FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Pompeii

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Why is Pompeii so famous?

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, along with Stabiae, Oplontis, and Herculaneum. Today it stands as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, where time appears to have stopped. The excavations offer an authentic glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome, with patrician villas, shops, temples, and public buildings remarkably preserved.

Where is Pompeii located?

Pompeii is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, just a few kilometers from Naples and Salerno. It sits near other significant sites including Herculaneum, the Sorrento Coast, and the Amalfi Coast. The island of Capri is clearly visible from the archaeological site.

What is Greater Pompeii?

Greater Pompeii (Grande Pompei) is an extensive archaeological park that includes the archaeological areas of Pompeii, Boscoreale, Oplontis, and Stabiae, along with the surrounding territory. All sites are connected by a shuttle service called Pompeii Artebus.

What else can I visit in Pompeii besides the archaeological excavations?

In addition to the archaeological ruins, a short distance away you'll find the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, an important pilgrimage site where faithful from around the world come to pay homage to the Madonna of Pompeii through the famous Supplica prayer.

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS

How can I purchase tickets for the Pompeii excavations?

Purchase your tickets conveniently online directly through our website using our dedicated ticketing service.
Alternatively, tickets are also available:

At the ticket offices at the Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances
At the automatic ticket machines at Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro

We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance for faster access and to avoid queues at the ticket office.
IMPORTANT: Since November 15, 2024, tickets are personalized and include visitors' names.

Is there a free admission day?

Yes! Every first Sunday of the month, access to the excavations is free for all visitors (direct and immediate site access).

Is there a daily visitor limit?

Yes, since November 15, 2024, there is a daily limit of 20,000 visitors. During the summer period (April 1 - October 31), time slots are in place:

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: maximum 15,000 entries
1:00 PM - 5:30 PM: maximum 5,000 entries

Can I visit other sites for free with my Pompeii ticket?

Yes! With a valid Pompeii ticket, within 30 days of issue, you can visit the following sites for free:

Volcei National Archaeological Museum "Marcello Gigante" (Buccino)
Lettere Castle
Longola Archaeological Nature Park (Poggiomarino)
Terzigno Territorial Archaeological Museum

HOURS AND OPENING TIMES

 

What are the opening hours for the Pompeii excavations?

November 1 - March 31:

Opening: 9:00 AM
Last entry: 3:30 PM
Closing: 5:00 PM

April 1 - October 31:

Opening: 9:00 AM
Last entry: 5:30 PM
Closing: 7:00 PM

Annual closures: December 25 and January 1

What are the hours for other Greater Pompeii sites?

BOSCOREALE (Antiquarium and Villa Regina):

November-March: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
April-October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)

OPLONTIS (Villa of Poppea):

November-March: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
April-October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
Weekly closure: Tuesday

STABIAE (Villa Arianna and Villa San Marco):

November-March: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
April-October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
Weekly closure: Tuesday

STABIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM LIBERO D'ORSI:

November-March: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
April-October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
Weekly closure: Tuesday

LETTERE CASTLE:

November-April (Thursday-Sunday): 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
May-October (daily except Tuesday): 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

USEFUL VISITING INFORMATION


Who can I contact for information?

Infopoint: +39 081 857 5347
Main switchboard: +39 081 857 5111

Which entrances provide access to Pompeii?

There are three access points:

Porta Marina
Piazza Anfiteatro
Piazza Esedra

Access to the Antiquarium of Pompeii (included in the ticket) is recommended through Piazza Esedra.

How can I reach the Pompeii excavations?

By train: Circumvesuviana lines Naples-Sorrento, Naples-Poggiomarino, or Naples-Torre Annunziata. Since May 1, tickets for Pompeii can be purchased directly at the Circumvesuviana station
Campania Express: Tourist connection between Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Sorrento
Pompeii Artebus: Free shuttle connecting all Greater Pompeii sites (equipped with luggage compartment but no wheelchair lift)
By car: A3 Naples-Salerno highway with specific exits

What should I bring for visiting the excavations?

Comfortable shoes are recommended. On sunny days, bring a hat, and during summer months, sunscreen is advisable. Only small bags are allowed (max 30x30x15 cm).

Is a map of the excavations available?

Yes, you can download the complete archaeological area map for free.

Are the excavations accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes! From Piazza Anfiteatro, the "Pompeii for All" route is available, barrier-free, with exit options from either Piazza Anfiteatro or Piazza Esedra using the Antiquarium elevator.

Are there services inside the park?

Yes, bookshop services are available at Piazza Esedra, Piazza Anfiteatro, and at the Pompeii Antiquarium.

OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE AREA

 

Why should I also visit the Herculaneum excavations?

While less famous than Pompeii, the Herculaneum excavations provide a natural complement. The type of lava that buried Herculaneum preserved organic material that is typically lost, offering better-preserved details and a complementary view of life in ancient Rome.

What are the Oplontis excavations?

The Oplontis excavations, located in Torre Annunziata, showcase the magnificent Villa of Poppea, a grand residence attributed to Nero's second wife. It was likely a peripheral area of Pompeii rather than a proper urban settlement.

What can I see at the Stabiae excavations?

The Stabiae excavations include Villa Arianna and Villa San Marco in Castellammare di Stabia, well-preserved Roman villas, as well as the Stabia Archaeological Museum Libero D'Orsi at the Royal Palace of Quisisana.

What's at Boscoreale?

Boscoreale features the Antiquarium and Villa Regina, a rustic villa dedicated to wine production—the only completely preserved wine farm of its era. The Antiquarium also displays the ceremonial chariot from the Villa of Civita Giuliana.

SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATIONS

 

Where can I stay to visit Pompeii?

Thanks to excellent connections, you can choose from several options:

In Pompeii: Hotels, bed and breakfasts, farm stays, residences, and villas or apartments for rent, both near the excavations and the Sanctuary
In Salerno: The city is very well connected to Pompeii and offers a wide range of accommodation options, allowing you to combine your visit to the excavations with exploring Salerno and the Amalfi Coast
Other locations: Naples, Sorrento, Torre Annunziata, and Castellammare di Stabia are all well connected to the excavations

Are there museums to visit in Pompeii?

Yes, the Vesuvian Museum "Giovan Battista Alfano" displays paintings, prints, photographs, and samples of rocks and minerals related to Vesuvius eruptions from 79 AD to 1944.

Address: Via Colle San Bartolomeo, 10 - Pompeii
Phone: +39 081 850 72 55
Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (closed on public holidays)

MEMBERSHIPS AND CARDS

 

What is the MyPompeii Card?

It's a personal, non-transferable annual card costing €35.00 (€8.00 for EU visitors under 25) + €1.50 pre-sale fee. Benefits include:

Unlimited admission to all Pompeii Archaeological Park sites
Access to temporary exhibitions
Participation in special and exclusive events
Advance notice of updates
Invitation to annual meeting with the Park Director

EVENTS AND NEWS

 

Are there special events at the excavations?

Yes, cultural events are regularly organized, including:

Pompeii Teatrum Mundi: Theatrical performances at the Great Theatre
Evening openings: During special occasions like Museum Night (€1 admission)
Temporary exhibitions on various aspects of life in ancient Pompeii
Newly discovered archaeological sites open to the public
Educational family visits organized by the Pompeii Children's Museum

Is there a virtual tour of the excavations?

Yes! A Virtual Tour of the Pompeii excavations is available on pompei.it, allowing you to explore the site from home.

Which buildings are currently open to visitors?

The list of accessible buildings and their opening hours can be found on pompeiisites.org in the dedicated section, as these may vary due to maintenance or restoration work.

SANCTUARY OF THE MADONNA OF POMPEII

What is the Supplica to the Madonna of Pompeii?

The Supplica to the Madonna of Pompeii is a very important prayer for the faithful, recited by millions of people worldwide. The official PDF can be downloaded from pompei.it.

How can I reach the Sanctuary?

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary is located a short distance from the archaeological excavations, in the center of modern Pompeii.