Pompeii is an ancient city located in the Campania region of Italy, famous for being devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This sudden and catastrophic eruption buried the city under volcanic ash and stones, preserving it in remarkable condition for centuries.
We visited the archaeological site of Pompeii during our trip to Naples and were deeply impressed by its history and by how people still live peacefully near Mount Vesuvius, which is listed among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
In this post, I’ll share the fascinating history of Pompeii and give you practical tips if you’re planning to visit.
What Pompeii Was Like Before the Destruction
Before its tragic end, Pompeii was a lively and bustling city. Located near Naples, the city thrived thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, which made the area perfect for farming, especially for growing grapes and producing wine.
Pompeii was known for its elegant houses and luxurious villas owned by the wealthy. The streets buzzed with merchants selling all kinds of goods, while locals gathered in thermal baths, theaters, and taverns. The city even had a large amphitheater where gladiator fights thrilled the crowds.
For its time, Pompeii was highly advanced. A complex aqueduct system supplied water to fountains, baths, and even some private homes. In addition, a drainage system kept the streets relatively clean.
Art also flourished in Pompeii, as seen in the colorful frescoes and mosaics that still decorate many of the houses today.
What Happened in Pompeii?
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD remains one of the most famous natural disasters in ancient history. At the time, locals thought the volcano was just a harmless mountain. Suddenly, it erupted with incredible force, sending a massive column of ash and gas about 33 kilometers high into the sky.
In the first hours, a heavy rain of pumice stones and ash fell over Pompeii, collapsing rooftops under the weight. Many people tried to escape but were buried, while others sheltered in their homes, hoping the danger would pass.
The next day, deadly pyroclastic flows—fast-moving waves of hot gas and ash—swept through the city. They were so hot, reaching up to 300°C, that they instantly killed anyone still alive, leaving their bodies carbonized on the spot.
Over time, the buried bodies decomposed, leaving cavities in the hardened ash. Archaeologists later filled these voids with plaster, creating striking casts of the Pompeii residents in their final moments.
You can see these casts today at the museum inside the archaeological site, as shown in the photo below.
What Pompeii Looks Like Today
Today, Pompeii is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers a unique window into daily life before the tragedy of Vesuvius.
As you stroll along the ancient stone streets, you can admire vibrant frescoes and detailed mosaics that bring Roman art back to life. Everyday objects, like vases and kitchen tools, remain almost intact, making you feel close to the people who once lived there.
Visiting Pompeii means more than exploring ruins—it’s like walking through an open-air museum where every corner tells a story. Step by step, echoes of a civilization frozen in time still resonate, teaching and fascinating generations. Under the shadow of Vesuvius, wandering Pompeii is truly an enriching journey into the heart of Ancient Rome.
Mount Vesuvius Today
Mount Vesuvius is currently dormant, which means it is not erupting. Since its last major eruption in 1944, the volcano has remained relatively calm, with occasional seismic activity and small emissions of steam and volcanic gases.
Even though Vesuvius is dormant, scientists keep a close eye on it, monitoring seismic activity, ground changes, and geological signals that could warn of a future eruption.
Despite being calm now, Vesuvius is still classified as an active and potentially dangerous volcano due to its violent history and its proximity to densely populated areas. For that reason, effective monitoring and emergency plans are essential to protect local communities if it erupts again.
How to Get to Pompeii
Pompeii is very easy to reach, whether by public transport or car.
By Train
One of the most convenient ways to get to Pompeii is by train. The closest station is Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, located on the Circumvesuviana line that connects Naples to Sorrento. You can board a train at Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) or Napoli Garibaldi and get off at Pompei Scavi.
For buying train and bus tickets in Italy, we recommend Omio. The platform is very popular across Europe and makes it easy to compare prices and schedules from top companies. We’ve used it several times and always found good options.
By Bus
There are local buses from Naples and nearby towns heading to Pompeii. It’s usually cheaper than the train, but not always as convenient.
By Car
If you’re road-tripping through the region, you can easily drive to Pompeii via the A3 or A30 highways. Parking lots are available close to the ruins for visitors arriving by car.
We chose to go by car because we were traveling from Naples to the Amalfi Coast and included Pompeii in our itinerary along the way.
If you’re considering car rental in Italy, we recommend DiscoverCars. The site makes it easy to compare prices and reviews, and we always find good deals. We’ve used it several times and really liked the experience.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
Tours
Many travel agencies offer guided tours to Pompeii, often including round-trip transportation from Naples or other nearby cities.
👉 1-Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento to Pompeii
Tips to visit Pompeii
Tickets
We highly recommend getting an Audio Guide, hiring a private guide, or booking a guided tour to make the most of your visit and learn about the fascinating history behind the ruins.
We chose the Audio Guide, and it was absolutely worth it. You receive a device in your preferred language and a map, and listening to the stories at each stop makes everything much easier to understand.
👉 Pre-book Ticket + Audio Guide
Another great option is hiring a guide. Imagine exploring Pompeii with an archaeologist who can answer all your questions—your experience becomes even richer!
👉 Ticket + Guided Visit with an Archaeologist
What Not to Miss
Besides walking around the ruins, make sure to explore:
- The Forum, the heart of Pompeii’s public life.
- The beautiful frescoes and mosaics in homes like the House of the Faun.
- The plaster casts of victims frozen in time.
- The Amphitheater, one of the oldest ever discovered.
- The peaceful gardens of the Stabian Baths.
- The Lupanar, the city’s ancient brothel, where you can reflect on daily life in Roman times.
Important
- Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and full of stones.
- Bring water and protect yourself from the sun, especially in summer, since the site is entirely outdoors.
- The visit can last several hours, so eat before you enter. Inside, food options are limited and expensive, but outside the park there are plenty of restaurants.
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
First Time in Italy? Essential Travel Tips You Must Know
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
If you want more travel tips, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel.
Did you know that when you book through the links in our blog, we earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you? You get discounts and at the same time support Berada Travel to keep creating quality guides about incredible destinations. Help us so we can keep inspiring travel lovers like you! ✈️ ❤️
