One of the sites that sees the most visitors each year is a city left in ruins. Pompeii was originally founded between the 8th and 6th centuries BC and changed hands many times before becoming the Roman port city it was at the time of its demise. The city was finely preserved by tons of volcanic ash when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. Vesuvius destroyed both Pompeii and Herculaneum in this blast, but the lava floe could have easily gone in the other direction and we would not have the city of Naples today.
Pompeii was destroyed two years after Emperor Nero's disastrous reign and the same year the Colosseum was completed. You can really get a feel for how life was lived during the Roman Empire. While walking through the streets you can see the quartz inlaid along the sidewalks to help reflect torchlight at night. Many frescoes still survive very much intact. Large houses, businesses and villas with huge open courtyards in the middle are all around.
You may visit the city during the day or there are even night tours available! For those whose interest is piqued by Pompeii after their visit, there is an exhibit at the Naples National Archeology Museum that contain many frescoes, mosaics, and paintings rescued from the city and the Temple of Isis.
You may visit the city during the day or there are even night tours available! For those whose interest is piqued by Pompeii after their visit, there is an exhibit at the Naples National Archeology Museum that contain many frescoes, mosaics, and paintings rescued from the city and the Temple of Isis.
Pompeii makes for a great day trip from Naples, Sorrento or Rome via train. If you are considering a visit to Pompeii or a stay in the area, our villa specialists are available to find the perfect villa rent to fit your needs!