Things to Do in Pompeii
The next time you’re looking for an interesting spot for a day trip, the lost city of Pompeii should definitely be on your list. This ancient town, once a cultural hub influence by Greek and Roman lifestyles, can now be found buried under a blanket of ash, pumice and debris due to the devastating volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, back in 79 AD. The magnitude of the natural disaster was such that it completely destroyed Pompeii and its people.
Today, the ruins of Pompeii are a popular tourist attraction for those looking to gain an in-depth look into how its citizens once lived. Here are the top things to do while in Pompeii, don’t miss out on any of them!
Things to Do in Pompeii
Located in region VI near the Vesuvian gate, the House of the Vettii is a Domus named after its owners, Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva. The house was carefully excavated which has helped preserve most of the wall frescoes that feature the Pompeian Fourth Style. The House of the Vettii is amongst the largest Domus in Pompeii, covering the entire southern part of block 15.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
An ancient Roman villa located on the outskirts of Pompeii, the Villa of the Mysteries is renowned for featuring a series of beautiful frescos. Located in one room, these frescos showcase a young woman being initiated into a Greco-Roman mystery cult, giving the villa its name. Excavation work was undertaken from 1909 and most of the villa was recovered.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Dedicated to the Greek and Roman god Apollo, the Temple of Apollo was built in 120 BC and is located in the forum. One of the most important religious buildings in the town, the Temple of Apollo is a peripteros with 48 Ionic columns, located atop a high podium with an imposing set of steps and a beautiful medley of Greek and Italian architecture.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Famous for its elaborate mosaic floors and frescoes portraying scenes from Greek mythology, the House of the Tragic Poet dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The Roman house was discovered by archeologist Antonio Bonucci in November 1824 and while the exteriors are decidedly plain, the interiors feature frescoes of the highest quality.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
The most famous brothel in the ruined city of Pompeii, the Lupanar of Pompeii showcases erotic paintings on its walls. Located two blocks east of the forum, the Lupanar has 134 graffiti transcribed, which is one of the significant marks identifying the building as a brothel. The graffitis on display here tell many stories with countless authors responding to each other's carvings, creating a dialogue of sorts.
Visiting Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Monday: Open 24 hours
Built during the 2nd century BC, the House of the Faun was one of the most impressive private residences in Pompeii, both in terms of scale and architecture. The House of the Faun is amongst the most luxurious aristocratic houses from the Roman Republic and home to some truly spectacular works of art. Covering almost 3000 square meters, the residence occupies an entire city block and is divided into five major parts.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
During its glory days, the Pompeii Forum was the focal point of the religious, political and cultural life of Pompeii. Featuring some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, the forum spanned an area of 157 mt x 38 mt and housed important public, commercial and religious buildings that were frequented by common Roman citizens. Now, ruins remain of the once-bustling marketplace, offering visitors a special peek at life during the Roman Empire.
Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours
Located at the intersection of the Via Stabiana and the Via dell'Abbondanza, the Stabian Baths are the oldest baths in Pompeii, divided into four building phases. Amongst the most interesting structures in ancient Pompeii, the Stabian Baths have retained most of their structure despite the natural calamity the city faced. During its hay days, the Stabian Baths were reserved for the richest members of the Pompeii society.
Visiting Hours: Open throughout the day
The Amphitheatre of Pompeii, also known as Pompeii Spectacula, was built around 70 BC and is one of the oldest Roman amphitheater built of stone. Modern architects and crowd control specialists cite the Pompeii Spectacula's near-perfect design as inspiration. Presently, the amphitheater is used as a venue for concerts and other public events with Pink Floyd having shot a concert movie at the venue in 1971.
Visiting Hours: Open throughout the day
Dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, the Temple of Isis was amongst the first to be discovered when excavation work began in Pompeii during 1764. The mostly intact temple sits on an elevated platform and features a vaulted roof which draws attention to the top of the building. Located near the Pompeii Forum, the Temple of Isis is believed to be a big part of life in Rome.
Visiting Hours: Open throughout the day
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