What to See in Pompeii: 8 Essential Sites
Pompeii, frozen by Vesuvius (79 CE), offers unparalleled Roman urban archaeology. Eight must-visit locations:
- Amphitheatre (70 BCE) – Oldest surviving Roman stone amphitheater. 20,000 capacity. Gladiator graffiti on walls.
- Forum** – Civic heart: basilica (court), temples (Jupiter, Apollo), market (macellum), speakers’ platform. Pedestrian-only.
- Temple of Apollo – 6th c. BCE Doric columns, bronze Apollo (copy), sundial. Oldest sacred site.
- House of the Faun – Elite domus (3,000 m²). Alexander Mosaic (now Naples), dancing faun statue, two atria, peristyles.
- Lupanar** – Purpose-built brothel. 10 rooms, stone beds, erotic frescoes *menu*. Graffiti: prices, names, reviews.
- Stabian Baths – Oldest bath complex. *Apodyterium*, *tepidarium*, *caldarium*, *frigidarium*, *natatio* (pool). Hypocaust heating visible.
- House of the Tragic Poet – “Cave Canem” mosaic (beware of dog), Iliad frescoes, atrium/peristyle layout.
- Garden of the Fugitives – 13 plaster casts of victims fleeing, roots of vineyard. Poignant, human.
Practical Tips
- Buy **skip-the-line ticket** online (pompeiisites.org).
- Enter Porta Marina (main) or Piazza Anfiteatro (less crowded).
- Allow 4–6 hours. Wear sturdy shoes—uneven stone.
- Audio guide or licensed guide recommended.
- Combine with Herculaneum (better preserved organics) and Naples Museum (artifacts).
Pompeii isn’t ruins—it’s a city paused mid-breath.
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