Pompeii Italy

Pompeii needs no introduction.  It was buried by ashes from an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.  It was buried under 4 to 6m of volcanic ash.  It was a wealthy city of 10,000 to 20,000 residents when it was buried.  It was discovered in the 16th century but excavations did not occur until the 18th century.  Most of Pompeii was uncovered by 1960.

Before going to Naples I thought I have to join a tour to see Pompeii.  But when I arrived in Naples my B&B hostess Alessandra told me it's easier to go on my own and join a guided tour there.  I took the Circumvesuviana (EAV) from the lower level of Naples Central Station (Napoli Piazza Garibaldi) to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.  The ticket costs €3.30 one-way.

Train station for Pompeii

When I arrived at the train station there was a ticket booth right in front of me.  I thought that was the official ticket booth to the entrance but it is a private ticket booth that sells tickets and guided tours.  I bought the tickets and another ticket to take the bus to the top of Mount Vesuvius later.  In total I paid €69 or about $78.

Ticket Booth (not the official booth)

Entrance to the Pompeii Ruins

I am glad I bought the guided tour because without it I will be seeing a lot of structures but no explanation.  It is beyond my knowledge or memory to explain all these structures but below are some of the pictures.  There have been many articles and books written about Pompeii. The structures are very similar to some of the Roman structures I have seen in other countries - Turkey, Jordan and Morocco are some that I remember.

First Glimpse of the Ruins

After the ruins I took a bus up to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that spewed the ash and covered Pompeii.  It was about a 30-minute bus ride away.  The bus stopped almost at the top.  In order to reach the summit you have to hike another 30 minutes.  I was too tired about the entire morning of guided tour around Pompeii so I did not hike to the top.  

Vesuvius National Park

Information about Mount Vesuvius

Trail to the summit

Waiting area of the buses

Gift shop and entrance to the trail

It was a long day - a lot of walking for the guided tour and a lot of waiting for the bus at Vesuvius.  However, it was a day well spent.  Now whenever I read about Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius I can visualize what it's like and have a better understanding.