while you tour the ruins of Pompeii. Please note, if you're taking a public bus to Mount Vesuvius, the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance would be your last stop.
Although not very far from the Porta Marina entrance, the Piazza Esedra entrance is much less crowded and primarily used for group tours. If you’re visiting Pompeii on a guided tour, check with your local guide about which entrance you would be using. Deemed the least serviceable of the three entrances, Piazza Esedra doesn't see much of a crowd, allowing you to avoid waiting in line. If a hassle-free entrance is what you seek, make your way to the Piazza Esedra entrance. Remember, this entrance doesn't offer any facilities like audio guide rentals and baggage checks.
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Pompeii Entrances FAQs
Q. How many Pompeii entrances are there?
A. There are three main Pompeii entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, Piazza Esedra.
Q. Which of the Pompeii entrances is closest to the train station?
A. Porta Marina is closest to the Pompeii Scavi train station.
Q. Which of the Pompeii entrance should I use to get to Mount Vesuvius?
A. If you’re using public transport, the last bus stop should drop you at the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
Q. Which Pompeii entrance is used for guided tours?
A. All three entrances can be used for Pompeii tours; it depends on the ticket you book.
Q. Which of the Pompeii entrances should I use to get to the forum and amphitheatre?
A. Piazza Anfiteatro is located at the most convenient location, close to the Pompeii forum, amphitheater and other prominent parts of the town.
Q. Which of the Pompeii entrances is the least crowded with tourists?
A. The least crowded of the Pompeii entrances is Piazza Esedra. It is the least serviceable one, which also makes it the one with smallest crowds.
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