Pompeii Guide: History, Tickets, Opening Hours, and What to See

Pompeii is the most extraordinary testimony to ancient Roman civilization: an entire city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and today among the most visited archaeological sites in the world. With this comprehensive guide, you'll discover how to plan your visit: history, tickets, opening hours, and must-see monuments .

A bit of history: the city buried by Vesuvius

Founded by the Oscans around the 7th-6th century BC, Pompeii reached its peak under the Roman Empire . A thriving commercial city and crossroads of peoples, it had over 20,000 inhabitants. On August 24, 79 AD (or perhaps October, according to more recent studies), Vesuvius erupted with unprecedented violence, burying Pompeii under 4-6 meters of ash and lapilli. The eruption miraculously preserved every detail of daily life: houses, frescoes, streets, and even the bodies of the inhabitants, thanks to the famous plaster casts .

Rediscovered by chance in 1599 during canalization work, it was only with the systematic excavations begun in 1748 under the Bourbons that Pompeii was rediscovered. Since then, excavations have continued, revealing over 50 hectares of ancient city to the world. In 1997, Pompeii was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Pompeii Tickets: Prices and Types

Tickets for the Pompeii excavations can be purchased exclusively online on the official Vivaticket website, with a daily limit of 20 visitors. Here are the 2026 prices:

Full ticket : €18,00 (valid for 1 day, single site)
Reduced ticket (18-25 years): €4,00
Free : under 18s, disabled people and their companions, EU tourist guides, teachers with classes
Combined ticket for 3 sites (Pompeii + Oplontis + Boscoreale): €22,00
Audio guide : €8,00 (available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, German)

On the first Sunday of every month, admission is free to all state museums and sites, including the Pompeii excavations . However, reservations are required, with a specific time slot, during the high season (April-October).

Opening hours: when to visit

Opening hours vary according to the season:

From November 1st to March 31st : 9:00 am – 17:00 pm (last admission 15:30 pm)
From April 1st to October 31st : 9:00 am – 19:00 pm (last admission 17:30 pm)

Closed: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. To avoid queues, we recommend arriving early in the morning (9:00-10:00) or after 15:00 pm during the summer.

How to get to Pompeii

Pompeii is easily reached from Naples and the entire Campania region. The most convenient way is by Circumvesuviana (Naples-Sorrento line, Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop). Learn more about all modes of transport in our dedicated guide: how to get to Pompeii by car, train, bus, and plane . The three main entrances are Porta Marina (main), Piazza Anfiteatro , and Piazza Esedra .

What to see in Pompeii: the unmissable monuments

Visiting Pompeii means walking the same streets the Romans walked two thousand years ago. Here's what you absolutely must not miss:

The Forum

The beating heart of the city, the Forum of Pompeii was the center of political, religious, and commercial life. Surrounded by porticoes, it housed the Temple of Jupiter , the Basilica , and the Macellum (covered market). The view of Vesuvius in the background is spectacular.

Amphitheater

The Pompeii Amphitheater is the oldest surviving Roman stone amphitheater (80 BC). It could hold up to 20 spectators and is still used today for concerts and summer events. Its acoustics are impressive.

Villa of the Mysteries

Located just outside the Porta Ercolano gate, the Villa of the Mysteries is famous for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the initiatory rites associated with the cult of Dionysus. It is considered a jewel of ancient Roman painting and one of the most photographed sites in the excavations.

House of the Faun

The largest domus in Pompeii, covering an entire city block (about 3000 square meters). It takes its name from the bronze statue of the Dancing Faun , located at the center of the impluvium. Inside, it housed the famous Alexander Mosaic (now at the MANN).

Brothel

The most famous brothel in ancient Pompeii. Its walls preserve erotic frescoes that served as "menus" for customers. Cramped but extremely famous, it's worth a visit to understand Roman society.

Garden of the Fugitives

One of the most touching places: here, the plaster casts of 13 victims of the eruption were discovered. The pose of the bodies, immortalized by the ash, tells the story of the tragedy with a breathtaking emotional power. This is the point of the visit where history becomes tangible.

Stabian Baths

The oldest public baths in Pompeii, with the classic layout: apodyterium (changing room), tepidarium , calidarium , and frigidarium . The frescoes and mosaics on the walls are in an excellent state of preservation.

How long does it take to visit Pompeii?

A complete visit to the archaeological area requires at least 3-4 hours . If you want to see all the main monuments (including the Villa of the Mysteries ), plan on half a day. A good option is to take a guided tour with an archaeologist (about 2 hours), which allows you to better understand the history and optimize your time.

Pompeii with children

Visiting Pompeii with children is a unique educational experience. The site features the Pompeii Children's Museum with interactive workshops for the little ones. The body casts and the ruins to explore will keep even the liveliest children engaged. We recommend bringing water, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

Useful tips for your visit

Book online : tickets must be booked on Vivaticket well in advance, especially in summer and on weekends.
Comfortable shoes : the roads are cobbled and uneven, heels and flip-flops are not recommended.
Water and sunscreen : in summer the sun is relentless, there are few shaded areas
Don't touch the frescoes : sweat and the heat of your hands damage the ancient pigments.
Download the map : on the official website pompeiisites.org you can find the free PDF map of the excavations
Combining Pompeii with Herculaneum : the two cities complement each other perfectly. Find out how to plan a day between Pompeii and Naples in our guide.

Curiosities about Pompeii

Every year, archaeologists make new discoveries in Pompeii . In recent years alone, a perfectly preserved thermopolium (a street food market of the time), a domus with mythological frescoes, and an intact ceremonial chariot have been unearthed. Ongoing excavations concern Regio V and Regio IX, two previously unexplored neighborhoods that are yielding sensational discoveries. The site continues to amaze the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pompeii

How much does a Pompeii ticket cost? Full-price tickets cost €18,00, reduced-price tickets (18-25 years) are €4,00, and free for under-18s.

What's the best time to visit Pompeii? Spring and autumn are ideal. In summer, it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

How long does a visit to Pompeii last? A thorough visit takes 3-4 hours. With a guide, you can maximize your time by spending about 2 hours.

Can you visit Pompeii with children? Yes, the site is family-friendly and features the Pompeii Children's Museum with interactive workshops.

Is Pompeii accessible to disabled visitors? Yes, the site offers accessible routes and services for visitors with limited mobility.

What's the difference between Pompeii and Herculaneum? Herculaneum was buried by a mudflow, which better preserved the taller buildings (up to two stories). Pompeii is much larger and richer in public buildings. Read our guide on how to get to Pompeii to best plan your visit.