The eruption lasted two days, with the initial phase involving pumice fallout followed by lethal pyroclastic surges.
The city's plumbing utilized lead pipes and sophisticated fountains located at frequent street intersections.
Many homes still contain original wall paintings, primarily in the Third and Fourth Pompeian styles.
The site includes a fully preserved ancient amphitheater, the oldest surviving Roman stone amphitheater in existence.
Graffiti etched into the walls provides insights into local political campaigns and personal grievances of the era.
The Villa of the Mysteries contains a cycle of large-scale frescoes depicting a mystery cult ritual.
Excavators use original-sized casts created by pouring liquid plaster into the cavities left by decomposed organic matter in the ash.
The city had no centralized sewer system; instead, it relied on street runoff and periodic cleaning of road surfaces.
Recent excavations in the Regio V area have revealed entirely new, intact domestic structures and frescoed rooms.
A significant portion of the city remains unexcavated to preserve it for future technological advancements in archaeology.
Scavi di Pompei is a vast archaeological site preserving the Roman city buried by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The site covers approximately 66 hectares, revealing intact street layouts, villas, temples, and public buildings. Excavations have uncovered preserved plaster casts of victims, wall frescoes, and complex drainage systems. Visitors walk on original basalt stone roads characterized by raised pedestrian crossing blocks. The Forum remains the administrative and religious center of the ancient city. The site is currently an active archaeological research area where ongoing excavations continue to reveal new structures and artifacts.
The view from the forum with Mount Vesuvius looming directly in the background.
Carry a refillable water bottle, as the site has several historic fountains providing drinkable water.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as there is almost no natural shade along the basalt streets.
Use the free official site map provided at the entrance to navigate the distinct 'Regiones' (districts).
Avoid visiting mid-day during the summer months when heat levels can be extreme and there is minimal protection from the sun.
Open daily except for December 25th and January 1st.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes due to uneven, jagged ancient basalt stones; do not sit or lean on original wall frescoes.
