A visit to this archaeological site seems to be a mysterious return in time. In order to have a great experience there, I thought the following tips could be useful:

1.The history of the ancient city of Pompeii is really interesting and tumultuous. Before you visit this site, try to read a few books or articles about this place because this way you will better understand the history behind the ruins. I also recommend the movie “Pompeii”, which presents the story of the ancient city in a very emotional way.

2.The archaeological site covers an area of 66 hectares and it shelters the ruins of a lot of buildings, houses and gardens. Taking into account the large area you have to visit, make sure you have almost a day to spend there, in order to have enough time to admire the entire site.

3.The Pompeii Excavations is an open air museum and if you visit it in summer, take into account the fact that there will be just a few places where you can shelter from the burning sun. On this note, you will need water, sunscreen and a hat or a scarf. You should also wear comfortable shoes because almost all the streets are cobbled and you’ll have to walk a long distance.

4.The ticket price is 11 euros, excepting the first Sunday of every month, when the entrance is free of charge. This will help you save a small amount of money, in case you are in the area at the beginning of the month.

5.Marina Gate, Exedra Square and Amphitheatre Square are the three entrances you can use to get to the ruins. You can find ticket offices at each entrance and this is a good tip to avoid standing in line. If it’s not very crowded, my advice is to choose Marina Gate because this way you will start your visit with the Forum and its lively square.

6.Take a map with you in case you don’t want to get lost through the ruins. If you are a technology lover, it’s good to know that you can download an application on your phone which will provide you with all the necessary information. Another option is to choose an organized tour with a professional guide. These guided tours can be requested only if you enter the site using Marina Gate or Exedra Square.

7.The ruins of the ancient Pompeii are a feast for the eyes. Make sure you will not miss the area of the Forum with its temples and basilicas, the old Amphitheater, the controversial brothel Lupanar, the richest houses and properties and the beautiful gardens. In my opinion, the most touching place is the Gardens of the Fugitives, a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims. An embracing family who were waiting for the end, a baker who was taking the bread out of the oven and a few painters who were painting a wall are just a few examples.

8.There are a few restrictions inside the archaeological site of Pompeii, which you should keep in mind. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the excavations, but you can use one of the few smoking areas specially arranged for the tourists. In case you are going to take luggage with you, you should know that there are not allowed handbags, backpacks, suitcases or any type of luggage which exceeds the dimensions of 30x30x15 centimeters. Another restriction is that big pets are not allowed inside the site. Animals must wear a leash in case they enter the site.

9.A few buildings might be closed during your visit. It’s important to know that some of the buildings are open during the first part of the day and others during the second part. This is why I advise you to spend an entire day there.

10.Near the Forum you can find a restaurant and a first aid service. There are also picnic areas near Amphitheater Square and Casina dell’Aquila. There will be no problem to rest and have a snack .

All things considered, there is only one thing left to do. Plan your trip to the ancient city of Pompeii and enjoy it to the fullest!

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I must confess that I really wanted to visit the ruins of this city which was entirely destroyed by the volcano, since I saw the movie “Pompeii” and this year my desire came true. Even if the movie depicts the story in a different way, the idea is the same and the entire city was simply wiped off the face of the earth.

The ancient Pompeii is situated at about 30 meters above sea level, in the valley of the River Sarno, near Mount Vesuvius. The origin of the city is still a mystery. It is believed that it was built by a mixed population of Etruscans and Greeks.

Conquered by the Samnites in the 4^th century BC, the city was highly urbanized during this period. After the Samnite period, Pompeii joined the political organization of the Romans, as an ally in 90-89 BC.

After it was conquered by the troops of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Pompeii became a Roman colony in 80 BC, receiving the new name of Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum. As a colony, the city went through a period of prosperity, being constantly rebuilt and modernized.

The city was partially destroyed in 62 AD, when a violent earthquake shook the entire area, but it was reconstructed shortly after the incident.

I’m sure that this brief history of Pompeii helped you understand how this ancient city used to be.

Reality is different nowadays and once you enter Marina Gate you will only see ruins in front of your eyes. These ruins are all that’s left from the bygone era of the city of Pompeii.

The city was rediscovered at the end of the 16^th century and after a long period of explorations it was turned into a large archaeological site which covers an area of 66 hectares.

The site shelters an exceptional collection of architectural objects, sculptures, paintings and mosaics. The ruins are now divided into neighborhoods (regiones) and blocks (insulae) and taking into account the large area you have to cover, you’ll definitely need an entire day.

There are a lot of buildings, houses and gardens which can be admired there, so make sure you will have enough time to enjoy every single corner of this archaeological site. If I had to name a few of them, I would start with the Forum and its lively square which represented the core of their daily life and the focal point of all the main public buildings.

The Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica are two sumptuous edifices which dominate the area of the Forum. You should also admire the Sanctuary of Apollo which is one of the oldest places of worship in Pompeii. When it comes to gardens, three of them are among my favorite ones.

The House of the Menander is a typical example of a high-ranking family property, the House of the Golden Cupids is one of the most elegant with a rare type of garden and the Gardens of the Fugitives is a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims.

Considered one the oldest edifices of the Roman period, the Amphitheater should not be missed.

These are just a few of the buildings, houses and gardens sheltered by the site of Pompeii, but all of them are worth visiting.  It will be an interesting experience to plunge into the history of the ancient city destroyed by the old Vesuvius.

All things considered, make sure you will plan this visit in case you are going on a trip to this part of Italy!

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