Pompeii: A Journey Through History

At the beginning of this month, I embarked on my first trip to the south of Italy and journeyed to the archeological site of Pompeii. This was, by far, my favorite experience from our week in Italy, and I am excited to talk to you about some of the decisions that go into making your next trip to Pompeii incredible.

1.Pompeii vs. Herculaneum

When planning a trip to visit the ruins of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, it is important to first note the different between the sites Pompeii and Herculaneum. The ruins of Pompeii are iconic and the city itself is ginormous with much to see and do throughout a whole day. However, Herculaneum is a a more rural area and considered to be the country-side estates of wealthy Romans in ancient times. It is also located closer to the blast of Mount Vesuvius, and thus is more well preserved. Unfortunately, my group had some time-constraints and could only view Pompeii, but if you have more time, I highly recommend also exploring Herculaneum.

2.Tour Guides

For a completely immersive experience, I recommend securing a tour guide or utilizing an audio tour when visiting Pompeii, in particular. The sheer magnitude of the city is staggering and it is very easy to become lost amidst the labyrinth of buildings, archways, and unknown structures without guidance. My group opted for the free audio tour by Rick Steves, a comprehensive narrative that navigated us through the city's highlights with 50 minutes of audio and about 2 hours of walking and observing. The tour is easily accessible with the "Rick Steves Audio Europe" app and downloading the desired content. Although a shorter tour that most, I found this to be extremely informative and walked us through the highlights of the city including a fast-food restaurant, bathhouse, Bachelor Pad, bakery, and so much more. However, should you desire a more complex understanding of the city, guided tours are available to book online starting at 30 Euros per person for 3-4 hours, offering in-depth insights into Pompeii's rich tapestry of history.

3.Price Expectations

Upon entry, the admission fee for non-EU citizens is 18 Euros, while EU citizens under 25 enjoy a discounted rate of 5 Euros. Within the city, there are facilities available towards the beginning of the structures with a modern restaurant and bathroom area. While convenient, the prices within the restaurant can be steep. I would advise packing along some snacks and most definitely a water bottle or two to savor amidst the ruins, allowing for a more budget-friendly exploration.

4.The Naples Archeological Museum

One aspect worth noting is the absence of preserved individuals within Pompeii itself. When I first started exploring tours of Pompeii, I had expectations that there would be more people preserved throughout the city. This is not the case; in fact, there are only two places to view ancient Romans in Pompeii itself. The majority of people, artifacts, and frescos are actually housed within the Naples Archaeological Museum in the city center. Although time constraints prevented us from visiting the museum, I highly recommend it for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Pompeii's legacy.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, a visit to Pompeii promises an unforgettable journey full of surprises around every corner; therefore, challenging our previous assumptions of ancient history.

-Hailey