The devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried this unsuspecting town in the heavy volcanic ash that helped to preserve it for centuries. Today, Pompeii is probably one of the best places in the world to step back into Roman times. This ruined city remained frozen in time until it started to be uncovered in 1748, after being discovered by a surveying engineer. Even today, about a third of the city is still buried.
At its height, Pompeii had a population of around 20,000 and this once coastal town was a fond holiday destination for wealthy Romans, with many having second homes there. Visitors can stroll along the grid work of ancient stone streets past the public baths, bars and brothels that used to thrive. Preserved mosaics show what life here was like and plaster cast displays of the volcano’s victims are moving tributes to those that lost their lives in the eruption.
Opening hours: April to October 8.30am – 7.30pm, November to March 8.30am – 5pm.
Price: €16 per adult / €9 for European Union citizens aged 18-24 years / Free for European Union citizens aged under 18 years (please take a passport as proof of ID)
*Prices and opening hours may be subject to change.
