7 Best Things To Do In Pompeii, Italy To Uncover The Ancient City

Are you looking for the best things to do in Pompeii, Italy? You are on the right page! I have been to the historical ancient city of Pompeii during my 2-week Interrail adventure. I would love to share with you some of the key places that I would recommend visiting in Pompeii.

Pompeii is located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano whose eruption in the year AD 79 engulfed and then encased the city in a layer of ash and a pumice stone that was six meters thick. The city is now in ruins. What we see today is the result of excavations that took place over a number of centuries. Together with the nearby site of Herculaneum, this provides the best example of a Roman town and its way of life that can be found anywhere.

It is simple to understand why visiting Pompeii is one of the most popular activities in Italy. Pompeii, which had a population of 20,000, had suffered significant damage from an earthquake only 16 years prior to its destruction. Only about 2,000 people were still trapped in the city when the final flow descended like a tidal wave because they had started leaving as soon as the eruption became apparent.

The task of reclaiming ancient Pompeii is still ongoing, and each fresh discovery advances our knowledge of daily life in 79 CE. The most recent was the discovery of a slave family’s living quarters in a room of the nearby villa of Civita Giuliana. The room served as storage space in addition to housing beds made of wood planks.

With the help of this helpful list of the top attractions in Pompeii, you can find all the best things to do. If you are interested, here’s a more detailed article about the Erotic Side of Pompeii.

Best Things to Do in Pompeii, Italy:

1. Pompeii Archaeological Park

I visited Pompeii Archeological Park and really enjoyed the historical side of this ancient city. Let me share with you some of the famous landmarks that you can find within the archaeological park.

Pompeii is a huge archaeological site today. It would take at least two days to tour the 44 square kilometer-sized Pompeii excavation site, but you can do it in four hours. Here are a few parks that you might enjoy visiting.

House of Faun

The House of the Faun is a must-see attraction in Pompeii because it was the largest and most expensive house there. Given that it is 32,000 square feet in size and occupies an entire city block, the term “house” is actually misleading ( 3,000 square meters). The owner was so wealthy that he had the Latin word HAVE, which means “greetings,” mosaic built into the sidewalk in front of his home.

Archaeologists estimate that the super palace underwent a number of alterations and upgrades before the eruption, but the original structure dates to 180 B.C. The building’s name is derived from a bronze faun statue that is erected above the impluvium.

Lupanar of Pompeii

The most glaring example of this in Pompeii can be found in this building. The oldest profession in the world had its place in Ancient Rome as well. In Latin, “brothel” was denoted by the word lupanar. Its root is the Latin word lupa, which means “she-wolf” and was used as slang for “prostitute” in ancient Rome. Therefore, when you entered back then, it was a “den of she-wolves.”

The prostitutes were imported as slaves to further establish Pompeii as a sinful city. Surprisingly, thanks to graffiti left behind by content customers, we also know the names of many of the women who worked here.

Temple of Apollo

One of the few deities whose name was the same in both Greek and Roman culture is Apollo (Zeus became Jupiter, Hera became Juno, etc.). The presence of Apollo in Greek and Etruscan settlements in the region is demonstrated by the discovery of ancient temple ruins dating back to the sixth century B.C.

The third to the second centuries B.C. corresponds to the structure that you can see today. It has a podium that allows you to approach the gods up close, and a portico that creates a courtyard. In the middle would have been an altar as well.

Temple of Jupiter

You can still see the remains of the Temple of Jupiter, a sizable shrine, on the Forum’s northern edge. This temple once housed three statues: one each of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.

The silhouette of Mount Vesuvius rising imposingly from behind the ruins is perhaps the temple’s most intriguing feature.

Amphitheatre of Pompeii

The largest amphitheater in Pompeii, which had 12,000 seats and was constructed in 80 BCE, is the oldest Roman amphitheater still in existence and the most complete amphitheater ever constructed before the Colosseum in Rome.

They cleverly placed it on the outskirts of the city to make moving a lot of people easier. Similar to the Colosseum in Rome, it served as the site of gladiator matches and other major spectacles. The stone building is an excellent illustration of the large, well-functioning society in the old town.

2. Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei

Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Pompeii is known as the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, or “Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario” in Italian. The cathedral, which was finished in the latter half of the 19th century, is located about five minutes from Mount Vesuvius, a stratovolcano.

A well-known pilgrimage site, the cathedral has seating for about 6,000 people. A Campanile, an independent bell tower, is also located next to the basilica and provides a stunning view from the platform atop the 80-meter-high tower. Although there is no admission fee to the basilica, there is a small charge to ride the elevator to the viewing platform.

The Virgin Mary statue that stands above the altar is where the cathedral gets its name. On the exact spot where there were likely small basilicas long ago, the church was constructed.

In the meantime, the people of Pompeii itself generously contributed to the large cathedral’s construction. Every resident contributed significantly to the restoration of the church by giving away one penny each month, which helped to build the cathedral.

Following the laying of the foundation stone in 1876, the church is credited with causing wondrous things to occur, including numerous miracle cures near the cathedral. The Vatican is restoring the cathedral, which has been in the care of the Pope since 1894. The cathedral was even given the title of Marian pontifical shrine in the interim.

3. Trek Mount Vesuvius

It would be remiss of me to not mention the most well-known volcano in history even though it is not located in the Pompeii complex of buildings or even in the city. There haven’t been any eruptions since 1944, so relax. According to the experts, it should be some time before the next significant event occurs.

The crater rim of Mount Vesuvius is accessible via wooden walkways and gravel paths, and a hike here helps you understand the magnitude of this volcano’s power, which obliterated two cities. And from the top, the views of Naples and the bay are unmatched.

At 1,000 meters above sea level, the “Il Gran Cono” trail starts, and on the way to the rim, you’ll pass through more recent lava flows from the 1944 eruption. The 300-meter-deep crater, which has been stretched into an elliptical shape by numerous eruptions, can be seen as you walk the trail around the rim.

The steaming fumaroles inside the Gran Cono crater and on the slopes are a constant reminder that the volcano is still alive even though it is currently experiencing a quiet period. The 54 kilometers of walkways on 11 walking trails allow visitors to explore Mount Vesuvius National Park.

Take one of the neighborhood EAV buses to the national park from the Villa dei Misteri station if you’re taking the train from Sorrento or Naples.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Naples, Italy

4. Visit Herculaneum

Why not visit the tiny, affluent village of Herculaneum after you have seen everything Pompeii has to offer?

In present-day Italy, there is an ancient town called Herculaneum. Its distinction from other ancient cities comes from the almost flawless preservation of its buildings, furnishings, and even its food.

Since the village was farther away from Pompeii than that, it had more time to prepare for the impending devastation. As a result, most of the residents were able to flee before the town was similarly engulfed in an ash storm.

Due to its size, the town is less crowded and is rich in natural beauty that has been preserved. Here, discoveries about the diet of the people of ancient Rome were made. Numerous discoveries about their diet, occupations, and illnesses were made after more than 700 sacks of human waste were unearthed.

The Herculaneum ruins still stand as a natural wonder today, effectively stopping time in 79 AD so that visitors can still appreciate it today, nearly two millennia later!

5. Monte Faito

People accustomed to the lower Lattari slopes mistakenly think that these mountains are less forested and more exposed to the sun, so they are surprised to find plenty of shade and cool air, in addition to the simplicity of this itinerary.

The elevation is typical of the Apennines, with old beeches and frequent limestone outcrops, to the extent that in many places On the top layer, we simply walk. In the distance, steep chasms descend into the forested area. The coastline below, where the cobalt sea laps the white stone against a backdrop of lush forests, makes it clear just how close we are to the sea when we reach the top. This experience is wholly exceptional.

There are “CAI” markers and enormous red arrows with the letter “M” along the path, which is always wide and straightforward. One of Campania’s largest landscapes is on Pizzo San Michele’s summit, better known as the “Molare” for its silhouette.

While standing on one of the massif’s highest points, one can quickly and easily see practically the entire park’s area, from the eastern outcrops that slope toward the Nocera-Sarno countryside to the far-westernmost point, Punta Campanella.

Every mountain in the area can be seen on clear days, including Gaeta, Massico, and Matese to the north, Tifatini, Partenio, Picentini, and Termini to the west, and Alburni and the Cilento ranges to the south, which are hidden by the Gulf of Salerno.

Ischia, Procida, and Capri are three easily recognizable islands in the Gulf of Naples. Due to the perspective of this view, the latter seems particularly close, almost like a peninsula.

6. Valle dell’ Orso

Valle dell’Orso, surrounded by the lush pine forests that define this region, rises on the edges of the Vesuvius National Park. A space with a suggestive setting that stretches between the Neapolitan volcano’s peaks and a section of water where the alluring island of Capri can be seen on the horizon.

Its rather unique location in the middle of the Vesuvius National Park, surrounded by nature, is adorned with attractions and swimming pools. Exciting anaconda slides and breathtaking multi-tracks coexist alongside the large pool’s intimidating waves and the relaxation pool’s calming bubbles. The kids’ lagoons, slides, and spray park add to the lively, sparkling atmosphere.

A warm, amazing, and overwhelming park that is great for the whole family, kids and their friends, and people of all ages.

7. Enjoy the Beach

People often visit Pompeii for its archeological sites. However, there are also some great beaches in the city. Here are two beaches that are worth visiting when you are in Pompeii.

RenaNera Beach

This establishment, which is located in the beautiful setting of Torre Annunziata, is open from the wee hours of the morning until late in the evening and combines fun and relaxation throughout the day.

The various entry formulas that are available are adaptable to meet the requirements of a wide range of situations. It is possible to book just admission, admission along with a sunbed, or even the full admission package, which includes not only admission but also a sunbed and an umbrella.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; in fact, Renanera Beach is well-known for hosting lively parties and aperitifs on the beach, complete with lots of live music and wild dancing. There is also the possibility of booking private events and parties, thanks to the highly qualified support of the staff at Renanera Beach, who will follow you step by step to make sure that your celebrations go off without a hitch.

The ambiance of the establishment is chic and current, with Indonesian straw umbrellas and cozy gazebos rounding out the look.

Spiaggia Libera Oncino

On the coast of Torre Annunziata in the province of Naples is where you’ll find the beach known as Spiaggia Libera Oncino. Free access grants visitors complete independence and enables them to bring their furry companions along for the adventure. The prerogatives of absolute silence and personal space are always honored.

The Oncino Free Beach provides visitors with the following amenities: a vacation filled with relaxation and independence free access to animals both in the water and on the shoreline

The beautiful town of Torre Annunziata in the Campania region of the province of Naples is home to a beach called the Spiaggia Libera Oncino. You can find this beach right on the water. The culture and history of the region date back millennia, making it an ideal destination for tourists to visit while they are on vacation.

People often suggest going to see the port, the walls of Via Gino Alfani and the garden area, the esplanade of the Giraud Stadium, and the well-known lido Mappatella when they are looking for interesting places to visit in the area. The Villa Guarracino and the Villa Balke can both be found in the neighborhood of the Spiaggia Libera Oncino.

So there you have it! I hope that it inspired and excites you to visit Pompeii, Italy! It’s absolutely worth the visit when you are in the Campagnia region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.