Two cities buried by Vesuvius
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. buried Pompeii under lapilli and ash, and Herculaneum under a flow of volcanic mud. Today these archaeological sites, UNESCO Heritage Site, are among the most visited in the world and are easily reached from Naples.
Visit Pompeii
How to get there from Naples
Take the Circumvesuviana from Naples Garibaldi station, direction Sorrento. Get off at Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri. Duration: about 35 minutes. Cost: €3,60.
What to see in Pompeii
The site is huge (66 hectares). Here are the missable attractions:
- Foro - The centre of public life, with the Temple of Apollo and the Basilica
- Amphitheatre - The oldest Roman amphitheatre in stone (80 BC)
- Lupanare - The pleasure house with erotic frescoes on the walls
- House of the Faun - One of the most luxurious mansions, with the famous mosaic of Alexander
- Via dell'Abbondanza - The main street with shops and thermopolia (Roman fast food)
- Orto dei Fuggiaschi - The plaster casts of the victims of the eruption
- Villa dei Misteri - Mysterious and perfectly preserved frescoes
Practical info Pompeii
Ticket: €18 (full price), €2 (18-25 years old EU) - Free on the first Sunday of the month - Hours: 9am-7pm (summer), 9am-5pm (winter) - Visit duration: minimum 3 hours, ideal 4-5 hours.
Visit Herculaneum
How to get there from Naples
Circumvesuviana railway towards Sorrento, stop Ercolano Scavi. Duration: 20 minutes. From here, 500m walk to the entrance.
Why visit Herculaneum
Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved than Pompeii. The mudslide has preserved wood, textiles and even food. You will find:
- House of the Wooden Partition - With the original 2000-year-old door
- Suburban Baths - Perfectly preserved with mosaics
- House of Neptune and Amphitrite - Mosaics of extraordinary beauty
- Beach Springs - Where the fleeing inhabitants took refuge (in vain)
Practical info Herculaneum
Ticket: €13 (full price) - Hours: 8:30am-7:30pm (summer), 8:30am-5pm (winter) - Visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Pompeii or Herculaneum? Or both?
If you only have time for one: Pompeii for the vastness and emotional impact, Herculaneum for the quality of conservation. The combined ticket (€22) allows you to visit both in 2 days.
Visiting tips
- Bring water and a hat: little shade, very hot in summer
- Closed, comfortable shoes: the ground is uneven
- Arrive at the first opening to avoid crowds
- A guide (€120-150 per group) is well worth the expense
- Campania Artecard: includes Pompeii and transport
Naples as a base for archaeological sites
Our flats in central Naples are the perfect base for exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Garibaldi station of the Circumvesuviana is 15 minutes away by Metro Line 1 from our accommodation near Via Toledo.
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