A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii is deeply ingrained in history making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. We list a few reasons why you should take a Pompeii tour.
Located near the Forum of Pompeii, the Temple of Isis was one of the first monuments to be discovered when the excavation process started in 1764. It is dedicated to Isis, the Egyptian goddess, and is believed to be a significant part of Roman life. Mostly unscathed, the Temple of Isis rests on an elevated platform. It includes a vaulted roof drawing the visitor’s gaze to the top of the monument.
Reserved for the elite members of society, the Stabian Baths are the oldest baths in Pompeii and one of the most interesting structures to have been discovered during excavation. Divided into four building phases, the baths are located at the intersection of the Via Stabiana and the Via dell’Abbondanza. Most of their original structure remains intact despite being buried under volcanic ash for centuries.
Named after owners Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva Liberti, the House of the Vetti is dedicated to Priapus, the God of Prosperity. It also represents the affluence of the owners, who achieved economic growth and opulence through trade. Excavated between 1894-95, the House of the Vetti is one of the largest dwellings of ancient Roman life featuring Pompeian Fourth Style wall frescoes.
Villa Dei Misteri, which translates to the Villa of Mysteries in English, is an ancient Roman villa discovered during an excavation in 1909. Located on the outskirts of Pompeii, Villa Dei Misteri is famous for its series of frescoes, which illustrate the initiation or introduction of a young woman into a Greco-Roman mystery cult. The frescoes are beautiful making the Villa of Mysteries a must-visit when you’re in Pompeii.
Constructed in 120 BC, the Temple of Apollo is situated in the Forum of Pompeii and is considered one of the most religious monuments in the town. It is dedicated to Apollo, an Olympian deity or God in Greek and Roman mythology. The temple is an amazing blend of Italian and Greek architecture. It sits on a high podium with an imposing set of steps and also features a peripteros with 48 Ionic columns or pillars.
Discovered by archaeologist Antonio Bonucci between 1824-25, the House of the Tragic Poet dates back to the second century BC and is known for the mosaic at the entrance that reads “CAVE CANEM”, which translates to “Beware of the Dog” in English. The house has retained its original shape of an atrium, which had beautiful mosaics. The house boasts interiors featuring frescoes and stunning mythological paintings depicting episodes from the Iliad.
Derived from Latin word “Lupa”, which means “prostitute” in English, the Lupanar is located to the east of the Forum of Pompeii and used to be the most famous brothel in the city during its hay days. Divided into two floors, the place features erotic paintings and 134 graffiti that tell stories of the activities that took place inside the brothel. The prostitutes comprised Greek and Oriental slaves who were paid some money for their services.
Spread across an area of 3000 square meters, the House of the Faun is one of the largest, most luxurious, and most impressive private houses in Pompeii. This aristocratic residence dates back to the second century BC and features some incredible and astounding works of art. The house is adorned with several mosaics and statues, the original versions of which are preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
The forum is one of the major highlights of the ruined city of Pompeii. It houses some of the most beautiful and important commercial, public, and religious buildings in the city. Back in the day, it was the focal point of daily life, administration, justice, business, worship, and trade activities of the citizens of Pompeii. Excavations revealed that the square of the Forum was originally an open area but went through several modifications between the third and second century BC.
Know MoreConstructed in 70 BC, Pompeii Spectacula is the oldest amphitheater in Rome made of stone with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators. The structure is adorned with frescoes of gladiators and inscriptions that are still readable. The Senate of Rome decided to shut the arena after a brawl in 59 AD but withdrew its decision after a massive earthquake struck Pompeii. The amphitheater is currently used as a venue for concerts and other public events.
A. Yes. Pompeii tours are available for booking.
A. You can book a Pompeii tour online.
A. Pompeii tours start from €42.40.
A. There are different types of Pompeii tours that you can choose from – Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line, Pompeii Half-Day Guided Tour with Transfers from Naples, and Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Sorrento.
A. Pompeii tours include all the major attractions inside the ruins like the forum, the Baths, Lupanar, the different temples, House of the Tragic Poet, a visit to the Mount Vesuvius crater, and more.
A. Pompeii guided tours are available in languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
A. Pompeii guided tours have a maximum capacity of 20 guests.
A. Yes. Pompeii tours are worth it because it’s one of the best ways to explore the ruins and gain more knowledge about its history, art, and architecture.
A. Yes. Pompeii guided tours include skip the line access.
A. Yes. You can cancel your Pompeii guided tour and get a full refund up to 48 hours before the scheduled date.
A. Pompeii guided tours can be anywhere between 2 hours to a day long depending on the type of tour you book. It ideally takes about two days to see the entire ruins, but you can cover the major sections within a day.
A. Yes. Infants aged 1 and under get free entry while children 2-12 years of age get discounted tickets. You will have to carry a valid photo ID of your child.