Exploring Ancient Ruins and Modern Wonder
"Experience, travel — these are as education in themselves."
— Euripides
A Day in Pompeii – I had been waiting an exceedingly long time to finally visit Pompeii, the city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It was everything I imagined — and more.
As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii feels like stepping back in time. As you make your way through the ancient streets, you can’t help but reflect on the sudden loss of an entire city under such extraordinary circumstances.
Located about 45 minutes from Naples, Pompeii was destroyed and buried overnight by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the largest volcano on the Italian peninsula. At the time of its destruction, the city had an estimated population of around 11,000. Miraculously, under layers of ash and volcanic rock, Pompeii remained remarkably preserved.
As you tour the site, you truly get a sense of what daily life must have been like. It’s impossible not to be awed by the incredible architecture, detailed mosaics, and the stunning surroundings that have been frozen in time.
Highlights from My Visit
- Mount Vesuvius looming in the background — a silent reminder of nature’s power.
- The Amphitheatre — the oldest existing building of its kind in the world.
- The Brothels — with a carved penis arrow pointing the way! Marked by red lights outside the structure, our guide explained they were extremely popular with traveling sailors. (Those Romans!)
- Erotic Art — inside the brothels, painted panels depicted the services available to patrons.
Tips for Visiting Pompeii
Wear sturdy shoes!
The ancient streets are uneven, and a good pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes will make your visit much more comfortable.
Bring bottled water.
Especially if you’re visiting during the hot summer months.
Wear a hat and sunscreen.
There is very little shade throughout the site, and the Italian sun can be intense.
Getting There, Tickets & Tours
Getting to Pompeii is simple and affordable. You can arrive by car or hop on a regional train. Train tickets are budget-friendly, and the ride offers some lovely views of the countryside. If you’re taking the train, look for Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station—it’s just a quick two-minute walk to the main entrance of the ruins. Super convenient!
Tickets aren’t strictly required to be purchased in advance, but I highly recommend it—especially during peak season (April to October) or on weekends. The site gets busy, and pre-booking saves you from long lines, so you can spend more time wandering ancient streets and less time waiting. Tickets can be purchased online through TicketOne or at the official ticket offices located at the park entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official site: pompeiisites.org.
Tours
Tours are a wonderful way to experience the site. While you can absolutely explore on your own, a certified guide adds so much depth to what you’re seeing. I’ve used Viator many times in my travels and always had great experiences. They offer a range of options to fit your schedule—from short guided walks to full-day deep-dives. Definitely worth checking out if you want to get the most out of your visit! www.viator.com/Pompeii/d24336-ttd
Have you ever been to Pompeii?
buon viaggio!
Kerry
© 2025 SimplyKerryV. All rights reserved. Please do not use or reproduce any content or images without written permission.
Leave a Reply