Pompeii is one of the most significant testimonies to Roman Civilisation. The city was buried in the year 79 after the violent eruption of the volcano Vesuvius. The thick layer of ash which covered it has meant that the city has remained virtually intact to this day. This is the reason why we can so clearly observe its architecture and the interior of the houses and shops, all of which gives us a realistic insight into how daily life was. However, do not expect a perfect city. It must be remembered that Pompeii suffered a type of bombardment that destroyed all its roofs.
It causes a special impact to see the statues of some of the citizens which have been recreated through the filling of the "natural" moulds that their corpses made. On being covered with the volcanic material, which solidified quickly, the human remains on the inside gradually turned to dust and so left spaces which have even allowed us to see details on their frightened faces.
- Length of visit: 3-4h (in summer it is a good idea to get there early because the midday heat is unbearable).
- Opening times: it opens every day at 08.30 (except summer season that opens at 09.00). It closes at 19.30 from April to October and at 17.30 from November to March (last entry is 1h 30min before closing time).
- Cost: 13€ (discounts for young people from the European Union between 18 and 25) (free for those under 18 and over 65). At the entrance you can hire an audio-guide for 8€ but it isn't worth it.
- How to get there: right next to Naples Central Station you will see indications to take the "circumvesuviana" train in the direction of Sorrento and you get off at "Pompei - Scavi Villa Dei Misteri" (3.50€ - 40min).
